The Devil's Den rock formation is located in Gettysburg state park, and during all of the first day and a half of the Battle at Gettysburg it was height of the battle field and protection for the Union Soldiers.
This site is also considered one of the most haunted places in the most haunted area of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg National Park. It may even be considered by many the most haunted place in the United States.
The Battle of Gettysburg raged for three days (July 1-3, 1863). Between 46,000 and 51,000 Americans were killed in battle in those three days. The battle is the worst loss of American live in any single battle in US history.
The Devil's Den was held by the 4th Battery of New York in the early days of the battle. It provided protection and cover for the Union infantry troops. The Confederate soldiers charged the hill on three sides on July 2nd, and took the hill sometime before dark. They then used the den as a place for snipers to shoot Union troops on the battle field.
The valley around the den was known as the Valley of Death. Several troops met their end in that valley.
After the Confederates retreated and ultimately surrendered, it was clear the federal government understood the significance Gettysburg would play in the history of the Civil War. On November 11, 1863, Lincoln came to the battle field to dedicate the Gettysburg National Cemetery and delivered the Gettysburg Address
The den itself is said to be haunted by confederate and union soldiers. They often take turns appearing on the site. Some people will be at the top of the den and tell the tour guide they love the reenactors walking up the hill. When the person looks back soldiers are gone. Some of these ghosts may have even been caught on camera as seen in the photo above.
It is no surprise the story of the haunting here at Gettysburg. There is a statue created from a picture drawn by Frank Hummel of Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Armistead. Armistead was mortally wounded (some believe near Devil's Den). He is passing his belongings to Union Captain Henry Bingham. General Armistead instructed Bingham to give his belongings to his friend Union Major General Winfield S. Hancock. All these men were members of the Masonic Fraternity. The statue is a memorial to all the masons who fought brother against brother during the Civil War and at Gettysburg National Park.
It was often that Mason's would hold meetings during the Civil War. Union and Confederate brother Mason's would put down their arms and meet together in lodge in the evening, and then continue the fighting (brother against brother) the very next morning.
The raw emotion and bloodshed on this land makes one wonder how many spirits still haunt the land. Robbed of their lives many believe before it was to.
Gettysburg is an amazing park and great place to visit. Most ghost stories and photos of ghosts at Gettysburg are caught during the day. The park is not open at night and would be dangerous without proper lighting. Not to mention the National Park Rangers would have a date in Federal Court waiting for you if you trespass.
You can also get a walking ghost tour of the entire town of Gettysburg. There is a ton of history and amazing stories and folklore to be heard. Even if you are a repeat visitor you will learn something new each time you go.
Stephen Barron Jr. - Contributing Writer
