Beyond The Run: The Emanuel Harmon Farm at Gettysburg

by Andrew I. Dalton

When she was just 16, Amelia Harmon witnessed the bloody opening stages of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, Amelia's home occupied a no-man's land between Union and Confederate lines. As she watched and listened, skirmishers fought over the house and property. During the second of two Confederate attacks, soldiers burned the Harmon house and barn. In an effort to recover from the destruction of his land, the elusive Emanuel Harmon introduced to the public a "medicinal" spring located on the property. The Katalysine Spring became famous, and in 1869 a hotel was built near the site to accommodate the spring's many visitors. The farm was later the site of the Gettysburg Country Club, frequented by Dwight D. Eisenhower. This book examines for the first time the fascinating events that took place on the fields of the Harmon farm before, during, and after the Battle of Gettysburg.

140 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2013

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Civil War reenactor with Co D 7th Tenn. The regiment fought at Gettysburg on the morning of July 1 (and were severely handled by the Iron Brigade) and again as part of the massive charge on July 3.
This August I hired a licensed battlefield guide and we spent three hours following in the footsteps of the 7th Tenn that fateful July 1.
What an experience to stand where they stood that hot, summer day.
The guide recommended this book written by a high school student (now in college) about the farm along Willoughby's Run, a stream located north west of Gettysburg.
He goes into great detail using primary source materials to provide a history of the farm before, during and after the battle.
Well written and very informative.
Well worth the read if you're interested in the morning's clash - July 1 - at Gettysberg

[William Olenick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a small book, it is well documented and researched. A through look at a portion of the first days battle and the history of the farm land. The farm has a long history but recently a good part of it has returned to its historical usage. The land is now part of the NPS holdings and free of modern buildings, although surrounded by buildings much like some parts of the Wilderness and Fredericksburg battlefields.
Anyone interested in a small history of the first day battle must read this.