Jennie Wade Birthplace, Gettysburg PA
Who was Jennie Wade?
Mary Virginia Wade, known affectionately as Jennie, was born in 1843 in Gettysburg. She worked as a seamstress and lived a quiet life, with an undying devotion to her family and country. In the summer of 1863, her seemingly ideal life met a tragic end when she was struck by a stray Confederate bullet, killing her instantly and making her the only civilian casualty of the Civil War. Nine days later her fiancé would meet an equally tragic end, completely unaware that his love was already waiting in the afterlife.
Jennie’s sudden and tragic death quickly became a symbol of the civilian cost of war. Jennie was buried with honors in Evergreen Cemetery, not far from where she fell, and remembered as a humble heroine who died while serving others. Her story remains one of Gettysburg’s most poignant and continues to be told through the preserved Jennie Wade House, where visitors can still see the bullet-riddled door that marked the spot of her untimely death.
History of the Historic Property
Jennie Wade was born in a modest weatherboard house on Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on May 21, 1843. Today, the home holds deep historical significance as a rare and poignant symbol of the civilian toll during the Civil War. Jennie Wade, a 20-year-old seamstress, was the only documented civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg—one of the bloodiest and most pivotal clashes of the war. Her death, caused by a stray bullet while she was baking bread for Union soldiers, humanizes the often military-focused narratives of the conflict. It honors the quiet heroism of a young woman who was simply caring for her family and supporting the war effort in the best way she could.
Why Is This House Significant?
The Jennie Wade Birthplace holds a special place in American history because it tells a deeply human story that resonates far beyond the battlefield. Jennie’s death underscores the truth that war impacts everyone—soldiers and civilians alike. She did not die in uniform or on a front line, but in a kitchen, doing the kind of quiet, necessary work that helps sustain life in times of chaos. Her story is one of compassion, service, and tragic consequences.
Today, the house serves as both a historical landmark and a memorial to Jennie’s life. Many believe the house is haunted—not just by Jennie, but by other spirits of the war that once raged outside its doors. More importantly, the Jennie Wade Birthplace is a space for reflection and learning. School groups, historians, families, and travelers come here to understand the Battle of Gettysburg from a different perspective—through the eyes of a civilian, a daughter, a sister, and a fiancée. Her story helps put a personal face on a war that is often discussed in terms of generals and troop movements.
Preserved by historians and protected by the community, the Jennie Wade House continues to educate and inspire generations. Its legacy is one of empathy, resilience, and remembrance.
Open to the Public for Tours!
Step into the childhood home of the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg and experience history firsthand in this beautifully preserved 19th-century house. Explore the same rooms where Jennie spent her early years, learn her poignant story in-depth, and see original period furnishings alongside compelling Civil War artifacts. This living landmark offers a power and unforgettable journey into the nation’s past - book a tour today!
*We are not affiliated with the Jennie Wade House Museum - where Jennie Wade was shot - located at 548 Baltimore St.
Historic Jennie Wade Birthplace Ghost Hunt with Equipment
Join us for a chilling night of paranormal investigation at one of Gettysburg's oldest, most historic, and haunted houses - the birthplace of Jennie Wade.
Welty House Indoor Ghost Hunt with Equipment
Join a spine-chilling ghost investigation inside the Historic Welty House, never before open to the public, where you'll use ghost-hunting equipment to connect with the spirits of Gettysburg's battle-worn soldiers and civilians.
Join Us for These Nearby Experiences
Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour
Hear gripping stories about Gettysburg's most historic haunts alongside long dead soldiers, in blue and gray, that still roam the town from the Civil War's bloodiest and most gruesome battle.
Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour
Tread on the blood-soaked grounds where brave Civil War soldiers fought and fell, their final moments etched into the very soil beneath your feet. The presence of their restless souls still lingers, heavy in the air like smoke after battle. Hear the distant echoes of cannon fire and the anguished cries of men locked in a fight for survival—sounds that time has not silenced. As dusk settles, the veil between past and present thins, and the battlefield comes alive once more with ghostly whispers and shadowy figures that serve as eternal reminders of the horrors endured and the lives lost.
Gettysburg Brew Tour
Take a dive into the boozier side of Gettysburg off the battlefield. Journey to the historic town's most popular pubs while learning about its liquid roots. Drink like a local at their favorite watering holes.
Gettysburg Historic Downtown Food Tour
Taste farm fresh produce, nationally loved comfort foods, traditional pastries, and more at downtown Gettysburg's finest eateries.
Secrets of Gettysburg Tour
Explore the untold stories and little-known facts lurking beneath the surface of this legendary small town that has been plagued by death and violence for centuries.
Wonder Women of Gettysburg: Hidden Valor
Learn about the incredible women who played a behind-the-scenes role and became unsung heroines of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Civil War Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Enjoy some liquid courage while hearing ghostly tales of Gettysburg's most historic haunts and drinking hotspots. Take a Boo's and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for genuine stories, scares, and delicious drinks in the historic district, with up to 2 hours of ghostly fun with the city's spirits and Spirits.
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