The Daniel Lady Farm majestically sits one mile east of Gettysburg on high ground bordering Gettysburg National Military Park’s Benner’s Hill and Culp’s Hill. On July 2, 160 years ago, the farm became a staging area and headquarters for Confederate Major General Edward “Allegheny” Johnson’s preparation and attack of the Union right flank on Culp’s Hill. At 4 p.m. Confederate Artillery moved from the farm to nearby Benner’s Hill and began to place steady fire on Culp’s Hill and East Cemetery Hill preceding the Rebel infantry assault. After a one-and-a-half-hour duel, the Southern batteries were soon overwhelmed by the Union return fire from East Cemetery Hill and eventually destroyed. Several Confederate infantry assaults were attempted and repulsed by Union troops that had dug in during the night and fortified their positions after their retreat on the 1 st Day. When the smoke cleared, Confederate casualties were transported to The Daniel Lady Farm after the battle. Officers were treated in the house and enlisted in the barn. The barn and house still display bloodstained floors, initials carved in door jams by soldiers, and a cannonball resting in a floor joist.
This summer’s upcoming 160th Anniversary three-day Gettysburg Reenactment, on June 30, July 1 & 2, 2023, promises to be the largest event yet at the farm and hopefully one of its biggest fundraisers. It cannot come at a better time, since GBPA recently purchased the 70-acre Crouse property on the other side of Hanover Road, in order to put the original 200-acre farm tract back together. Unfortunately, the purchase came with an ongoing mortgage obligation. New ideas for Farm activities were pondered that would take advantage of the farm’s historic and pastoral attributes, promote the education of American history, be enjoyable, introduce a diverse base of support to the cause, take into consideration community needs, and help sustain this agrarian gem that sits on the edge of Gettysburg.
Following those three days that changed American History, The Daniel Lady Farm was exclusively a working farm until the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association purchased it in 1999 and launched several years of meticulous restoration to return the house and barn to their 1863 appearance. Besides farming operations, under GBPA conservation, the farm has offered tours, camping for reenactors and scouts, living history demonstrations, and educational workshops. Last summer the farm even hosted a one-day International Catholic Youth Rally. However, sustaining, restoring, and preserving a property such as this comes at a cost, and like most non-profits fund-raising is a constant fact of life for GBPA. For the past 5-years, under the leadership of GBPA President Kirk Davis, the farm has been the site of several smaller-scale Civil War reenactments and period living histories from different eras.
Asking these fundamental questions has resulted in the 2023 Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5k at The Daniel Lady Farm on Saturday, August 19, 2023. This historic site with fields, woods, stone house, barn, lawn, and pond is by itself unique. Runners pass by Major Joseph Latimer’s Confederate cannon battery on Benner’s Hill at the start and finish. By adding a Trail 5k Run/Walk in the morning, this event is very distinctive and even more attractive to many who are very happy to combine their love of running with their pleasure tasting a variety of beers and ciders. If you are a runner who loves to taste beer, it is almost a perfect day! If you just like to do one and not the other, it is still a great day! Walkers are also invited to participate in the Trail 5k and will enjoy seeing the farm.
The cannon will start the Trail 5k at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The beautiful trail route incorporates field roads, lawn, a 1/3-mile woods path, and a path around the house, barn, and pond. The Trail 5k begins and ends at the farm’s Eisenhower Center, with the course and parking both on the north side of Hanover Road. 2LK Race Timing will provide professional timing services. Packet pick-up will be at the Eisenhower Center on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Runners can purchase a combination package for the Trail 5k & Brewfest.
The Brewfest will take place on the lawn and within the grove of trees that are surrounded by the stone house, barn, and pond. This provides a spacious beautiful venue with shaded areas. Besides a variety of brewers and cider makers, there will be food and musical entertainment. Free tours of the house & barn are included with every Trail 5k or Brewfest admission. Brewfest VIP Admission is 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Brewfest General Admission is 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All admission to the Brewfest is strictly limited to those 21 and over. Designated Driver Admission is available for those over 21 with a VIP or general admission ticket holder. Early-bird discounts are available until June 1, 2023. Organizers reserve the right to cap the number of patrons to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Early indicators are this will be a very popular regional event. You may go to www.gettysburgbrewfestandtrail5k.com for detailed event information, frequently asked questions, and a list of brewers as they commit to the event. Also, check back to see Gettysburg hotels that will be offering event discounts.
Combining the Daniel Lady Farm with History, Running, Walking, Food, Music, Beer & Cider – sure sounds like a great day!
