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Built in 1808, the Michael Bushman Farm stands along the Emmitsburg Road, near the Slyder Farm. The two-story stone home with a brick edition became a staging ground for Confederate General John Bell Hood’s attack on July 2. The farm holds a rich history before and after the battle.
Sophia Hammer, the original owner of the farm, deeded the property to her daughter Amelia. Sophia included Reverend Michael Bushman into the will of her estate after he married Amelia in 1834. Michael and Amelia added a brick addition and a smokehouse just before 1860, to its current appearance. Like many of the families south of town, Michael and Amelia fled their home during the battle. On July 2, General Hood sent his men through the Bushman property to attack Little Round Top and Devil’s Den. The barn became one of the primary aide stations on July 2 and 3 for Hood’s men. Michael and Amelia found their home looted and eight Confederate soldiers buried next to the barn when they returned. After the battle, Amelia passed away in 1875 and Michael remarried in 1878 to Louisa Rupp. Michael passed away 15 years later but left Louisa in a predicament. Michael never updated his will to include Louisa, and stated the property belonged to his children with Amelia. Amelia and Michael never had any children and left Louisa homeless. The home was sold to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association in 1894, and later transferred to the National Park Service in 1933. Beautifully restored and updated in 2017, the house is set back from the roadways and nestled within famous landmarks like Little Round Top and Devil's Den. Stay at the historic Bushman HouseThe historic Bushman House is an exceptional year-round place to stay and is located within the Gettysburg National Military Park, where it witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg. Beautifully restored and updated in 2017, the house is set back from the roadways and nestled within famous landmarks like Little Round Top and Devil's Den, and near the historic town of Gettysburg.
Bushman Farmhouse: Located within sight of Little Round Top, the division of Confederate Major General John Bell Hood occupied the property on July 2, 1863, with as many as 7,000 Confederate soldiers moving through the farm on their way to assault the Union position at Little Round Top, Devils Den, and the Wheatfield.
Photo Credit: Gettysburg Foundation
The Bushman House offers three bedrooms, including a first-floor master bedroom; 1.5 bathrooms; fully-equipped and updated kitchen with dishes, utensils, Kurieg coffee maker, stove, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator; dining room; and sitting room. Central heating and air conditioning provide comfort year-round. Bed linens, sheets, pillows, and a limited supply of towels are available. Dish soap and dishwasher detergent are provided.
How to make reservationsStep 1 Please visit the historic Bushman House page on the Recreation.gov website for all property details and to make reservations. Step 2 Short Term Lease Agreement After completing your reservation on the Recreation.gov website you will be contacted by the National Park Service to sign a Short Term Lease Agreement. When this signed agreement is returned, you will be sent a keycode to access the historic Bushman House. Please note, a security deposit of $250 is included in your reservation fee. Upon inspection of the house after departure, the security deposit will be refunded within 10 days if no damage has been reported. |
Last updated: March 28, 2024