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Jennie Wade.

Jennie Wade, Biscuit Martyr: See the Bullet Hole

Field review by the editors.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during the Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg. She was in her sister's kitchen on July 3, 1863, kneading dough for biscuits, when a Confederate bullet pierced a door and struck her in the back, killing her instantly. She was 20 years old.

The bullet hole.

The house opened as an attraction in 1906, offering tourists a chance to see the bullet hole and the bloodstained floor where Jennie fell. A life-size statue of Jennie was added outside in 1984, sculpted by Ivo Zini. She's depicted holding a loaf of bread, not the fatal biscuits. A cheerless placard concludes, "Her mother saw her fall and sadly informed the rest of the family, 'your sister is dead.'"

Despite frequent repainting of the door, the bullet hole is stained from the sweat of thousands of fingers that have been shoved through it. This is encouraged by the attraction as part of an an odd legend: any unmarried woman who puts her ring finger through the hole will receive a marriage proposal within a year. Above the hole hangs a written testimonial from a happy bride, and our guide told us that there have been many similar success stories.

Jennie Wade, Biscuit Martyr: See the Bullet Hole

Jennie Wade House and Museum

Address:
548 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA
Directions:
Jennie Wade House and Museum. On the east side of Baltimore St. just south of where it splits from U.S. Hwy 15.
Hours:
Daily 9-6 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
717-334-4100
Admission:
Admission $8 for house tour. Outdoor statue is free.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Soldier's Orphanage Dungeon TourSoldier's Orphanage Dungeon Tour, Gettysburg, PA - < 1 mi.
Civil War Tails: Miniature CatfightCivil War Tails: Miniature Catfight, Gettysburg, PA - < 1 mi.
Dobbin House Tavern: Slavery MuseumDobbin House Tavern: Slavery Museum, Gettysburg, PA - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Pope John Paul II's Skis, Washington, DC - 62 mi.

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