Established in 1828, predating the Battle of Gettysburg, the Klingel Farmstead was not only located in a site of key action during the battle, but it was also the home and farm of Daniel Klingel and his young family.
The Klingel Farmstead, circa 1933. Source: Library of Congress
The Klingel Farmstead was erected on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1828.
Many visitors travel to Gettysburg year after year to witness the field of history, an experience enriched by the presence of the Klingel Farmstead and other historical structures preserved and protected on the Gettysburg battlefield by the National Park Service.
Preservation Spotlight
The Klingel Farmstead is Gettysburg National Military Park's Area of Greatest Need
The Gettysburg Foundation partners with the National Park Service at Gettysburg in renewed efforts to preserve the Klingel Farmstead and its presence on the iconic viewscape of Pickett's Charge.
The Klingel Farm and its role in sharing the civilian perspective is vital to interpreting the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War as a whole. By preserving and sharing the stories of families like the Klingels, Gettysburg offers visitors the opportunity to tap into our shared history and human-interest stories when encountering their own life experiences reflected in the past.
Historical Importance
Built in 1828 and predating the Battle of Gettysburg by 35 years, the farmstead located along the Emmitsburg Road was purchased by Daniel Klingel only months before the Battle of Gettysburg.
In the early days of July 1863, the newly purchased home of Daniel Klingel and his young family witnessed key action in the Battle of Gettysburg, including the advance of the Union First Corps down Emmitsburg Road on July 1 and Pickett’s Charge on July 3. Throughout the three-day battle, the Klingel Farm served as a field hospital, as well as a final refuge for soldiers before their death.
In the aftermath of the battle, the Klingels struggled to rebuild their home and their lives amid financial struggles and family losses. Although they filed a claim for damages to their home and farm, they never received compensation for the damages sustained to the house and property.
Source: Library of CongressThe Klingel family's story is shared by civilians across a hard-won united nation in the years following the American Civil War. The Gettysburg Foundation's mission is to ensure the Klingel Farmstead continues to stand on the Gettysburg battlefield as a testament to the resilience of the American people who transcend time and history.
Learn more about the interpretive significance of the Klingel Farmstead.
Preservation Project
Efforts to restore the Klingel Farmstead to its 1860s appearance began in 2010; however, multiple attempts were met with challenges as historical building materials and modern protectants failed to perform as expected.
The National Park Service has reevaluated their efforts and developed a new plan for preservation to ensure the structural integrity of the farmhouse.
This crucial preservation project is a collaborative effort, with the Gettysburg Foundation and its donors playing a crucial role in supporting preservation of both the farmhouse and the broader battlefield landscape.
Progress & Updates
The Gettysburg Foundation launched its effort for Gettysburg National Military Park’s area of greatest need on GivingTuesday 2024. Thanks to the strength and generosity of our Friends and donors, we have raised more than $184,900 for the preservation of the Klingel Farmstead to date.
Help us continue the plans to preserve Klingel for generations to come. Thank you for your generosity and continued support!
Partners in Preservation
The Gettysburg Foundation is honored to partner with the National Park Service and support preservation and education of the history and the stories here at Gettysburg.
Donate to help preserve the Klingel Farmstead to safeguard the integrity of this significant property on the Gettysburg battlefield. You can help ensure it remains accessible for all to learn and reflect upon its historical importance in our shared American history.
Battle of Gettysburg
The Klingel Farm witnessed soldiers passing by July 1, 1863, and saw pivotal action over the days of July 2 and 3, 1863.
The Klingel Farmstead is crucial to the military interpretation and civilian stories of the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath. This farmstead in the center of the Gettysburg battlefield that saw significant fighting gives insight to the civilian experience during the battle.
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you to those who joined us on GivingTuesday 2024 to help continue our mission of preservation in partnership with the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Every gift to the Gettysburg Foundation is being dedicated to Gettysburg National Military Park's efforts to save the Klingel Farmstead—a critical landmark on the Gettysburg battlefield that is vital to the stewardship of our nation's common ground.
Thank you for joining us in our mission to save Klingel for future generations to visit and learn the significance of Gettysburg. Your donation will make a difference. The Gettysburg Foundation is grateful for your generosity on #GivingTuesday to #SaveKlingel.
If you missed donating on GivingTuesday in 2024, please know that you can still contribute to this urgent preservation project to help us surpass our goal as quickly as possible for the important first stage in saving the Klingel Farmstead.