One of the more unique interpretives about the battlefield. Mostly all the historical markers are held horizontal in a thick, black, metal frame. This marker rests on a bunch of aligned wooden slats like the bottom of a park bench which is held up on a center post. The marker is tilted slightly forward to afford the viewer an easy read. I only saw a handful of these kind of set-ups at the historic battlefield. The sign is located fifteen to the right of the spring.
The spring is actually sealed off and has a NPS lock on it. The stone work surrounding it, historic markers attached and spring itself are together a contributing structure to the historic district. One of the markers reads One Country and One Flag the Strife of Brothers is Past and the other plaque reads This Spring Supplies Union and Confederate Soldiers with Water During the Battle. At the top of the curved stone is a bronze marker which simply reads Spangler's Spring.
Spangler's Spring is a natural spring southeast of Gettysburg on the south base of Culp's Hill. At times during the batlle it was held by each side, and for a time was between the lines. Legends developed that local truces were called during the night of July 2nd where both sides allowed the other to pass safely to the spring to fill their canteens, but there are also documented instances of fighting around the spring during this time. SOURCE
The sign of history reads:
"It seems Captain Selfridge of Company H, had taken some of his men's canteens and gone on ahead to Spangler's Spring to fill them, when he discovered "Johnnies" also there filling their canteens. He backed out with the best grace he could command, and reported it to the Colonel... A skirmish line ... found the enemy as stated and saved many lives."
Captain Joseph Matchett
46th Pennsylvania Volunteers
The Spangler Spring Stone Work is a contributing feature to the Gettysburg National Military Park Historic District which is nationally significant under NR Criteria A, B, C & D. Areas of Significance: Military, Politics/Government, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Archeology-Historic. Period of Significance: 1863-1938. The original National Register Nomination was approved by the Keeper March 19, 1975. An update to this nomination was approved by the Keeper on January 23, 2004. This roadside marker is listed as contributing structure number MN822.
From the NRHP narrative page for this tablet:
One of two natural springs on Spangler Property where Union & Confederate forces refilled their canteens. Other spring was covered in 1878, this spring had granite font built to honor all soldiers of North & South.
Short Physical Description:
Natural spring in rock, War Department constructed font w/in spring boundaries Mar-Apr 1891, completed Oct 1905. Font has apse at back, 7'H x 11'L x 5'W. Built of polished granite w/3 bronze plaques at face. 4'W Conc walk S, runs E-W 20'
My Sources
1.
NRHP Narrative
2.
Stone Sentinels
3.
Historical Marker Database