Over seven years ago my family and I discovered for the first time an overlooked portion of the battle here at Gettysburg. The site is called the "Battle of the Brickyard" or the "Battle at Kuhn's Brickyard."

The short-lived but intense battle took place on the northeastern outskirts of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. When it was over, nearly 800 Confederate and Union troops were either killed, wounded or missing. This brickyard fight has also been called, "The Action Between Coster and Hays and Avery." When the brief battle was over, the Confederate troops clearly had the victory.

What makes this largely overlooked site extra special is the large mural painted by artist Mark Dunkelman. His painting depicts a scene from the battle which was dedicated on July 1, 1988, the 125th anniversary of the small encounter. There is also a memorial to the 154th New York Infantry and another monument dedicated to the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry at the battle site.The mural itself is on private property but is easily seen from the street or where the monuments stand. The Battle of the Brickyard is in a residential area, so please respect the privacy and property of neighbors in the area. The site is located at East Stevens Street and Coster Avenue.

How To Get There

From the Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park, take U.S. Business Rte. 15 north. Continue going straight through the traffic circle (Lincoln Square) which is the center of town, staying on 15. Three blocks after the traffic circle,turn right on East Stevens Street. Go straight, past one stop sign, following the street until the end. At this point the mural can be clearly seen. For more info contact GNMP at (717)334-1124 or the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at (717)334-6274.

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