Jennie Wade’s Story

Jennie Wade is a person that fascinates many of us from her story to the claim that her ghost still wanders the battlefields. We’re finding that there are always new things to learn about her and we love to share it with all her fans. We’ve posted several times about Jennie but have yet to dedicate a blog to her story specifically. So, we figured it was time. If you’re not sure who Jennie Wade is or you don’t know her story, this post is perfect for you!

Jennie Wade was born Mary Virginia Wade on May 21st in 1843, in a house on Baltimore Street, Gettysburg. She was called Ginnie initially but over time has changed to Jennie. She grew up to be a Seamstress and at the age of 20, she moved, with her mother and two brothers, into her sister’s home. Her sister, Georgia Anna Wade McClellan, had just had a baby and the family had come to help. They made this move on July 1st, 1863 which was the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

On July 3rd, 1863 Jennie was kneading dough, to make bread for the soldiers, in the kitchen of her sister’s home when a Minié ball (bullet) travelled through the door and hit her. It pierced her left shoulder blade, went straight through her heart and exited into her corset. She was killed instantly. You can imagine the dismay her family felt when they rushed to the kitchen to find Jenny was dead. As the fight continued to rage on, more than 150 bullets hit the McClellan house! The day following Jennie’s death, her mother baked about 15 loaves of bread with the dough that Jennie had kneaded.

Jennie was buried in her sister’s garden. Her body has since been moved twice and currently resides in the Evergreen Cemetery with a monument that was designed by Gettysburg resident, Anna M. Miller. It was erected in 1900 and is still very much intact with an American flag flying around the clock in her honor.

Now you know it all! Well, not all but the key points of Jennie’s story. We’re always hearing new tidbits about her that we didn’t know. Years and years and years later, she is still a part of many American’s conversations. What an honor! If you haven’t yet visited her house, it is a must-see. Learn her story, see the bullet holes, experience the ghostly aspect and hear the superstitions. You can learn more about visiting us on our website. We look forward to seeing you soon!