Beyond the Main Stage: A Military Historian's Perspective on the Herbst Farm

The hallowed grounds of Gettysburg hold a profound place in American history. Yet, amidst the sprawling wheat fields and granite monuments lies a lesser-known but strategically significant location: the Herbst Farm, situated roughly 1.5 miles east of Benner's Hill on the northern edge of the Hanover Road.  

This unassuming 140-acre property served as a critical logistical hub for the Confederate forces during the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg.  In this analysis, we delve beyond the battlefield's main stage to explore the Herbst Farm's role within the broader context of the campaign.

The Herbst Farm: A Confederate Division's Nerve Center

During the battle, the Herbst Farm became the headquarters for Major General Edward "Allegheny" Johnson's Division, a key component of the Second Corps under Lieutenant General Richard Ewell.  Johnson's division, composed primarily of brigades from North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, played a pivotal role in the fight for the Round Tops on the second day of the battle, July 2nd, 1863. 

The selection of the Herbst Farm for Johnson's headquarters was no accident. Its location offered several tactical advantages.  Situated slightly removed from the immediate fighting lines, it provided a modicum of security for command functions.  Furthermore, its proximity to the Hanover Road – a crucial artery for Confederate logistics – ensured efficient communication and supply flow.