November 10, 2004
Sachs Bridge Ghost Mist
Rate this encounter:
Bill Hallett, Sachs Bridge, Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, November 2000,
info@ghostvillage.com
Click on picture for larger view.
Every year on the weekend closest to November 19th,
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania holds a Remembrance Day Parade to mark the
anniversary of the Gettysburg Address delivered by President Lincoln
on November 19, 1863, just four months after the most horrific
battle of the Civil War. (over 53,000 casualties)
This brings out about 2000-3000 Civil War reenactors, both Union and
Confederate for the parade. It also seems to stir up some of the
spirits from the
real Civil War.
Just to the west of the National Park is a small covered bridge
called Sachs Bridge. People think the battle only happened on
National Park property. It actually happened throughout and included
neighboring farms and homes.
After a quick supper, my friend Al, my 16 year-old nephew, my 14
year-old daughter, and myself decided to venture to this bridge. The
date was November 2000. Al told us the story history tells: As
Robert E. Lee's troops were withdrawing from the field, three Rebel
soldiers were found to be spies. A speedy trial on the spot found
them guilty and they were hanged from beams in the covered bridge.
Their bodies were discovered by Union soldiers patrolling the area.
We pulled the car to the parking area nearby and got out. All of us
were dressed in period clothing, including my daughter in a fancy
dress and bonnet and cape. We lit a couple of candle lanterns and
walked across the bridge. We heard a crying cat on the other side in
the woods, but as we crossed, decided to return.
Upon reaching the beginning again, my nephew took out his camera and
flashed a quick picture of the opening of the bridge. I knew I had a
Kodak disposable camera I wanted to finish off myself. Within
seconds, I took this photo. My nephew can be seen in the picture,
but he's not alone!
The weather was about 40 degrees and clear. No mist or fog was
visible to us. I didn't see this until getting my pictures
developed. His film showed nothing but the bridge.
This is one of many things that I've encountered on battlefields,
especially in Civil War clothing. Makes you wonder if they're trying
to connect to people who look like them.
