Historic Hersh Farm c.1857

Historic Hersh Farm c.1857 is nestled in a secluded 43 acre setting just 9 miles from Gettysburg and the battlefield national park. At the end of a 3/10 of a mile private asphalt driveway that divides the farm’s 25 wooded acres and 13 acres of cropland is an enchanting 5 acre sanctuary with a beautifully restored historic home, original spring house, manicured yard and gardens and a lovely 3/4 acre stocked pond. With a full complement of wild life, birds and nature trails, this is a rare retreat from the fast paced world, yet Hersh Farm is just minutes from Rte 15 to all points north and south.

Built in c.1857, by the Hersh family and home to Captain James Hersh (1833-1912), this historic brick home is a certified “Civil War Building” with a distinguishing plaque mounted near the front door and was once the manor home for a 1,500 acre estate. On June 30, 1863, this home and these grounds and the surrounding area were occupied by 23,000 Confederate troops under Generals R.S. Ewell, and Jubal Early prior to their march on Gettysburg early the following day. Small scale skirmishing took place in this area. The home is also on the direct route of the underground railroad that ran between Gettysburg and the Friends Meeting House four miles directly up the road. The celebrated history of this place lives in the wide plank pine floors, Vermont Castings wood-burning stove, horse hair plaster walls, solid hand-crafted doors and fine brick construction by craftsmen who took pride in their work. The original spring house and decommissioned well remain near the broad front porch, on which 150+ years of this extraordinary estate’s stewards relaxed and surveyed their treasured holdings, after a rigorous day of work.

The current owners have taken pride in their stewardship and preserved the historic detailing, while updating the home with modern amenities to include, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel Bosch appliances, updated bathrooms, a master suite, top of the line Pella windows, an energy efficient, green two-zone forced-air geothermal heating and cooling system, a year-round sun room, and much more. The exquisite landscaping around the house includes a beautiful 30-foot recirculating brook that bubbles down the hill to a large paved patio — perfect for entertaining or just relaxing outside. A stroll around the 5 acre yard is rewarded with mature gardens and impressive trees.

Set in the middle of 43 tranquil, park-like acres, insuring absolute privacy, the beautifully restored and historic home is truly unique in this marketplace. The property’s versatility is certainly unmatched and its uses may include, a horse farm, a bed & breakfast, a farm, or perhaps simply a beautiful estate within 2 hours of Washington DC, Baltimore & Philadelphia… yet a world away.

ABOUT CAPT. JAMES HERSH

(Excerpt History of Adams County 1886)

CAPT. JAMES HERSH, farmer, P.O. Gettysburg, was born at New Oxford, Adams County, Penn., January 24, 1833, a son of George and Nancy (McClellan) Hersh (the latter a sister of Col. McClellan, of Gettysburg) natives of Pennsylvania. His father was of German origin and early in life a merchant, but later a farmer. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics was first a Whig and then a Republican. His death occurred in 1871. James Hersh, who is ninth in a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, was reared on the farm and wisely chose the latter occupation of his father for a life work. He obtained a fair education in the common schools of his neighborhood and in New Oxford Academy. On the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and September 12, 1861, was promoted to the office of second lieutenant of the company, and March 1, 1863, to that of quartermaster of the regiment.
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LINKS

About Capt. James Hersh – History of Adams County 1886
Obituary – James Hersh died in 1912
History of Adams County – Published in 1886
1858 Map – Hersh Farm, 1858 Map of Adams County from A History of Adams County, Pennsylvania 1700 – 1990 – Published in 1992 (p. 177)
Gettysburg – National Park Service
Civil War Trust – Battle of Gettysburg
Gettysburg Foundation – Visit Gettysburg
Jubal Early (1816-1894) – Civil War Trust
R.S. Ewell (1817-1872) – Civil War Trust