From Seminary to Hospital

From Seminary to Hospital

The Lutheran Theological Seminary, founded in 1826, prepared students to serve as ministers. From its prominent cupola, seen across this field, Lieutenant Aaron Jerome, US Signal Corps, keenly observed and reported Confederate movements and approaching Union reinforcements. Union General John Buford wrote, “Lt. Jerome….ever on the alert….kept me advised of the enemy’s movements.” As the day ended, fierce fighting overtook the grounds. Confederates, despite formidable rifle fire, took the ridge. Building steward Emanuel Ziegler escaped with his family. They returned on July 5th , to find their home at the seminary converted to a hospital. Lydia Ziegler, 13, later wrote they had lost everything. Her family coped with this loss by caring for the wounded. Hugh Ziegler, 11, helped by carrying amputated limbs outside for burial. The seminary was used as a field hospital, housing up to 700 wounded, until late September.