Devil's Den — Attraction in Cumberland Township

Devil's Den in Gettysburg is a place where terrible fighting happened, and so many lives were lost. When you look at these giant boulders, it's hard not to feel a deep sadness for all the soldiers who fought and died here. The rocks themselves are impressive, stacked high like a great playground. But on July 2, 1863, these rocks became a deadly battleground. Soldiers from both sides hid among them, trying to find cover, but many didn't make it. The air was filled with the sounds of battle, and the ground was soaked with the blood of young men. You can almost picture them, struggling in the heat, desperate to survive. We see old photos of fallen soldiers here, and it's a stark reminder of the immense human cost of war. Every rock, every crevice, seems to whisper the stories of their last moments. It makes you think about their families, waiting at home, never to see their loved ones again. Many people say Devil's Den feels haunted, and whether you believe in ghosts or not, there's a definite chill in the air. It's a quiet, somber place, and that feeling comes from the sheer number of lives cut short. It's a place to remember them, to feel the weight of their sacrifice, and to hope that such a tragedy never happens again. Visiting Devil's Den is a powerful experience. It's a reminder of the sorrow and loss of war, and a place to honor the memory of all who...

Some of the most fiercely fought over ground, most unfavorable land to attack on, this boulder strewn hill sit in the shadow of the more highly contested and actual focal point, Little Round Top.

It seen its hottest action on July 2nd, 1863 and nearly twenty five hundred casualties would compile in the rocky area. Most notably, General Hood of the Confederate Army of Nothern Virginia would suffer a wound that would keep him out of the battle for the rest of its duration, and cost him his arm.

The battle of Devil's Den would be costly and Little Round Top would never be taken, setting the stage for the final day and Picketts grand charge.

There's a small parking lot, walk ways and a bridge that allows you to traverse the land and boulders. Though, I'd encourage and say the best view to get a great battle vantage, would be simply looking down from Little Round Top.

Still, a stroll amongst the boulders, and a quick search for the famous sharpshooters "photo resting spot", is always exciting. It is a wild experience to stand where such carnage has taken place, and too, to envision what daunting task it must have been to stand at the foot of such a hill with the mighty army of the Potomac atop it and yet, still, find such courage to move forward in the face of almost...

As part of greater Gettysburg National Military Park, and it attracts a sizable crowds. So despite the sobering fact that too many fought and died here, the tourists and the kids who come seemed to bring about another identity as a quiet place that brings out peacefulness (at least in my view). Walking though the circular paths, I can only hear the birds chirping in the background, and my feet touching the ground. For those who want to take the audio tour (solo driving), it is also possible. Though walking under the trees, I appreciate more the shades it provides and the able to smell and feel the cooling air. It may feel that summer elsewhere, but it is still cool and calming here. There are quite many historical references to read along the way, and of course, the foliage and the birds definitely made it...