GETTYSBURG’S FAMOUS MAPS
A brace of massive topographical maps of the Civil War’s pivotal July 1-3, 1863, Battle of Gettysburg—though one is over six times the size of the other—have entertained, inspired, and educated generations of visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park. The unique, one-of-a-kind maps have also helped park rangers, guides, and military officers study, explain, and interpret the tactics of the bloodiest battle fought on American soil.
The best known of these—although not the oldest by far—is the 27x27-foot Electric Map, started by the Rosen-steel family, which owned the largest collection of Gettysburg artifacts and operated for more than 50 years the most prominent private museum in town.
The route toward the family’s prominence as collectors and the creation of the Electric Map started a few days after the battle, when 12-year-old John Rosensteel came up from the cellar where he had taken shelter during the raging battle and began to help with the sickening chore of burying the dead. Like many other residents, he began picking up the things left behind on the battlefield, starting on July 5, 1863, when he removed a sharpshooter’s rifle from the grip of
