Sherrick barn remains. (Click on images for full-screen interactive panorama.)
Civil War photographer Alexander Gardner's image of Sherrick farm
made on Sept. 21, 1862. High-res image is available on Library of Congress site.
When Yankees discovered that the prosperous farm of 60-year-old Joseph and 55-year-old Sarah Sherrick was abandoned on Sept. 17, 1862, they quickly took advantage. "Upon visiting the Sherrick's house that morning, we found it quite a sumptuous affair," a 22nd Massachusetts soldier noted. "It had been hastily evacuated, as it was between the lines. The foragers ahead of us had pulled out what edibles it contained, and among them a splendid assortment of jellies, preserves, etc., the pride of every Maryland woman's heart, but now scattered about. The orchard was filled with the choicest fruit. What a feast! Our stomachs, just beginning to become accustomed to 'salt horse' and 'hard tack,' earnestly opened and yearned for this line of good things." (1)
Right half of Alexander Gardner's stereoview of Joseph Sherrick's farm. (Library of Congress collection) CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE. |
Unfortunately, the Sherrick barn was struck by lightning and destroyed in 1982, Only the foundation, shown in the foreground of the interactive panorama above, remains. For all my interactive Antietam panoramas, click here.
(1) Walker, Kevin M and Kirkman, K.C., Antietam Farmsteads: A Guide to the Battlefield Landscapes, Sharpsburg, Md.: Western Maryland Interpretive Association, 2010, Page 95
Enlargements of Gardner's Sherrick farm photograph reveal extraordinary detail. (CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.) |
These are lovely photos.I'm the great,greatgrandaught of sherricks farm.How. or where can I purchase a small photo for my history photo album .For my family or more about ,the farm.Your photos are Wounderful.Thank you. Nelliemay I Sherrick/Yotty 10867 east secret canyon rd Gold Canyon Az 85118
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