Spangler’s Spring at Gettysburg is a natural spring on the south base of Culp’s Hill. (Spangler’s Spring Area tour map) It was occupied by each side during the battle, and for a time was in between the lines. Legends developed that local truces were called during the night of July 2nd where both sides allowed the other to pass safely to the spring to fill their canteens. But there are also documented instances of fighting around the spring during this time.

In 1895 the War Department constructed a permanent stone and concrete cover over the spring because of damage from heavy usage by park visitors. Visitors could drink from the spring using a metal dipper and small trap door. After the National Park Service took over administration of the battlefield it was decided to stop this due to concerns with groundwater contamination.

The 1895 structure is still in place, although no water is available.

According to legend a ghostly lady dressed in white haunts the area of the spring. She appears first as a mist that rises up out of the ground before taking the shape of a lady dressed in white. People who have witnessed her claim the feeling of a great sadness fills the air around her.

“Exactly who she was when alive is not known, if she even existed at all. Word of mouth states she committed suicide here after her fiancée broke off their engagement,” Randy spoke. “I have not been able to find any definite proof that somebody actually committed suicide here. I’m not saying it didn’t happen, I’m just saying I have not been able to verify the events.”