During the Civil War, citizens were usually unscathed if they were able to stay out of harm’s way. However, on July 3, 1863, Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade was kneading dough for biscuits in her sister's home on Baltimore Street when she was killed instantly—by a bullet passing through two wooden doors that struck her heart. In that moment, Jennie Wade became the only Gettysburg civilian to be killed outright during the battle. That is usually all visitors hear about this "Gettysburg Maid."

 

For the first time, author Cindy Small presents a complete narrative of Jennie Wade, her life, her family, and her untimely death on that fateful July day. Illustrated with period photos, detailed research includes other injured civilians, the relationship between Jennie and Jack Skelly, rumors of Jennie's reputation, the possible origin of the fatal shot, and details of Jennie's first coffin and three burials. Here is Jennie Wade's whole story.