Posts by Derrick Smith
Jennie Wade House – Investigation
Jennie Wade House November 2, 2019 Gettysburg, PA Investigation In the heart of Gettysburg, PA rests a small, quaint brick home now surrounded by hotels and parking lots. This was the location of (miraculously) the only civilian casualty of the three-day Battle of Gettysburg. Jennie Wade was simply trying to help feed her…
Read MoreGettysburg Orphanage – History
Gettysburg Orphanage Gettysburg, PA Located on the edge of the original battlefield along Steinwehr Aveneue and Cemetery Hill, the orphanage stands as a reminder of the brutal past that, not only those fighting in the war but also, those who lost parents, family, and loved ones also felt the horrors of the war. The…
Read MoreJennie Wade House – History
The small brick house situated outside the main town square of Gettysburg, PA is overshadowed by the hustling and bustling of tourists and the sheer height of the neighboring hotel. However, the Jennie Wade House is far more than a small brick structure. There is plenty of history that lies within its’ walls and behind…
Read MoreHalloween – History
Halloween In today’s world, Halloween is simply a night to dress up in an elaborate costume, get free candy, and dive into a world of the unknown (typically in our safe homes on a comfortable couch). The real reasons we celebrate Halloween seems to be lost to past generations and really, a lack of understanding…
Read MoreProspect Place – Investigation
September 6, 2019 Trinway, OH Investigation In the small, blue collar town of Trinway, Ohio lies a beautiful brick mansion which stands tall over the predominantly farming lands of the area and the nearby town of Dresdon, Ohio. This mansion holds artifacts from its construction and livelihood when it was in operation and stood…
Read MoreProspect Place – History
Prospect Place hosts such a value to not only the area, but all of history as well. Currently as an education center teaching about the Underground Railroad and local history, Prospect Place was once home to a twelve-member family and a stop for an unknown number of slaves on the run. The house served as…
Read MoreWest Virginia State Penitentiary – Investigation
West Virginia State Penitentiary July 27, 2019 Moundsville, WV Investigation One of the few industries that drew employees and residents into the quaint industrial town of Moundsville, WV was the old stone penitentiary. Oddly enough, the town thought that blue collar work was more suitable for the town as they opted to build the…
Read MoreWest Virginia State Penitentiary (Moundsville) – History
Throughout its’ history, the West Virginia State Penitentiary has seen its share of violence and death. The amount of inhumane treatment and dangerous living situations actually lead to the prison being named one of the top ten most violent correctional facilities by the U.S. Department of Justice. This prison is probably as close to the…
Read MoreKaufman House – Investigation
Kaufman House July 11, 2019 Zelienople, PA Investigation Beautifully constructed in the heart of downtown Zelienople, stands the three-story Kaufman House. It has survived multiple fires yet still brings a certain life to the town. Many who walk through the small town do not recognize its’ historic value or the stories which have…
Read MoreKaufman House – History
Kaufman House 105 S Main Street Zelienople, PA 16063 Once a popular and booming local business, the Kaufman House mostly stands abandoned and partially under construction. A fire tore through the building in late 2011 and legal battles have prevented the building from being reconstructed. The historical landmark has been in operation since…
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