The Brien Farm

At the time of the Battle of Gettysburg, African American Abraham Brien owned 12 acres of farmland on the Emmitsburg Road, where he lived with his wife and children. He also had a tenant family who lived on the farm in a small shack. Like the majority of the Black residents of Gettysburg, Brien fled in fear of capture during the Gettysburg Campaign. When he returned, he found his home and farm were part of what would be known as Pickett's Charge. His farm severely damaged, he requested $1,028 for damages but was awarded $15 from the government for his losses. Brien rebuilt and eventually sold the farm to the newly-wealthy Basil Biggs and moved into town, following the war, to work at a local hotel tending horses. Today, the Brien farm and barn are located just north of the copse of trees at what would become known as the High Water Mark of the Rebellion.