RARE - Civil War soldier’s brogan [shoe] from the Gettysburg Campaign (SOLD)

This is the typical style brogan that soldiers wore during the Civil War. It measures 9 ½” x 3 ½” and has the wood-pegged sole. It was acquired by a Taneytown, Maryland resident over 50 years ago, coming out of an antebellum house in town. It was picked up shortly after the troops moved on.

Taneytown served as a vital strategic hub during the Civil War, most notably as the temporary headquarters for Union General George G. Meade from June 30 – July 1, 1863. Before committing fully to Gettysburg, Meade originally considered a defensive fallback position known as the "Pipe Creek Circular," which could have shifted the major battleground closer to Taneytown. He abandoned the plan on July 1 and relocated his headquarters further north on July 10.

Between June 29 and July 7, 1863, roughly 40,000 Union troops—including General Daniel Sickles' Third Corps and General Winfield Hancock's Second Corps—marched through the town, camping on local farms and receiving food, water, and cheers from residents.

As seen in the pictures, this brogan seen extensive use – the heel is nearly gone, and sections of the sole are worn through. It is almost certain that the soldier wore it either going into or leaving Gettysburg.

Cloth and leather had a very low survival rate of battlefield relics. The surviving artifacts today are those that were recovered not long after the war ended. In my books “Battle of Gettysburg – The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs” and “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I show some of these brogans. Although well worn, the brogan being offered here remains a solid piece – indicative of being an early pickup.