Trumbo-Chrest House

The Trumbo-Chrest House is located near the center of where the battle known as “Corbit’s Charge” occurred.

On June 29, 1863, two days before the Battle of Gettysburg, the 1^st Delaware Cavalry encountered the 4^th Virginia Cavalry, led by General J.E.B. Stuart, in downtown Westminster in a skirmish known as “Corbit’s Charge.” The two sides fought briefly in the streets, and there were casualties on each side – two of Corbit’s men were killed and eleven wounded, and two Confederate officers were killed and ten men badly wounded. An untested group of soldiers and greatly outnumbered, the 1^st Delaware fought with “an almost suicidal bravery,” but were soon overmatched and driven back to Main Street (Old Baltimore Pike). Despite their quick exit from battle, the 1^st Delaware delayed the 4^th Virginia enough that Stuart decided to spend an unplanned night in Westminster. This delay was significant because it prevented Stuart, who had critical reconnaissance information for General Robert E. Lee, from arriving at Gettysburg until late on the second day, which possibly influenced the outcome at Gettysburg.

Bullet holes can still be seen in the building, identified by a small sign which reads “struck by gunfire June 29, 1863.”