This view from the East Cemetery Hill observatory shows a wellhouse next to a reservoir. The original well was an artesian well, dug by the Gettysburg Water Company in 1882. We stopped by Sunday morning to show you what remains of the wells that used to serve water to the town of Gettysburg.This view was taken facing northwest circa 1893.

William Tipton took the preceding photograph from the wooden battlefield observatory, which was located where the Hancock equestrian statue stands today (right background).This view was taken facing southeast at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

The wellhouse structure is still standing.This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

In 1917, Gettysburg was chosen as the location for a military encampment for soldiers deploying to Europe during World War I. In a 1917 newspaper it mentions that “three artesian wells” are located south of town.It’s unclear exactly which wells the article is referring to. There is at least one pump well on a map of the 50th anniversary encampment, but it’s not located at East Cemetery Hill. This screenshot is from Page One of the May 16, 1917 issue of the Gettysburg Times.

The original well was inside the wellhouse. You can see the Soldiers National Cemetery Lodge building in the left background.This view was taken facing southwest at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

The derrick William Tipton ascended to take this photograph of the Soldiers National Cemetery would have stood where the wellhouse is today.This view was taken facing southwest circa 1882.

We were even more surprised to hear that two more wells were also visible on the property. These wells have been inactive for a while. This view was taken facing southeast at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

They’re covered up with boards.This view was taken facing north at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

We received permission to look inside.This view was taken facing east at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

Not much to see.This view was taken facing east at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

Thank you to the staff at the Gettysburg Battlefield Tour Center for their assistance with this post.This view was taken facing northeast at approximately 11:15 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017.