[5] The ridge has terrain above ~530 ft (160 m) and is almost entirely a federally protected area except for township portions at the southern end and along Pennsylvania Route 116, including a PennDOT facility.

[4] After moving back to Gettysburg in 1856, attorney Edward McPherson inherited a farm in 1858[citation needed] which had 66.5 acres (26.9 ha) by 1863.

[13] On June 30, 1863, John Buford's Union cavalry camped 400 yd (370 m) east of the ridge prior to the Battle of Gettysburg.

[15] After the Union forces retreated to Seminary Ridge, 2 companies of the 55th Virginia Infantry Regiment attacked the "large barn in which many of the Yankees took refuge.

"[23] In 1887, Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association Director Edward McPherson acted as the agent for Samuel A. Whitney,[24] who sold 17 acres (6.9 ha) on the ridge for a GBMA avenue,[23] and the 1887 "Iron Platt Truss Bridge" over the railway cut was built by the Gilbert and Smith Foundry for the "First Day's Avenue".