The community of Sisters of Charity was founded in this valley on July 31, 1809, by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. The Sisters served the citizens of Emmitsburg and the environs both spiritually and physically. They soon answered the call of the Bishops of the United States throughout the country and established the first parochial schools, orphanages and hospitals. Prior to the Battle of Gettysburg, the Armies of the North and of the South encamped on these grounds within hour of each other. After this infamous battle, the Sisters nursed the wounded soldiers in Gettysburg and thirty other establishments throughout the war ravaged country.