Gettysburg
Gettysburg, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, goes down in history as the battlefield in the Civil War where, despite terrible tragedy and loss of life, there was hope for the Union. In many ways, Gettysburg is where the North won the Civil War, and where Abraham Lincoln gave the Union hope that, somehow, something good was to come out of the lives lost in battle.
Understand
- See also: American Civil War
| “ | Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. | ” |
—Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863 | ||
Gettysburg is a borough and the county seat of Adams County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. However, Gettysburg is famous for the Battle of Gettysburg that was fought July 1-3, 1863. The fighting started when Union and Confederate troops converged just north of the town of Gettysburg. Three bloody days of fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The town is also the location where President Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Battlefield in the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle is remembered both for Pickett's Charge and the "high water mark of the Confederacy" (the northernmost point a major Confederate Army ever reached) as well as the turning point of the war that the failure of said charge and the overall offensive ultimately meant.
Terrain and climate
Flat meadows surrounded by rocky hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance. In the countryside north of Gettysburg is the "Fruit Belt" of Pennsylvania with thousands of acres of apple and peach orchards and vineyards.
Gettysburg has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Fall are mild and pleasant. Heavy winter storms occasionally strike the area, but these are fairly rare. Heaviest snowfall occurs during February and early March. Severe thunderstorms may occasionally hit the region, mostly in July and August.
Get in
By plane
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT IATA) is 47 miles from Gettysburg.
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI IATA) is 62 miles from Gettysburg.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD IATA) is 78 miles from Gettysburg.
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA) is 148 miles from Gettysburg.
By car
Gettysburg can be reached via US Rt 30 from Philadelphia, or via State Rt 97 from the Baltimore area. From the south, US 15 runs through the town for visitors arriving from the Washington DC region.
By train
Amtrak operates service to Harrisburg and Lancaster. Taxi service and car rentals are available to Gettysburg from there.
By bus
Rabbit Express runs buses to/from the Harrisburg Amtrak station and airport.
Get around
By car
By far the best way to see the park is with your own vehicle. Roads wind extensively throughout the battlefields, and include many places to pull off and allow visitors to walk around. Use caution when using these roads, as there may be many people walking or bicycling on these roads. The speed limit throughout the park is 15 MPH. When in your car, you may navigate by map or purchase a CD at several locations throughout Gettysburg that will orientate you to the battlefield.
By bus
Guided tours on buses [dead link] are available. There are several different types of bus tours: one is with licensed battlefield guides (Adults: $30; Children: $19) and one is with headphone narration (Adults: $26; Children: $15).
By bike
If you have the time and have an average level of fitness, bikes can be rented and can provide an enhanced experience in the park. Cycling the major sites of the July 1-3 campaign can be completed in one day and allow you to experience battle lines and topography in a much more realistic fashion than car or bus.
By horse or carriage
The battlefield features NPS horse trails where you can either bring your own horse or book a battlefield tour on horseback with Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours https://confederatetrails.com . 2 hour guided battlefield tours and town history tours by Horse-drawn carriage or on foot are also a must do when visiting Gettysburg; walking and carriage tours can be booked with Horse Tours of Gettysburg's Victorian Carriage Company Authorized by GNMP and use only Licensed Battlefield Guides.
By Segway
SegTours rents Segways and offers guided tours.
By foot
One of the best ways to tour the battlefield is by foot — either running, walking or hiking. There are 26 miles of roadway and several hiking trails, both flat and rugged.
See
- 1 Gettysburg National Military Park, 1195 Baltimore Pike, ☏ +1 717 334-1124. 6AM-10PM. Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War, and the largest land battle ever fought in North America. This National Park Service controls most of the area surrounding the small town and preserves the historic battle field. The museum and visitor center are run by the Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service at Gettysburg. The visitor center houses the museum collection as well as special exhibits from across the country and the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama, a must-see for any visit. You can also hire a very knowledgeable licensed battlefield guide here. You can also purchase tour tickets for the Eisenhower Farm. $12.50. The surrounding military park is free and open to the public.
- 2 Jennie Wade House, 548 Baltimore St, ☏ +1 717-334-4100. 9AM-5PM. The only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was 20 year old Jennie Wade, fiancée of Corporal “Jack” Skelly. The old McClellan Home, now the Jennie Wade House and Museum, with but few minor changes and repairs, remains much as Jennie Wade must have known it more than 100 years ago. The walls of the old house, which lived through the Battle of Gettysburg and witnessed the tragic death of Jennie Wade, tell the story of the building and of those in it during the Great Battle.
- 3 The Gettysburg Heritage Center, 297 Steinwehr Ave, ☏ +1 717-334-6245. Daily March—December 9am—5pm. Extended Spring & Summer hours 9am—7 pm. Last tour begins 45 minutes before closing.. Presents the entire story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable realism. Learn the causes, effects and significant personalities that shaped the Civil War and as a result, ultimately, American history. Throughout five hallways of scenes, the museum recreates history with life-sized dioramas of the Civil War. Visitors complete a self-guided museum tour that begins with the economical, social, and political causes of the war and ends with the untimely assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Following the self-guided tour, visitors enter into the internationally acclaimed, digitally enhanced Battleroom Auditorium. Amidst the sounds of thunderous battle cries and bullets, visitors will witness a life-sized recreation of the Battle of Gettysburg. Discover how a small town in rural Pennsylvania became known for one of the bloodiest battles in American history. An animated Abraham Lincoln delivering the immortal Gettysburg Address follows the battle recreation. $5.50 adults / $3 Youth (ages 6 — 17) / 5 & under FREE.
- 4 Eisenhower National Historic Site. The preserved farm home of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the edge of the battlefield. It served as Eisenhower's weekend retreat and a place to meet world leaders, then as his home after leaving office. You can visit the home only on a shuttle bus tour, which leaves from the Military Park's visitor center.
Do
- 1 Victorian Photography Studio, 76 Steinwher Ave, ☏ +1 717-318-1515. 10AM-8PM. As seen on the Real World on MTV! Get a family photograph in period dress!
- Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours (Horse Tours of Gettysburg), McMillan Woods Youth Campground (Off West Confederate Avenue, tours depart from NPS McMillan Woods Youth Campground), ☏ +1 717 4767428, Info@confederatetrails.com. 6am to 11pm Daily. Ride the Battlefield with Confederate Trails and learn important details and insights into some of the soldiers' lives. Not just your average trail ride be ready to hear the history as you ride along the trail. Learn the intricacies of the greatest Civil War Battle as you ride across the field of history. See, feel and experience Gettysburg using an authentic Civil War mode of transportation - a horse!
Your appreciation of the terrain, and it's effects on the battle will never be the same after you have ridden over it while the historic details are revealed to you.
Key points about this tour:
2 hour horseback Tour through the Gettysburg battlefield
Ride the Battlefield with a LIVE Licensed Battlefield Guide. Headsets with single ear buds provided so you don't miss a word!
You will have an out-rider(s) with you at all times to ensure your safety
All participants must weigh 250 pounds or less and everyone must be age 8 and up
8 years and up $88. - 2 Land of Little Horses Farm Park, 125 Glennwood Dr, ☏ +1 717 334-7259, info@landoflittlehorses.com. Performing animal theme park. $15.95.
Cinema and theatre
- 3 Gettysburg Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St, ☏ +1 717-337-8200. For those who need a break from the Battlefield, there the Majestic, a theater in downtown Gettysburg renovated to its original 1925 Colonial Revival glory. There is a theater for live performances, as well as a cinema which plays the highest quality art films, including American independent films, foreign language films, documentaries, short subjects, and film festival prize winners.
- 4 Gateway Theater 8, 20 Presidential Circle (US 15 & US 30 at Gateway Gettysburg), ☏ +1 717-334-5575. The state-of-the-art Gateway Theaters is one of the most technologically advanced movie theaters in the region.
Winter Recreation
- 5 Liberty Mountain Resort, 78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, ☏ +1 717 642-8282. The best skiing in the area.
Buy
- 1 Lord Nelson's Gallery, 27 1/2 Chambersburg St (one half block off of downtown Lincoln Square), ☏ +1 717-334-7950. M—Sa: 9:30AM—6PM, Su: Noon—4PM. Established in 1990, the gallery specializes in wildlife, nostalgic, Eastern Frontier/American Indian and Colonial art, sculpture, fine handcrafts and related historical books.
- 2 Gettysburg Bicycle & Fitness, 307 York St, ☏ +1 717-334-7791. Sells excellent American Bikes (Specialized, Trek, ..) in all price ranges. You will get excellent advises, perfect service and good prices. The shop also lends Bikes for tours on the battle field and organizes a yearly Mountainbike race called "Maximus" in Michaux State Forest.
- 3 Bluebrick Gallery, 18 North Washington St (1 block W of the square), ☏ +1 717-420-0103. Seven artists and friends come together to exhibit an eclectic mix of artwork in a variety of mediums.
- 4 Hollabaugh Brothers, 545 Carlisle Rd, Biglerville, PA 17307 (9 miles north of the square in Gettysburg on Rt. 34), ☏ +1 717-677-8412. M-Th: 9-6, F-Sa: 9-5, Su: 12-5. Hollabaugh Brothers is a third generation, family farm with a retail farm market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, gifts, jarred goods, home-style baked goods, and fruit gift baskets. The Hollabaugh family also provides scheduled educational orchard tours. Hollabaugh Brothers is a 500 acre working, family farm. Buses welcome, adequate free parking.
- The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg, 1863 Gettysburg Village Dr (US 15 & Baltimore St (PA 97)), ☏ +1 717 337-9705.
- 5 Gallery 30. A fine art gallery.
Eat
Restaurants abound throughout the town, from nationally known chains, to local Mom & Pop diners.
- 1 Blue and Gray Bar & Grill, 2 Baltimore St, ☏ +1 717 334-1999.
- 2 Blue Parrot Bistro, 35 Chambersburg St, ☏ +1 717 337-3739. International food in a house from the 1850s.
- 3 Ernie's Texas Lunch, 58 Chambersburg St, ☏ +1 717 334-1970. Old-time lunch counter with a few booths. Famous for their "Texas wieners" and home made soup.
- 4 Food 101, 101 Chambersburg St, ☏ +1 717 334-6080. American food including sandwiches and pizza.
- 5 General Pickett's Buffet, 571 Steinwehr Ave, ☏ +1 717 334-7580. Buffet and salad bar.
- 6 Gettysburg Eddie's, 217 Steinwehr Ave, ☏ +1 717 334-1100. American restaurant and sports bar dedicated to local baseball hall of fame member Eddie Plank. 7 televisions that show baseball games.
- 7 La Bella Italia, 402 York St, ☏ +1 717 334-1978. Italian food with a good local beer list.
- 8 Lincoln Diner, 32 Carlisle St (Just north of Lincoln Sq), ☏ +1 717 334-3900. 24 hours. Classic diner.
- 9 O'Rorkes Family Eatery, 44 Steinwehr Ave. Casual American and Irish food downtown. Huge menu and good beer selection.
- 10 Dobbin House Tavern, 89 Steinwehr Ave. Casual and fine dining. Due to its historic ambiance (Revolutionary War to Civil War) and reasonable prices, the Dobbin House is well worth visiting. For budget and casual dining with the same historical charm, there is the Springhouse Tavern room downstairs. During the battle of Gettysburg the tavern saw some action as a hospital, giving it historic significance.
- 11 Dunlap's Restaurant & Bakery, 90 Buford Ave, ☏ +1 717 334-4816. American food.
- 12 Appalachian Brewing Company, 401 Buford Ave (Seminary Ridge, across the road from the Lutheran Seminary and directly next door to General Robert E. Lee's HQ), ☏ +1 717 334-2200. Outstanding cheeseburgers and personal pizzas accentuate the wonderful selection of micro-brews.
- 13 Rita's Italian Ice, 523 Baltimore St, ☏ +1 717 338-9090. Regional chain. Italian ice and custard. Only open March to September.
Drink
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park at any time.
Bars
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- 1 Garryowen Irish Pub, 126 Chambersburg St, ☏ +1 717 337-2719. Good Irish pub with great music entertainment on special days like St. Patricks. It's traditional Irish menu is very tasty.
- 2 The Pub, 20-22 Lincoln Sq (Southeast corner of The Square), ☏ +1 717-334-7100. Monday: 8AM - 10PM Tuesday & Wednesday: 11AM - 10PM Thursday: 8AM - 10PM Friday & Saturday: 8AM - 11PM Sunday: 8AM - 9PM (Closed on Sundays December thru January - Closed on Five Major Holidays). Casual dining with an extensive menu. Plenty of vegetarian options.
Cafes
- 3 Christine's Cafe, 48 Baltimore St, ☏ +1 717 398-2056.
- 4 Johnny Como's Cupcakes & Coffee, 62 Chambersburg St, ☏ +1 717 339-0339.
- 5 Ragged Edge Roasting Company, 110 Chambesburg St, ☏ +1 717 334-4464. The Ragged Edge serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads and coffee. They offer a free wireless connection. The local products, beautiful gardens, and in house art gallery all add up to an award winning experience.
- 6 The Ugly Mug Cafe at Cockles Corner, 168 Carlisle St, ☏ +1 717 398-2011.
Sleep
Camping and backcountry
There are seven campgrounds in Gettysburg: Artillery Ridge Campground, Drummer Boy Campground, Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg KOA, Round Top Campground, Granite Hill Campground, Gettysburg Battlefield Resort (Membership)
Hiking, camping, and grilling can be done at nearby Caledonia State Park, located approximately 25 miles west of Gettysburg on US Rt 30. Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve in nearby Fairfield, Pa., has more than 600 acres and miles of trails for hiking as well.
Hotels
- 1 1863 Inn Of Gettysburg, 516 Baltimore St, ☏ +1 717 334-6211. $139.
- 2 Antrim 1844, 30 Trevanion Rd Taneytown, MD, ☏ +1 410 756-6812. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Nestled at the foot of the rolling Catoctin Mountains in Central Maryland. Built in 1844, Antrim was once a thriving plantation and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Dorothy and Richard Mollett have restored the mansion and the estate buildings on this 24-acre site. Located 15 minutes from Historic Gettysburg 160-400.
- 3 Brafferton Inn, 44 York St, ☏ +1 717 337-3423.
- 4 Bluebrick Place, 18 North Washington St (one block W of square, across from 7-eleven), ☏ +1 717 420-0103. Check-in: Su after 2PM, check-out: Su by 11AM. A weekly vacation rental for two. Modernized room with fully equipped kitchen, eating area and sleeping accommodations. $400-550/week.
- 5 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, 1857 Gettysburg Village Dr (At the intersection of Routes 97 and 15 on the site of The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg), ☏ +1 717-337-9518, cx_gett@countryinn.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12PM.
- 6 Dobbin House Tavern, 89 Steinwehr Ave, ☏ +1 717 334-2100. Includes Gettystown Inn Bed & Breakfast.
- 7 Gettysburg Hotel, One Lincoln Sq, ☏ +1 717 337-2000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. The Gettysburg Hotel has a tradition of hospitality that dates to 1797, when James Scott first opened his tavern. The hotel existed during the Battle of Gettysburg. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address at the Wills House, just steps away from the hotel. Nearly a century later, at the height of the Cold War, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower's national operations center while he recuperated from a heart attack at his nearby farm. The Gettysburg Hotel consists of 122 spacious non-smoking guest rooms and suites, each beautifully appointed with dark wood bedsteads and other elegant period furnishings. Roof top seasonal swimming pool, business center, fitness center. Restaurant Centuries on the Square and pub McClellan's Tavern are located on the premises.
- 8 Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg, 1061 York St, ☏ +1 717-334-2040.
- 9 James Gettys Hotel, 27 Chambersburg St (One half block west of downtown Lincoln Square), ☏ +1 717-337-1334. Check-in: 3PM — 8PM, check-out: 11AM. An elegant 12 room suite hotel in historic downtown Gettysburg. Every suite is individually styled and has kitchenette, bedroom and private bath. Home baked continental breakfast served in room, free on-site private parking $140-$250.
- 10 Quality Inn & Suites, 871 York Rd (Route 15 N. to York Road), ☏ +1 717-337-2400. All rooms include free continental breakfast, wireless internet, 24 hour business center, indoor pool with jacuzzi, in room irons and ironing boards, in room safes, hair dryers.
- 11 Wyndham Gettysburg, 95 Presidential Circle (US 15 & US 30 at Gateway Gettysburg), ☏ +1 717-339-0020. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12PM. Upscale hotel with fitness center, business center, 1863 Restaurant, and within walking distance of Gateway Theaters. $99 — $199.
Stay safe
Gettysburg is very safe. However, it can get very crowded during the summer, and especially on summer weekends. If large crowds are not pleasing to you, especially avoid the anniversary dates of July 1-3.
Go next
- Harrisburg - The capital of Pennsylvania.
- Hershey - Chocolate country.
- Lancaster (Pennsylvania) - Amish country.
- York (Pennsylvania) - Central Pennsylvania country.
- Baltimore - Including the National Aquarium.
- Washington, DC - The nation's capital, about an hour and a half away.
| Routes through Gettysburg |
| Pittsburgh ← Chambersburg ← | W  E |
→ York → Lancaster |