Base Ball’s Early Days

As seen in the 2026 Destination Gettysburg Getaway Guide

Gettysburg National 19th Century Base Ball Festival

One July weekend every summer, Gettysburg comes to life with the crack of a wooden bat and the cheers of onlookers transported back to the 19th century.

It’s all due to the Annual Gettysburg National 19th Century Base Ball Festival, bringing together clubs from across the country who play the game as it was known during the Civil War, when it was spelled base ball, played barehanded, and governed by a very different set of rules.

Teams arrive in period uniforms and compete with an emphasis on sportsmanship, skill, and historical accuracy. There are no gloves, no helmets, and no modern trappings—just grass fields, vintage equipment, and a pace of play that invites spectators to linger and watch the game unfold.

Seeing base ball played this way offers a rare window into everyday life at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg. It’s easy to imagine soldiers, townspeople, and visitors gathering for recreation during moments of respite, connecting the game directly to the era that shaped the nation.

For visitors, the tournament is equal parts history lesson and summer entertainment. Bring a chair, pack a picnic, and settle in for an experience that’s as educational as it is enjoyable. It’s a uniquely Gettysburg way to spend a weekend and a reminder that even in historic places, play always matters.

More from the source: https://www.gettysburgbaseballfestival.com/

Where you’ll find it:

965 Pumping Station Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325

From downtown Gettysburg, follow Business Route 15 south, Turn onto Millerstown Road which becomes Pumping Station Road, and continue a few miles to the open field where the games are played.

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