Finding Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln Statues in Gettysburg

By Austin Poulson

President Abraham Lincoln spent less than 24 hours in Gettysburg, but his brief visit left a lasting mark on the town and the country.

More than 160 years after he delivered the Gettysburg Address, reminders of the 16th president can be found throughout Gettysburg. From downtown and the battlefield to Gettysburg National Cemetery and Gettysburg College, statues and memorials offer different ways to explore Lincoln’s visit, words and legacy.

Some mark places Lincoln actually visited in November 1863. Others commemorate the Gettysburg Address or reflect on his larger legacy as president. Together, they offer another way to follow Lincoln’s story through Gettysburg.

Here are six Lincoln statues and memorials to look for during your next visit.

“Return Visit” at Lincoln Square: Lincoln Meets the Modern Visitor

One of Gettysburg’s most recognizable Lincoln statues sits in the heart of downtown beside the David Wills House.

“Return Visit” depicts Lincoln alongside a modern-day visitor holding a copy of the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln gestures toward the David Wills House, where he stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.

Sculpted by J. Seward Johnson Jr., the life-sized statue places Lincoln at street level alongside today’s visitors, making it a popular photo stop and a fitting place to begin exploring his journey through Gettysburg.

Lincoln Bust at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station

Just a short walk from Lincoln Square, head behind the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station to find another tribute to the 16th president.

The location is especially meaningful because Lincoln arrived at the station on November 18, 1863, before making his way to the David Wills House. He returned to the station the following day when he departed Gettysburg after delivering the Gettysburg Address.

This bust can be easy to miss, but its location marks an important beginning and ending point in Lincoln’s brief visit to Gettysburg.

Take a Seat Beside Lincoln at the Museum & Visitor Center

Before heading onto the battlefield, take a seat next to Lincoln at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.

Located outside the Visitor Center, the statue depicts Lincoln seated on a bench and has become a popular photo opportunity. It’s a fun way to encounter Lincoln before exploring more of Gettysburg’s Civil War history, including the battlefield, National Cemetery and Gettysburg Address.

Don’t forget your camera. This is one Lincoln statue where visitors are encouraged to become part of the scene.

Find Lincoln at the Pennsylvania State Memorial

While exploring the Gettysburg battlefield, look closely at the Pennsylvania State Memorial and you’ll find Lincoln there as well.

President Lincoln is one of eight bronze figures positioned around the memorial alongside Pennsylvania military and political leaders from the Civil War era. Lincoln’s statue was sculpted by J. Otto Schweizer and installed in 1913.

With thousands of Pennsylvania soldiers’ names displayed throughout the monument, Lincoln’s presence connects the sacrifices commemorated there with the broader national story of the Civil War.

Lincoln Address Memorial at Gettysburg National Cemetery

Continue Lincoln’s story at Gettysburg National Cemetery, where you’ll find the Lincoln Address Memorial.

The memorial features a bronze bust of Lincoln alongside tablets displaying the Gettysburg Address and the invitation asking the president to participate in the dedication of the cemetery.

Dedicated in 1912, the memorial commemorates Lincoln’s words and offers visitors a place to reflect on the Gettysburg Address within the landscape where he delivered it in 1863.

“The Great Emancipator” at Gettysburg College

Outside Stevens Hall on the campus of Gettysburg College, a bronze statue depicts President Lincoln seated and signing the Emancipation Proclamation.

The statue connects Lincoln’s legacy with a campus and community that experienced the Civil War firsthand.

Its peaceful campus setting makes this stop feel different from the Lincoln statues and memorials found throughout downtown Gettysburg and the battlefield.

Find Lincoln Throughout Gettysburg

More than 160 years after Abraham Lincoln’s historic visit, reminders of his time in Gettysburg and his larger legacy can still be found throughout the community.

From Lincoln Square and the railroad station to the battlefield, National Cemetery and Gettysburg College, these statues and memorials offer another way to explore Lincoln’s connection to Gettysburg.

Want to follow the journey behind the statues? Trace Abraham Lincoln’s historic November 1863 visit from the railroad station to the David Wills House, Gettysburg National Cemetery and beyond in our guide to following Lincoln’s footsteps through Gettysburg.

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