Category: History and Heritage

My Gettysburg Address

November 13, 2019

On Nov. 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered 272 words that not only helped dedicate Gettysburg’s Soldiers’ National Cemetery, but gave a sense of hope and reunification to a town and nation that had been raged by war. His words still resonate 156 years later.

In remembrance of this pivotal moment in history, we asked our visitors – what do the words of the Gettysburg Address mean to you? We received submissions from people from all over the country and of all different ages. Here are ten inspiring entries. Let us know in the comments – what does the Gettysburg Address mean ... Read This Story

Once In A Lifetime Experiences In Gettysburg

August 29, 2019

Maybe you’ve been to Gettysburg a dozen times, and you’re looking for new experiences. Or maybe you’ve never been here, and you’re ready to make it one of your new favorite destinations. Either way, check out this list of once in a lifetime experiences you can have in Gettysburg and get ready for an epic trip!

Made it to Gettysburg for our anniversary ... Read This Story

Gettysburg’s Historic Home Tours

August 14, 2019

If walls could talk, there are many homes in Gettysburg that would have captivating stories to tell. Thankfully, those stories from the past are being kept alive through the many historic home tours in the Gettysburg area. When you’re looking to dive deeper into Gettysburg’s history, here are 10 historic home tours to check out!

Note: Many of these historic home tours have hours that change seasonally. Be sure to check with the location on seasonal hours before visiting.

10 Experiences To Have This Summer In Gettysburg

June 20, 2019

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is best known for its Civil War history, but the town and surrounding countryside are filled with a variety of authentic, unique experiences. From orchard-covered hills and tasty craft beverages to gorgeous sunsets and epic festivals, Adams County is a place you must experience this summer.

Make this summer the summer of new experiences. Use our list below to create your own Gettysburg summer bucket-list, and let us know which experiences you include in your summer plans!

Your Guide to Visiting Eisenhower National Historic Site

May 30, 2019

Just beyond the Gettysburg Battlefield lies a 189-acre cattle farm that may look like many other Adams County farms, but its history is quite different. The man who purchased it in 1955 and restored the property to a better state than he had found it is none other than Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States. Today, you can step out of Gettysburg’s 1863 story and into the 20th century to learn about Ike, Mamie and their lives together in Gettysburg and beyond.

Take a look at our list below of frequently asked questions regarding visiting Eisenhower National Historic ... Read This Story

10 Ways To Tour The Gettysburg Battlefield

April 24, 2019

Rightfully so, touring Gettysburg National Military Park is high on the to-do list of most people traveling to Gettysburg, Pa. The 6,000 acre Civil War military park is steeped in history and holds the stories and legacies of the thousands of soldiers who fought here during the Battle of Gettysburg. Because there is so much history to discover, and so many ways in which to discover it, we’ve broken down the options of touring the battlefield for you.

Whether you’ve never toured the Gettysburg battlefield and need a place to start, or if you’ve toured it many times and are just ... Read This Story

11 Experiences To Have This Spring In Gettysburg

March 21, 2019

Spring is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited about it being one of the most wonderful times of the year to experience Gettysburg and Adams County! The start of a new season is the perfect time to make plans to get out and experience something new, so we welcome you to the beautiful sights, sounds and experiences of Gettysburg this spring.

Take a breath of that fresh spring air, grab a notebook and start planning your way through these ten inspiring experiences to add to your bucket list!

If you have not witnessed the Adams County countryside ... Read This Story

Things to Do for Under $20 in Gettysburg

January 30, 2019

We know that vacations can get expensive. After adding up all the costs, something that is supposed to be relaxing can turn into a stressor. The good news is, you don’t have to break your budget to vacation in Gettysburg. From history to the paranormal and family-friendly attractions to a trail of adult beverages, we’ve compiled a list of things to do for under $20 (per person) in Gettysburg!

We have museums for all ages and interests here in Gettysburg – and the good news is that they won’t break the bank! Many people like to begin their trip with a ... Read This Story

Take a Walk in President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Footsteps

October 25, 2018

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a 272-word speech to dedicate a new National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the site of the three day Battle of Gettysburg. Although both his time in Gettysburg and the speech that he made were brief, his words have echoed throughout history and his Gettysburg Address has become one of the most recognized and well-known speeches in American history. Today, you can not only witness Lincoln’s impact throughout the town of Gettysburg, you can actually walk in his footsteps. Check out these five locations to walk in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg footsteps!

Road Cycling in Adams County

September 20, 2018

If you are into road cycling and haven’t been to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to ride – here is your invitation. The area offers not only incredible historical experiences and exciting culinary and craft beverage scenes, it also boasts some fantastic road cycling opportunities. Aside from the very bikeable Gettysburg National Military Park, there are endless country roads surrounding the town of Gettysburg that provide stunning scenery and fun cycling. While the route possibilities are seemingly endless, here are three routes to get you inspired for your Gettysburg road cycling adventure. Each route below includes a map, cue sheet, description of the ... Read This Story

Walk in General Eisenhower’s Footsteps – 5 Spots to Visit in Gettysburg

September 13, 2018

General Dwight D. Eisenhower was a resident of Gettysburg not only during his later years, but also early in his military career as the commander of Camp Colt, a tank training camp on the fields of Pickett’s Charge, during World War I. During both of those experiences, Eisenhower could be found throughout the town and the battlefields in service of his country as well as his family. The homes where he lived, buildings where he worked and battlefields he lead through can all be seen today across the town. Lace up your boots and visit these 5 places where you ... Read This Story

Which Gettysburg Civil War General are you?

June 21, 2018

When listening to Licensed Battlefield Guides and rangers talk about Civil War generals that fought in the Battle of Gettysburg or seeing their pictures in museums, it’s easy to forget that these generals were real people with normal lives before the Civil War. In fact, they might have been a lot like you. Their distinctive personalities guided them as they made tough calls during the three-day battle that took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Are you goal-oriented like General Robert E. Lee, strong and opinionated like General James Longstreet, or perhaps you’re short-tempered and brazen like General Daniel E. Sickles. Take this quiz ... Read This Story

Where to Find Living History in Gettysburg

May 24, 2018

One of the best ways to experience history is to watch it come alive right in front of you. Living historians, encampments and presentations are found throughout Gettysburg starting in spring and usually ending late fall. Dedicated re-enactors embody famous generals, common soldiers and civilians who will engage with spectators giving them a deeper understanding of history. We’ve put together a list of living history hot spots where there’s a good chance you’ll find your favorite Civil War general leading drills or a platoon winding down after a days battle in an encampment.

Gettysburg National Military Park hosts ... Read This Story

The Irish Gettysburg: Whiskey, the Wheatfield and the Wolfhound

March 8, 2018

Irish pride is everywhere in Gettysburg, including the hallowed grounds of the Civil War battlefield where the famous Irish Brigade heroically charged across the Wheatfield and secured the Union line on July 2, 1863.

Tucked into the woods along Gettysburg National Military Park’s Sickle’s Avenue stands tall a Celtic cross, shadowing the Irish Wolfhound. The monument represents the valor of five regiments who, battered and beaten from engagements months prior in Antietam and Fredericksburg, triumphantly secured the Union line as part of Sickle’s army who just hours earlier pushed west toward Emmitsburg Road.

The story of the Irish Brigade is among the ... Read This Story

How well do you know Gettysburg’s women’s history?

February 28, 2018

The women of Gettysburg endured quite a few hardships during the summer of 1863 and for quite a few months following. With the men off to war, the women of Gettysburg pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and began putting their town back together. It is during the month of March we recognize the contributions of women to society and history, and without the women in Gettysburg, who knows what would have become of the town. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of women in Adams County throughout history. Good luck and don’t forget to share your results with ... Read This Story

How well do you know Gettysburg’s Civil War history?

January 17, 2018

In the past 155 years, millions of visitors have walked the battlegrounds at Gettysburg, learning details and stories about the epic Civil War battle and reflecting on the poignant time in American history. Over that same time, thousands of books have been written, millions of artifacts have been archived and diary passages have been recited throughout the country – all in an effort to better understand this war.

So, we decided to put you to the test. Below are 15 trivia questions about the Battle of Gettysburg and the events that followed to test your knowledge about this momentous period in ... Read This Story

Don’t Miss these 10 Sunset Views in Gettysburg

November 2, 2017

Anyone who has been to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will tell you that the sunsets here are sensational. They beautifully signify the end to a wonderful day of exploration and learning for visitors and locals alike. The biggest question then is, where to spend your evenings catching sight of this wonder while in our historic town? Not to worry – we have ten great spots for you to add to your list next time you are in Gettysburg.

Whether it be from ground level or atop the observation tower, viewing sunsets across the first day’s battlefield won’t disappoint. As the northern most ... Read This Story

Seven Secrets of the Gettysburg Battlefield

September 29, 2017

By Carl Whitehill – In my 10 years in Gettysburg, I’ve met some amazing folks – visitors, locals and Civil War experts alike – that astound me with their depth of knowledge about the Gettysburg National Military Park. I’ve even picked up an amazing amount of information in my travels around this great town and yet pick up new stories, new insight about this turning point in American history each time I take a tour or sit down and talk with a knowledgeable and passionate history buff. At the same time, it’s all-too-often that we drive through the battlefield, eyes ... Read This Story

Historic Dining in Gettysburg

September 8, 2017

The history of Gettysburg is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws to the area. It can be experienced through an up-close and personal tour of the battlefield or a stroll through a museum. However, it can also be experienced through the palate. If you are looking to expand your historical experience in Gettysburg, beyond the battlefield, be sure to check out these Gettysburg area restaurants that offer historic dining experiences, historic food options and a general history-rich atmosphere.

Step inside the Dobbin House Tavern, one of Gettysburg’s oldest and most historic structures. The colonial-era restaurant has humble beginnings as ... Read This Story

Homeschool Field Trip to Gettysburg: 7 Spots You Don’t Want to Miss

August 24, 2017

It’s that time of year again when school starts up for children around the country, including the estimated 1.5 million homeschool students that not only get their first glimpses of their curriculum and homework assignments, but to plan field trips that bring their studies to life.

Gettysburg and the surrounding countryside is an amazing outdoor classroom. With the iconic Civil War battlefield, hands-on museums and tours, as well as a unique farming community, homeschool field trips to the region are an amazing way to learn about a variety of subjects.

As always, it’s hard to narrow down our favorites, but we’ve selected ... Read This Story

Fifteen Places Every History Buff Should Visit in Gettysburg

August 3, 2017

History is certainly everywhere in Gettysburg – through the streets, inside the buildings around town and out into the farm fields where war broke out more than 154 years ago. As one of the most visited historic destinations in America, Gettysburg attracts visitors from around the world to learn, to reflect and to remember those tragic three days in 1863.

But Gettysburg’s history doesn’t begin or end with the American Civil War. Today, the town remembers history of several eras – some that pre-date the epic battle, and others more modern.

At the same time, history buffs clamor to learn more, to ... Read This Story

Top Patriotic Experiences in Gettysburg

June 29, 2017

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has often been described as one of the most patriotic places in the country. Throughout the year, there are attractions and events that celebrate and commemorate Gettysburg’s – and America’s – rich history. Patriotism is the pride and devotion to one’s country and Gettysburg gives visitors ample opportunities to feel just that. Here’s a list of places and events you can visit if you’re feeling patriotic in your travels to Gettysburg.

The biggest draw to Gettysburg is the history and Gettysburg National Military Park is the heart of that rich history. Walk the same paths that ... Read This Story

All Aboard in Gettysburg, Pa.

August 12, 2016

By Paige Neidig – The history of Gettysburg, Pa., runs deep through the town. Also running through this small historic town is a distinguished railroad story, dating back to just a few years prior to the epic Civil War battle that stormed Gettysburg in 1863.

Much of Abraham Lincoln’s story, in fact, centers around the railroad and his journey to deliver the Gettysburg Address. And while the tale of the 16th president writing the speech on the back on an envelope on the way to Gettysburg is not true, his train ride and arrival in Gettysburg to the sights and sounds ... Read This Story

Experience the Natural Side of Gettysburg’s Battlefield

August 5, 2016

By Jessica Clevenger – Gettysburg, rightfully so, is known for its rich history. More than one million people visit and revisit Gettysburg each year to hear the stories of the people, to take in the battlefield and to learn about what life was like for soldiers and civilians during and after that pivotal Civil War battle in July of 1863. History is and always will be a tremendous part of Gettysburg’s story, but there’s an often overlooked aspect of the battlefield that’s just as intriguing: its natural landscape.

When you visit Gettysburg’s battlefield, you are visiting 5,989 acres of preserved land. The ... Read This Story

Christmas with Gettysburg’s First Family

December 17, 2015

By Carl Whitehill – In many ways, the Gettysburg home of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower isn’t much different than that of you and I. The Eisenhowers were known to be rather modest with their home, even as the 34th President and family celebrated the holiday season every year.

Staff at the Eisenhower National Historic Site (ENHS) let us in on a few of the holiday traditions of Gettysburg’s first family – from the decorations to the guests that would visit the presidential retreat during the season.

Even though the Eisenhower couple planned to spend their first Christmas holiday in 1955, Ike was ... Read This Story

Seven Haunted Restaurants You Need to Visit in Gettysburg

October 30, 2015

By Mary Bigham, Dish-Works.com – When you grow up in a town that is rumored to be full of ghosts, you’re not always hunting for the paranormal … but sometimes things happen that just can’t be explained.

A few of my friends have shared stories with me about “visions on the battlefield” or have told me about things being amiss in their childhood homes. One of my favorite stories (food-related, of course) is about a ghost named Gus. Supposedly, the former county jail cook, who worked there many years ago, haunts the attic of a close friend’s home, and he still enjoys cooking ... Read This Story

5 Fascinating Artifacts Found In Gettysburg

July 28, 2015

By Cory Runk – Have you ever wondered if Gettysburg houses artifacts that can’t be seen anywhere else? Artifacts so interesting that it gives you chills just listening to the story behind it? Historical items which the likes of President Lincoln, President Eisenhower, Thaddeus Stevens and many others have owned or used in their everyday life are located in Gettysburg – have you seen them?

I, too was wondering the same thing and decided to explore the town this summer to search for artifacts that can only be found here. Gettysburg is a treasure trove of interesting relics and with over 200 years of ... Read This Story