Gettysburg National Battlefield Provides Historical Perspective - Pennsylvania
Civil War sites have always been a popular destination for history buffs. Perhaps no place in the United States captures the legacy of that conflict and embodies the ongoing American quest for equality as well as the National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The expansive national park consists of 6000 acres of rolling hills, farmland and more than 1300 monuments located all around the site.
The excellent facilities available in this small town of 8,000 residents include an impressive visitor center and museum, guided tours, both modern and historic lodging options, and nearby recreation and entertainment opportunities. Families with adolescent children, retirees and young couples can all enjoy a two-day visit to this destination.
It is difficult for people today to conceive of the scope and impact of the battle which took place here. After General Robert E. Lee decided to invade the North in an effort to turn the tide of the war in favor of the South, an estimated 160,000 troops from the Union and Confederate armies converged on the town from all different directions in the summer heat on July 1, 1863. Three days later, after more than 50,000 soldiers were killed and wounded on both sides in fierce fighting, the Confederate army was forced to retreat to Virginia. Coupled with General Grant's capture of Vicksburg the same week, the North regained the initiative and won the war 20 months later. It also led President Lincoln to visit the site in November 1863 and stir the nation with his Gettysburg Address.
Battlefield Sites to Visit
There are numerous places to visit on the battlefield to experience the seesaw nature of the battle. Some of the key stops include the following:
Museum and Visitor’s Center - The Museum and Visitor’s Center is a great place to get oriented and is worth exploring for 2 hours or more. There is an excellent 20-minute film entitled “A New Birth of Freedom” which explains the background of the encounter and its place in the Civil War. The museum also contains numerous exhibits showing the weapons, people, and stories of the battle. There is also a huge cyclorama painting with sound and light effects displaying Pickett's Charge and the desperate efforts of Union soldiers to repulse that final attack. Other facilities available at the Visitor’s Center are guided bus tours and small group tours, a cafeteria, bathroom facilities and a bookstore. The full museum experience costs about $15 for adults, $10 for youth and is free for younger children.
Round Top and Devil's Den - This popular spot on the battlefield is located south of town and can be reached from the Emmitsburg Road or the Taneytown Road. The hills known as Round Top and Little Round Top secured the southern flank of the Union's position. From that position, Union troops from several states dodged sharpshooters firing up from the rocks of Devil's Den below and fought off numerous attacks.
Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Ridge - Seminary Ridge is a ridge to the west of the Emmitsburg Road where the Confederates established a 5-mile-long line of cannons and troops. Throughout the 3-day battle, these soldiers ranged out across the grassland to attack Union troop positions to the east. The Confederate’s decision to bombard the center of the Union's positions opposite them on Cemetery Ridge and then launch Pickett's Charge with an estimated 12,000 infantry and cavalry almost succeeded. However, today it is generally regarded as a military blunder that ultimately sapped the determination of the South to continue the battle. Visitors looking out today from the ceremonial cannons and statues at either side of this divide can envision the terrible experience of the soldiers on both sides during that encounter.
Culps Hill - This position at the northern end of the Union line on a small hill southeast of the town was another critical area. The defense of this position over the entire 3-day battle is regarded by military experts as critical to the result as well.
Monuments - There are monuments both large and small throughout the National Park commemorating regiments from various states of the North and South, as well as statues of the leading generals who commanded troops there. Some monuments such as the huge Pennsylvania Monument list hundreds of names of people from small towns across the United States who died on site. Many of the dead were initially buried in mass graves, but in later years a cemetery was built for Union troops and Confederate families could disinter identifiable family members for reburial. For more than 150 years, people have continued to visit the site seeking out information about long distant relatives reported to have been among the more than 25,000 soldiers who died.
Other Things to Do in Gettysburg
Like any large tourist attraction, Gettysburg also offers plenty of activities for families and visitors to enjoy. Hiking and biking around the battlefield are popular. Other attractions range from an interactive museum known as the Gettysburg Heritage Center to a kid’s zoo known as the Land of Little Horses and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Several activities feature "The Ghosts of Gettysburg." Considering the numerous deaths which took place here, legends abound about unusual sightings and noises out on the battlefield or wandering ghosts in the historic buildings in town which served as hospitals during the battle. The town center is quite pleasant with some historic buildings that were visited by Lincoln and others which serve as restaurants. Gettysburg College occupies most of the area north of the town and is highly regarded for its liberal arts education and beautiful campus.
How to Get Here - Gettysburg is close to several major airports such as Baltimore/Washington International Airport (80 minutes), Dulles Airport in northern Virginia (90 minutes) and Philadelphia (2 hours and 20 minutes). The main routes leading to the town are Route 15 which runs north from Frederick, Maryland or south from Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Route 30 running west from Lancaster or Philadelphia.
Where to Stay - There are many moderately priced national hotel chains with properties in Gettysburg. The Hilton Garden has the broadest range of facilities for large gatherings and the Wyndham Hotel is also popular. The local Quality Inn is located close to the middle of the battlefield and offers a budget stay that families will enjoy. In the center of town, there are several small inns and attractive bed and breakfast alternatives.