Gettysburg Travel Review
Did you know: More than 3,000 horses were killed at Gettysburg. There are over 830 monuments and 400 guns located at the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Did you know: The monument of the 20th Massachusetts Infantry consists of a huge boulder that stood in a playground in Mass. where many of the unit's soldiers played as children.
Gettysburg History
When the smoke cleared on July 3, 1863, the largest battle on the North American continent had been fought and the Union had been saved. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1-3, 1863 in what was then a small crossroads town in south-central Pennsylvania and it was a major turning point in the Civil War. The Civil War began as a rebellion between southern landowners and independent-minded farmers who felt it their right- their heritage- and a necessity to own and sell slaves. It had been their way of life for decades and southerners felt it was something worth fighting for. Most people in the North were ambivalent about slavery, but generally against it- with a small minority (abolitionists) feeling it their duty to stamp out slavery wherever it existed- even if it meant killing innocent people and destroying property. Thus began the most divisive chapter in U.S. history and one which is continually being re-written as scholars delve more deeply into the roots of the conflict and the many repercussions it caused. More Gettysburg History... Gettysburg Historic Restaurants
Gettysburg is filled with ghosts- and you might even find one if you stay or dine at the Farnsworth House and Tavern on Baltimore Street. The Farnsworth House has excellent "period" foodwith superb game pie, pumpkin fritters and cold beer and wine served in the Tavern- where you just might talk strategy with a Union general (common there during the early days of July and also around November 19th each year, the date of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address). The Dobbin House just down Baltimore Street offers fine dining in an historic atmosphere. Outside of town is the Cashtown Inn, where Robert E. Lee passed on his way to Gettysburg.Gettysburg Attractions
A great place to visit is the Gettysburg Visitor's Center- which has undergone a major renovation and is now world class. There is an excellent walking review of the civil war and the Gettysburg battle with interactive displays, films and artifacts. The new Cyclorama is exceptional and has been restored and presented in a diorama format within the new visitor center. The Visitor’s Center has a wealth of Gettysburg and general Civil War memorabilia, including an astonishing collection of guns, rifles, bullets, uniforms and many other items from the period. The Cyclorama was the home of the most famous painting of the Gettysburg battlefield, done by Paul Philippoteaux, portrayed in the 360-degree style popular in the late 1800's. The painting is remarkable in that it is an accurate view of the entire battlefield and depicts the conflict as it raged on July 3, highlighting Pickett's Charge and many other scenes around the area. Both are highly recommended!.
Civil War enthusiasts- and anyone with a strong interest in U.S. history- will find the Gettysburg battlefield a fascinating place to visit. The battlefield is perhaps the best marked and most visited battlefield in the United States and offers remarkable views, commentary and insights into the spot where many historians feel the Union was saved and the turning point of the Civil War was reached. There are literally thousands of cannons, markers, monuments and historical plaques located around the battlefield and there are also numerous vendors of Gettysburg and Civil War memorabilia located all around the town. Anyone wishing to take home a piece of Civil War history can indulge themselves in an almost endless variety of artifacts, maps, books, CD's, videos and other related items which will help them re-live the Battle. Ghost Tours offer young and old a chance to walk in the footsteps of the many soldiers, townspeople and other persons involved in the interesting and colorful history of this small town. Students of Presidential history will also find the Eisenhower House- the only home President Dwight Eisenhower ever owned and where he retired- outside of town to be an interesting and worthwhile visit.
A walking or driving tour is highly recommended to those wishing to know the Battle of Gettysburg in its entirety. There are also several small towns within a short drive which offer glimpses of the period when North fought South, brother fought brother and our country almost collapsed, but was finally saved. A large number of fine bed and breakfast (B&B) inns are located in the Gettysburg area, including several in and around the battlefield itself. For those interested in battle re-enactments, July 1-3 each year offers a chance to see the Gettysburg Battle as it was fought and currently re-lived by Civil War enthusiasts. During the middle of November, there is a reenactment of the Gettysburg Address with other interesting activities including a parade.
We highly recommend a visit to Gettysburg for anyone who is a serious student of U.S. or military history and we hope that you'll stop in the Farnsworth House Tavern for a drink and a chat with one of the many ghosts on either side. More Gettysburg Attractions...