Pennsylvania: Gettysburg National Military Park

May 14, 2019
USA (N)
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Gettysburg located in rural Pennsylvania probably would have remained a sleepy little town but for the American Civil War and the battle that took place there on July 1 to 3 1863. Here the Confederate and Union forces fought a fierce battle that resulted in the highest losses of any conflict in the Civil War. Between 46,000 and 51,000 soldiers on both sides sadly lost their lives. On November 19 President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery to honor the fallen Union soldiers and redefine the purpose of the war in his historic Gettysburg Address.

As with most historic battle sites, there is not a lot left apart from open fields. This battle was a sprawling affair over several sites around the town and you can travel to each and gaze out across the field and imagine.

THE VISITOR CENTRE

For those like myself, who can’t imagine a bloody melee such as that took place at Gettysburg there is an amazing visitor centre complete with videos, memorabilia and a fantastic cyclorama. The whole area is under the management of the National Park Service and as you might expect the exhibits are of the highest quality.

THE MEMORIALS

Beyond the visitor centre, there are plenty of other sites to visit, including numerous memorials and markers.

The Pennsylvania State Memorial is by far the largest memorial at Gettysburg. Pennsylvania provided more troops than any other state at the battle, and also suffered the most casualties. The tip of the sword at the top of the dome is 110 feet above the ground. The memorial was dedicated in 1910.

Planning your visit to Gettysburg National Military Park

Address:	1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Website:	https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Telephone:	T:(717) 334-1124
Hours:	The battlefield and roads are open daily thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset. The visitor centre hours are December 1, 2021 – February 28, 2022 Open Daily from 9 am to 4 pm. March 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022 Open Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Admission Fees	No fees to enter the building. The costs for the Film, Cyclorama, and Museum Experience are: Adult (ages 13+) = $18.75 Seniors (65+), Military Veterans, AAA = $17.75 Youth (ages 6-12) = $13.75 Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel = FREE Children (5 and under) = FREE

Best time to visit Gettysburg

The best time to visit Gettysburg is from September to November or between March and May. The town’s daytime temperatures in fall and spring, which generally hover between the low 50s and high 70s, are cooler than what you’ll encounter in June, July and August (Gettysburg’s peak tourist season). As a result, hotel prices will drop and attraction crowds will thin – especially in November and March. September and October attract leaf peepers and those with an interest in the paranormal, while April and May see an influx of students in town for school field trips. Those who don’t mind rubbing elbows with hordes of tourists and paying extra for accommodations should consider visiting between June and August when outdoor concerts at local wineries and Civil War re-enactments take place

Where to stay near Gettysburg

1. THE INN AT WHITE OAK (5-STAR)

The Inn at White Oak offers accommodations in Gettysburg.

Each room at this bed and breakfast is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. All rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a hot tub. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer.

You will find a shared kitchen at the property.

Enjoy the billiards, swim in the indoor heated pool or request spa treatments at the Spa located on the property.

2. LIGHTNER FARMHOUSE B&B

This historic bed and breakfast is located a 5 minute drive from Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Battlefield Museum. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and daily hot breakfast.

Each uniquely decorated guest room at Lightner Farmhouse B&B features a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a small water cooler. Select rooms have a fireplace and views of the property’s garden.

Visitors can relax in the common room with games and TV. The Gettysburg Lightner Farmhouse has a terrace with rocking chairs and sitting areas.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site is 2 miles from the bed and breakfast. Gettysburg Ghost Tours are 3 miles away.

3. FARNSWORTH HOUSE INN

Featuring a restaurant, a bar, and a garden, Farnsworth House Inn has accommodations in Gettysburg with free WiFi and city views. The property was built in 19th century and features accommodations with a patio.

The air-conditioned bed and breakfast also provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a bathroom with shower.

Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy an American breakfast.

Popular points of interest near Farnsworth House Inn include Shriver House Museum, Gettysburg Museum of History and Jennie Wade House.