Gettysburg

For some reason, in my mind, old battlefields look and feel more nostalgic in the throes of autumn.  Crisp air, cerulean skies, warm-colored hues abounding and my mind turns to historical destinations.  So when the perfect fall weekend was predicted, I suddenly felt inspired to visit Gettysburg.  Although the Civil War is not my favorite history topic, it is a popular tourist destination and I have never in my whole life visited Gettysburg. 

My husband and son both had previously enjoyed visits here.  Since the pandemic hit our nation, I have refrained from doing any day trips, which feels like a part of me is slowly dying.  Although the thought of wearing masks while touring put a damper on my enthusiasm, I committed to packing up the girls and spending the day once again stepping back into history, whines from the girls and all.  I am happy to report it was the best decision of our fall!  By the end of the day, everyone was begging to go back again.  I was so pleasantly surprised, and I know the absolutely perfect weather contributed immensely.  The pictures were stunning, yet cannot capture the beauty as we saw it.  Everything in my world suddenly felt right again.   

Once a non-descript, sleepy agricultural town, Gettysburg has been forever immortalized after an unplanned meeting of both sides of the Civil War on that fateful day in 1863.  The main battle of Gettysburg began on July 1 and for three bloody days, Confederate and Union forces battled for control of the ridges and farmland of Gettysburg.  Ultimately, Meade and his Union forces held on to claim a victory—an important turning point in the war to end slavery and save the Union. 

Four months later President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg to take part in the dedication ceremony for the newly created Soldier’s National Cemetery where he would deliver his iconic Gettysburg address.  Just 272 words, yet this speech is considered a masterpiece of the English language and has inspired millions since its delivery. In 1895, Gettysburg officially became a National Military Park and has stirred the hearts of visitors near and far ever since. 

Today, the Park consists of the battlefields punctuated by memorials stones, wooden fences, arches, and cannons, the Soldier’s Cemetery, the Visitor’s Center and Museum which also houses the fully-restored Cyclorama and a theater which shows the film “A New Birth of Freedom.”  Previous to the COVID-19 pandemic, the David Wills House and the Gettysburg Railroad Station were open for touring.  The Eisenhower National Historic Site is situated right next to the Park and is currently open for touring the grounds for free.  Previously, the house which was the home of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower after his presidency was open by admission for tours.  Hopefully by summer and fall of 2021 these sites can safely reopen to the public.   

We started off our visit at the Museum.  I wanted to wait for the warmest temperatures of the day before spending time in the outdoor segment of the trip.  A 20-minute film helped orient and educate us at the start of the visit.  Next we browsed the exhibits of the museum galleries, an impressive 22,000 square feet housing the largest collection of Civil War and Gettysburg relics. Although interactive exhibits were closed, multi-media presentations enlivened the experience. Be sure to view the Cyclorama, a 360-degree historic painting created by Paul Philippoteaux of immense proportions enhanced by a diorama and multi-media effects. After purchasing a few items at the “Refreshment Saloon and Battlegrounds Café”, we ate lunch inside the Visitor’s Center.  Outdoor seating was also available.  For those who like to browse, there is a Museum Bookstore available.   

After lunch we headed outside to attempt to follow a driving tour of the Park.  Paper maps are available at the Visitor’s Center.  The map suggested allowing 3 hours for a vehicle tour and I would say that was about what it took us.  We got out at least four times to explore particular sites on foot, which I highly recommend.  The map was very clear and easy to follow along with signage along the route.  Traffic was light the day we went so we never felt like we were “stuck in long lines.”  Be sure to stop at the “Eternal Light Peace Memorial,” “Little Round Top,” and “Soldier’s National Cemetery” for some lovely panoramic views and interesting memorials. 

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For the kids, you can’t miss “Devil’s Den” which contains large boulders strewn amongst the grass in the shadow of “Little Round Top.”  We all enjoyed warming ourselves in the sun and leaping around like goats on the mountains. One special moment for me was finding the name of my great, great, great uncle Charles G. Liggett on the Pennsylvania State Memorial who was killed the last day of the battle when he stood up to look around from behind a rock not knowing the battle had already been won. His mother came a few days later to retrieve his body from the rain-soaked fields. It was awe-inspiring to know I had a family member sacrifice their life here.

Honestly there were an infinite amount of snap-worthy spots that were tempting to get out and indulge in that the tour could take much longer if you love to take photos.  I think we had the best day of the whole year for Gettysburg with a brilliant blue sky, peak foliage, and mild temperatures.  We just wished there were more hours in the day to really take our time.  We look forward to visiting again when the pandemic is over and everything has reopened.  We would love to take a tour on horseback or Segways, another cool option to ramp up the fun!   

When warm weather rolls around again and you notice a delightful day is forecasted, think of Gettysburg and get ready to be charmed by the sights and better informed of where our nation’s path has trod.  Even if you aren’t a Civil War buff, I promise there is plenty at Gettysburg to delight your senses without overloading and exhausting them.  Memories will abound and your family will leave refreshed!   

Admission: (for museum, cyclorama, and film…battlefields and cemetery are FREE) $15/adult, $10/children ages 6-12, FREE/children ages 0-5, discounts offered for seniors, veterans, and AAA members. 

Hours:  Visitor’s Center and Museum 9AM-4PM (Winter schedule open only Thurs. – Mon.) 

Battlefields 6AM-7PM daily (Winter schedule) 

Cemetery 7AM-Sunset year round 

David Wills House (Currently CLOSED due to COVID-19 restrictions) 

Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station (Currently CLOSED due to COVID-19 restrictions) 

Gettysburg National Military Park 

1195 Baltimore Pike 
Gettysburg, PA 17325 

(717) 334-1124 

Visit www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm for all the details!  Check out the well-produced video on their homepage that gives you an overview of what a day at the park looks like.