Exploring Gettysburg
One thing comes to mind when mentioning Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: the Civil War battle and Lincoln’s most famous speech. It is a town steeped in history and brimming with stories from the past. It is the site of one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War.
My first trip to Gettysburg was more than just a history lesson; it was an immersive experience that brought history to life while offering the comforts and attractions of a modern town. My thanks to Destination Gettysburg for sponsoring my visit.
The Battlefield
Gettysburg National Military Park, the hallowed ground where the Battle of Gettysburg raged over three tumultuous days in July 1863, is a place of immense historical significance. The park, a vast expanse of preserved battlefields, monuments, and markers, tells the story of this crucial conflict. While visitors can drive or walk the grounds, I recommend a guided tour to grasp the scale and impact of the battle and the significance of the memorials.
The museum and visitor center provide an in-depth look at the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath through exhibits, artifacts, and the impressive Cyclorama painting. Cycloramas are a unique style of painting that originated in Europe in the 18th century. The “Battle of Gettysburg” is a 360-degree painting, 42 feet tall and 377 feet long.
Only two cyclorama paintings survive in the U.S., in Gettysburg and Atlanta. In the early 1900s, this was one way that people could experience these Civil War battles.
The Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, is a solemn place that honors the soldiers who gave their lives during the Civil War. There is a caveat regarding the address location. The actual location is not known. It is believed to have been given on the grounds of the Evergreen Cemetery, now separated from the National Cemetery by a fence. See this video from the American Battlefield Trust for more information.
Two Concurrent battles
For a bit of Civil War historical context: the Battle of Gettysburg occurred over three days in 1863, July 1-3. It ended the Confederacy’s last major invasion of the North. The battle of Vicksburg occurred over 47 days in 1863, from May 18 to July 4. The Confederate loss at Vicksburg opened a way for the Union army to control the Mississippi River, cutting the Confederacy in half. The Confederates would not surrender at Appomattox until April 9, 1965, nearly two years after the battles ended in Pennsylvania and Mississippi.
The Town
Small-town Gettysburg offers historical significance, natural beauty, and charm. Its small downtown area has shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. I had lunch at the Dobbin House Tavern, one of the many restaurants in the area. The Dobbin House Tavern, built in 1776, was there when Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, and it served as an Underground Railroad station. Today, it is a living monument, inviting you to enjoy a good meal in its historic walls.
Presidential History in Gettysburg, Eisenhower National Historic Site
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s personal history with Gettysburg intertwined his military career, personal life, and post-presidential years.
Eisenhower first encountered Gettysburg in 1915 as a young Army officer. He served at Camp Colt, a World War I tank training center on the Gettysburg battlefield. As the camp’s commander, he trained soldiers in tank warfare, a responsibility that tested and honed his leadership skills. His early experience in Gettysburg left a lasting impression on Eisenhower.
In 1950, Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, purchased the 189-acre farm adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield before he took on the reins at NATO. The Eisenhower Farm served as their first and only permanent home. The farmhouse provided a peaceful retreat where Eisenhower could unwind and pursue his passion for farming and raising cattle.
During his presidency (1953-1961), Eisenhower frequently used the Gettysburg farm as a weekend retreat and a venue for hosting world leaders and dignitaries. The farm’s informal, rustic setting facilitated candid discussions and fostered diplomatic relationships. Notable visitors included British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, among others.
After leaving the White House in 1961, Eisenhower retired to the Gettysburg farm. The tranquil surroundings provided a perfect backdrop for writing his memoirs, hosting engagements, and working on his hobby, painting. Visitors will see several of his paintings in the house.
The Eisenhower National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service, preserves the farm and offers visitors a glimpse into the personal life of one of America’s presidents.
Walking through Lincoln’s journey in Gettysburg
A downtown walking tour of Gettysburg with Ted Hirt, with Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides, offers a deep dive into a singular moment in time for President Lincoln. We began at the railroad station, where Lincoln arrived the evening before his famous address. Lincoln stayed at the David Wills House off the main square. You can have your picture with the president just outside the home on Lincoln Square. The Wills’ house is meticulously restored, featuring exhibits detailing Lincoln’s visit and the significance of his speech.
There is more than just Lincoln’s legacy to learn in Gettysburg—Thaddeus Stevens, a Representative from Pennsylvania, where he lived and practiced law before beginning his interest in politics. He also invested in real estate and iron furnaces around Gettysburg. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who worked with President Lincoln and took issue with Reconstruction in the South under President Johnson. You can learn much more at the Thadeus Stevens Society in Gettysburg. We visited the Thaddeus Stevens Society Museum. It is located just across the street from where Stevens lived in Gettysburg.
A walking tour offers a poignant journey through history, connecting visitors with Lincoln’s legacy and the enduring impact of his address.
Remembering the past
November 19 is Dedication Day in Gettysburg. It is the day the National Cemetery was consecrated in 1863 and the day of the Gettysburg Address. While in Gettysburg, I learned another fact about presidential history. President and Mrs. Kennedy visited Gettysburg in March 1963. Together, they visited the Eternal Flame Memorial, dedicated in 1938 to commemorate the 1913 Reunion of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle. It is thought that this is where Jackie got the idea for the eternal flame on President Kennedy’s grave in Arlington Cemetery.
Gettysburg is not unlike Vicksburg. The memorials serve as a remembrance to the souls who gave their all for a fight larger than themselves. Visitors won’t forget Gettysburg, and they shouldn’t; it’s the story of a nation’s fragility. Remember, history has a funny way of repeating itself.
