Category: History and Heritage

Geology of Gettysburg and impact on the battle

If you’ve traversed the rocky boulders at Devil’s Den, climbed Culp’s Hill or watched the sun set from Little Round Top, you’ve stood on geologic formations millions of years in the making.

The landscape of Gettysburg had a major influence on the Civil War battle that took place here July 1, 2 and 3, 1863, prompting scholars to study the battle from a geological perspective.

About 200 million years before the Battle of Gettysburg, tectonic plates shifted to create the Gettysburg Formation, made of sandstone, siltstone and shale, according to the National Park Service. Magma later squeezed between rock layers and cooled, ... Read This Story

Behind the Glass: How Artifacts are Prepared for Display in Gettysburg

There’s a small army working behind the scenes at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.

Up to a dozen people prepare each artifact for display in the 1,000-plus piece collection that tells the story of Gettysburg’s epic Civil War battle. A stroll through the exhibits takes visitors on a journey back to 1863.

Artifacts come to the museum through archaeological efforts and donations from the public, according to museum curator Greg Goodell. Several steps are required before a historic object makes it to the exhibit before the visitor’s eyes.

Artifact conservators conduct conservation treatments. Depending on the piece, reversible varnish and ... Read This Story

Gettysburg’s Black History Featured at Local Museums

Books about Gettysburg’s history fill sections of libraries and bookstores. Just about every nuance of the fighting that took place during three days in July of 1863 has been carefully studied, mapped, curated, and presented by historians of world renown to weekend history buffs.

Still, there are other parts of local history that have been overlooked or underappreciated.

For generations of Gettysburg’s Black residents, maintaining and sharing the memories and stories of their people became the responsibility of family historians. Without their tenacious quest to keep those stories alive, most of Gettysburg’s Black history might have been lost.

Today, visitors can learn about ... Read This Story

Battlefield Vantage Points

The Gettysburg Battlefield spans nearly 6,000 acres. From monuments and wayside markers to distinctive boulders and undulating ridges, there is a lot to see and learn while exploring the battlefield.

Countless locations on the battlefield provide vantage points that not only offer valuable insight into the military positions of both the Union and Confederate armies, but also showcase incredible vistas of this historic and hallowed land.

Join us as we discover some of the best vantage points on the Gettysburg Battlefield.

Solo Travel in Gettysburg

By Tinsy Labrie

I am a lifelong visitor to Gettysburg who decided to make this charming little town my home, like so many other travelers who fall in love with this community.

And, like a lot of those visitors, I find great passion in traveling solo – experiencing destinations on my own schedule, and sometimes, my own whim.

Solo travelers have been coming to Gettysburg since the battle ended, to tend to the wounded, to learn of their loved ones who fought there, or to understand the magnitude of what happened on July 1, 2, 3, 1863.  

People ... Read This Story

Four Presidential Places in Gettysburg

Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, these historic figures have greatly impacted the ... Read This Story

New year, new reasons to visit Gettysburg

Every year is great in Gettysburg, but 2023 is shaping up to be one of the best yet with new events, new attractions and some scrumptious new restaurants. And not to forget, it’s the 160th anniversary of both the Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” – more great reasons to make plans for your next Gettysburg getaway in 2023.

The 160th battle anniversary will bring additional events and activities across the Gettysburg area – ... Read This Story

A Girls Weekend Away

In this chaotic, crazy world, sometimes a getaway with your closest girlfriends is just what the doctor ordered. With unique ... Read This Story

My Gettysburg Address

On Nov. 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered 272 words that not only helped dedicate Gettysburg’s Soldiers’ National Cemetery, but gave ... Read This Story

10 Experiences To Have This Summer In Gettysburg

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is best known for its Civil War history, but the town and surrounding ... Read This Story

A few Ways To Tour The Gettysburg Battlefield

Rightfully so, touring Gettysburg National Military Park is high on the to-do list of most ... Read This Story

11 Experiences To Have This Spring In Gettysburg

Spring is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited about it being one of ... Read This Story

Things to Do for Under $20 in Gettysburg

We know that vacations can get expensive. After adding up all the costs, something that ... Read This Story

Take a Walk in President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Footsteps

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a 272-word speech to dedicate a new ... Read This Story

Road Cycling in Adams County

If you are into road cycling and haven’t been to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to ride – here is your ... Read This Story

Walk in General Eisenhower’s Footsteps – 5 Spots to Visit in Gettysburg

General Dwight D. Eisenhower was a resident of Gettysburg not only ... Read This Story

Where to Find Living History in Gettysburg

One of the best ways to experience history is to watch it come alive right in ... Read This Story

The Irish Gettysburg: Whiskey, the Wheatfield and the Wolfhound

Irish pride is everywhere in Gettysburg. From the hallowed grounds of the Civil War ... Read This Story

Don’t Miss these 10 Sunset Views in Gettysburg

Anyone who has been to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will tell you that the sunsets here are ... Read This Story

Seven Secrets of the Gettysburg Battlefield

By Carl Whitehill – In my several years in Gettysburg, I’ve met some amazing folks – visitors, ... Read This Story

Historic Dining in Gettysburg

The history of Gettysburg is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws to the area. It can be experienced through ... Read This Story

Fifteen Places Every History Buff Should Visit in Gettysburg

History is certainly everywhere in Gettysburg – through the streets, inside the buildings around ... Read This Story