What became Gettysburg was carved out of the wilderness in the mid-1700s by Scottish-Irish immigrants, who were later joined by English settlers, German Lutherans, and a small number of free African Americans. In 1863, the quiet country town in Adams County was forever inscribed in the memory of the nation when Union soldiers halted the Confederate army’s and where President Lincoln memorialized the fallen in his poignant address at the battlefield cemetery’s dedication. Preservation efforts begun immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg, and renewed following its 25th and 50th anniversaries, saved much of the battlefield as a commemoration. Gettysburg’s historic downtown has also recently been the focus of a major preservation initiative. 

Beyond being the site of one of America’s greatest speeches and the Civil War’s largest battle, Gettysburg offers access to outstanding scenic beauty, recreation, and festivals and other historical landmarks such as the Eisenhower National Historic Site, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s home during his presidency and retirement. 

Local Attractions/Landmarks

Gettysburg National Military Park, located about a mile south of the downtown, covers nearly 6,000 acres with over 26 miles of park roads and more than 1,400 monuments, markers and memorials. Each year some two million people visit the park, its vast museum of Civil War artifacts, and the onsite cyclorama depicting the climax of Pickett’s Charge. Historic downtown Gettysburg has numerous 19th-century buildings associated with the battle, its difficult aftermath, and its commemoration. It also contains a restored late 18th-century log house once owned by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, a Lincoln contemporary and leading abolitionist.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site encompasses the home and farm of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is situated on a 690-acre complex adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield. The still-working farm served as a presidential retreat, temporary White House, and meeting place for world leaders, including Nikita Khrushchev, Charles De Gaulle and Winston Churchill.

Neighboring Michaux State Forest extends over 85,000 acres with miles of streams and many lakes and reservoirs. Over 100 miles of roads are maintained for access to scenic spots within the State Parks of Caledonia, Pine Grove Furnace and Mont Alto. Other attractions include a scenic railway, horseback riding, bicycling, golf and skiing. Adams County is also well known for its May and October apple festivals.

Patrons of the many shops dotting Gettysburg’s quaint streets enjoy both variety and small-town customer service. A wide array of bookstores, antique dealers, and art galleries cater to those in search of Civil War memorabilia — both authentic and reproduction — and Americana. Traditional shoppers will find a plentiful selection of crafts, candles, collectibles, clothing, shoes, accessories and souvenirs. For children, there are historically inspired playthings and books. Visitors will find excellent discount shopping at the Gettysburg Village factory stores and superlative antiquing throughout the greater Gettysburg/Adams County area.

Gettysburg is situated in south central Pennsylvania at the junction of Business Route 15 and Route 30. From the north or south, take Business Route 15 to Gettysburg. From the east or west, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Business Route 15 South, or travel Route 30. The Gettysburg Hotel is located at One Lincoln Square, where Business Route 15 and Route 30 meet.

At the heart of Gettysburg’s historic district, the Gettysburg Hotel is located at One Lincoln Square at the junction of Rt. 30 and Bus. 15, within an hour’s drive from Harrisburg, Pa., and a two hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md. The closest airport is Harrisburg International Airport; the next-closest is Baltimore-Washington International. Gettysburg has a small airfield for private aircraft. Car rentals and limousine and taxi service are available. A seasonal trolley makes stops at local attractions, and commercial buses run from downtown Gettysburg to the battlefield year-round.