Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg is a fabulous place to explore in the fall. The summer crowds have waned, temperatures have cooled, and the leaves they are a changin’. The town itself is a collection of well preserved buildings, containing several historic hotels, antique shops, and museums. Just outside of town is the battlefield, whose peacefulness today belies the horrors that occurred there during the Civil War.
Any attempt to cover the Civil War, or even the Battle of Gettysburg in a single blog post would by futile, so for the purposes of illustrated travel, we will stick to just a few facts. The battle was fought July 1-3, 1863 in the fields outside of Gettysburg, with Confederate General Lee attempting to push his troops North, and Union General Meade stopping him. It was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, with 7863 dead, and more than 51,000 casualties. It is also considered the turning point of the Civil War.
Today, the battlefield is a National Park, and contains a vast collection of memorials dedicated to the fallen soldiers. Indeed, it is one of the largest collections of outdoor sculpture in the world, consisting of 1320 monuments, 410 cannons, and 148 historic buildings. Starting in 1864, individual states began to design and construct elaborate structures on key sites around the sacred ground. Some, like the Pennsylvania State Monument, are several stories, complete with roof observation decks that overlook the vast battlefield. They are all a photographer’s dream.
In addition to the battlefield itself, there is also a Visitor Center, with countless relics, and a wealth of information. Before leaving the battlefield area, be sure to stop by the Gettysburg National Cemetery. It was during its dedication on November 19, 1863 that Lincoln gave one of the famous speeches of all time, The Gettysburg Address. Even for non-Civil War buffs, this site is too epic to miss.
With the somber and solemn side of Gettysburg explored, you know can now visit the commercial establishments of the area. Downtown Gettysburg is historically protected, and retains much of its small town charm. It is a haven for antique hunters, and there are countless house museums for those who prefer a little architecture and decorative arts with their history.
A busy traffic circle marks the center of town, off which you can find the house where Lincoln worked on his address, the old Italianate train depot, and the historic Gettysburg Hotel. For those that are done with learning and are ready to relax, there are many restaurants and pubs in the area as well.
The Dobbin House Tavern, one such pub, was established in 1776, and is the oldest standing structure in Gettysburg. During the Civil War it served as a temporary field hospital, as did most of the structures in town. Today, its basement pub is the perfect place for lunch. The stone walls and historic bar ooze charm, and they serve one of the best French Onion soups I have ever had, and I have had a lot. It can become overrun with tourists, but that is a chance you will have to take.
On your way out of town, be sure to stop at Sach’s Covered Bridge. Built in 1854, it is not only impossibly scenic, it is designated as Pennsylvania’s “most historic bridge,” by the Historic Bridge Ranking Committee of Pennsylvania, Covered Bridge Division. Just kidding. I don’t think such a silly committee exists, but you never know. Not only did Lee’s soldiers use this bridge to slink out of town, it is rumored to be haunted. Although damaged over the years by flooding, it has been wonderfully restored, and begs to have its picture taken. You may even end up with an orb.
All around its a great place to spend a day or two, stepping back in time, and relearning what you have forgotten since high school. Not to mention the French Onion Soup.
