Gettysburg Military Park: A Historic Battlefield Destination

The Gettysburg Military Park is one of the most iconic and revered destinations in American history, attracting millions of visitors each year. Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this national military park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, patriotism, and the American Civil War.

The Gettysburg Military Park is a testament to the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. The battle was a turning point in the war, as Union forces led by General George Meade defeated the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee. The three-day battle resulted in over 50,000 casualties, including more than 7,800 killed.

Today, the Gettysburg Military Park is a 6,000-acre national park that preserves the battlefield and offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who fought and died there. Visitors can explore the park's many monuments, memorials, and historic buildings, including the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address.

History of the Gettysburg Military Park

The Gettysburg Military Park was established in 1895, when the federal government purchased the battlefield from the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. The association had been formed in 1864 by a group of local citizens who wanted to preserve the battlefield and create a memorial to the soldiers who fought there.

Over the years, the park has undergone several transformations, including the addition of new monuments, memorials, and historic buildings. In 1933, the park was transferred to the National Park Service, which has managed the park ever since.

Things to Do in the Gettysburg Military Park

The Gettysburg Military Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Some of the top things to do in the park include:

Guided Tours: The park offers guided tours, including bus tours, walking tours, and self-guided driving tours. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including tours of the battlefield, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, and the David Wills House, where President Lincoln stayed the night before delivering his Gettysburg Address.
Museums and Visitor Centers: The park has several museums and visitor centers, including the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, the David Wills House, and the Soldiers' National Museum. These museums offer a wealth of information about the battle and its history, as well as exhibits of artifacts and memorabilia.
Monuments and Memorials: The park is home to over 1,300 monuments and memorials, including the iconic Pennsylvania Memorial, which honors the soldiers from Pennsylvania who fought in the battle.
Reenactments and Events: The park hosts a variety of reenactments and events throughout the year, including the annual Gettysburg National Civil War Battle Reenactment, which takes place in July.

Places to Visit in the Gettysburg Military Park

The Gettysburg Military Park has many historic sites and attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the top places to visit in the park include:

Gettysburg National Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers who died during the battle. Visitors can see the iconic Soldiers' National Monument, which honors the soldiers who fought in the battle.
Little Round Top: This hill was the site of some of the bloodiest fighting during the battle. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill for stunning views of the battlefield.
Pickett's Charge: This area of the battlefield was the site of the infamous Pickett's Charge, in which Confederate soldiers launched a disastrous assault on the Union lines.
The Angle: This area of the battlefield was the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the battle. Visitors can see the iconic High Water Mark monument, which marks the spot where the Confederate soldiers reached the highest point of their advance.

Accommodations and Dining in Gettysburg

Gettysburg has a wide range of accommodations and dining options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the top hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in Gettysburg include:

The Gettysburg Hotel: This historic hotel has been in operation since 1797 and offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities.
The Farnsworth House Inn: This bed-and-breakfast is located in a historic building and offers cozy rooms and a range of amenities.
The Inn at Cemetery Hill: This bed-and-breakfast is located in a historic building and offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities.

Some of the top restaurants in Gettysburg include:

The Dobbin House Tavern: This historic tavern has been in operation since 1776 and offers a range of American cuisine.
The Gettysburg Baking Company: This bakery and café offers a range of sweet and savory treats.
The Farnsworth House Inn Restaurant: This restaurant offers a range of American cuisine and is located in a historic building.

Planning Your Visit to the Gettysburg Military Park

Planning your visit to the Gettysburg Military Park is easy. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Getting There: The park is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which is about 100 miles northwest of Baltimore, Maryland. Visitors can fly into Baltimore-Washington International Airport or Harrisburg International Airport, which are both about an hour's drive from Gettysburg.
Parking and Transportation: The park has several parking lots and offers a free shuttle service to help visitors get around the battlefield.
Hours of Operation: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Admission: Admission to the park is free, although some attractions and activities may have a fee.

We hope this article has inspired you to visit the Gettysburg Military Park and experience the history and patriotism of this iconic destination. Whether you're a history buff, a Civil War enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and educational experience, the Gettysburg Military Park is a must-visit destination.

We encourage you to share your experiences and photos from your visit to the Gettysburg Military Park in the comments below. Don't forget to like and share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in visiting this historic destination.

What is the Gettysburg Military Park?

The Gettysburg Military Park is a national military park that preserves the Gettysburg Battlefield, where the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863.

What are the top things to do in the Gettysburg Military Park?

The top things to do in the Gettysburg Military Park include guided tours, visiting the Gettysburg National Cemetery, exploring the museum and visitor center, and seeing the monuments and memorials.

How do I plan my visit to the Gettysburg Military Park?

To plan your visit to the Gettysburg Military Park, check the park's website for hours of operation, admission fees, and parking information. You can also plan your itinerary in advance using the park's online map and guide.