Gettysburg

A Gettysburg Itinerary

Text by Valerie Mellema

Each year, beginning around the first of July, thousands of people begin arriving in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was here, over the course of three days, that one of the largest battles to ever occur in America took place. The American Civil War is noted for its large numbers of casualties, and Gettysburg is particularly well known for the size of the forces that clashed there and the destructiveness of the battles.

Today, visitors come to watch the thousands who re-enact the epic battles and legendary charges that made the town famous. If you decide to head to this lovely area of Pennsylvania it is a good idea to book your accommodations when you make your air travel arrangements. The best deals and packages can be found at HotelsCombined.com.

A simple and effective itinerary for a trip to this enormous battlefield begins with a stop at the Rupp House History Center, which is the home of the Friends of Gettysburg. The Center offers many educational and hands on experiences to prepare a visitor to understand their experience better.

Next on the itinerary is a trip to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. All visitors should watch the remarkable film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, which explains the battle and the period leading up to it, as well as putting it into perspective against the rest of the war. The film is free and runs approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day.

After getting a brief orientation in the Center it is on to the battlefield. There are a number of ways to tour the sight, including car tours with an audio tape available for rent, there are self-guided tours and then there are tours conducted by a licensed guide. The official park map offers both foot and auto tour options and should be used by everyone visiting. A guest should give themselves at least three hours in the Park to see as much as possible.

Before leaving Gettysburg a visitor should take some time and visit the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War which often completes the experience for many of the visitors to the Battlefield.

If time allows the Eisenhower National Historic site is in Gettysburg, and it is the only home that President “Ike” Eisenhower and his wife ever owned. There is a fee for the Site and reservations are suggested.