Page 4 - 2017 Gettysburg Travel Planner

MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY
Gettysburg is known for three eventful days in July 1863, and for two solemn minutes on November 19 of that same year. The tragic battle and call for hope and healing left a mark on our community and on our country. Because of the impact, Gettysburg offers a variety of opportunities for you to learn, experience and make your own history.
The Gettysburg National Military Park
is comprised of over 6,000 acres of farmland, homesteads and roadways that lead you through the three-day battle with guided and self-guided tours that pass
by 1,400 monuments and markers that tell the story of battle. The town, while not part of the National Park,
is part of the battlefield as the troops moved from the north side of town to the south as fighting literally took place in the streets and sharpshooters took up residence in garrets. The citizens were forced to either leave town or remain in their cellars until the fighting ceased. Even after the battle, many homes and churches had become hospitals, prohibiting the normalcy of life for some time.
Upon arrival, visitors are encouraged to start with one of our orientation programs, such as the Gettysburg Diorama or the National Park Museum & Visitor Center program. This helps first-time visitors understand what brought the war to Gettysburg and how the battle impacted our town over the course of these three days.
A tour of the battlefield is a must, whether you have a self-guided experience or a guided program. There
are several ways to tour the battlefield. You may be interested in a more traditional tour such as a bus or
a personal Licensed Battlefield Guide tour. However,
you can also tour the battlefield on horseback, bicycle, carriage, scooter, or Segway. Most tours are about two hours. To get the day and time you want, we recommend that you book in advance.
Explore the history beyond the battlefield with a variety of museums that share the story of the citizens, churches and aftermath of the battle. There are town walking tours that talk about these stories, most guided by a historian who has spent years researching the people and places of Gettysburg.
Weekends April through November, discover Living History Camps on the battlefield and other properties. Engage firsthand with history and learn about soldiers and camp life as well as life on the home front. This unique experience is great for kids and adults.
Take a tip from the soldiers and plan to stay for at least three days to savor our history. To enjoy a taste of our local culture, you may want to visit a few more!
2 | DestinationGettysburg.com•800-337-5015