Gettsyburg National Military Park - June 2009

Historic homes in Gettysburg

Gettysburg Hotel built in 1794 and was used by President Eisenhower's staff when he was visiting his summer home in Gettysburg.

Town clock with the David Wills house in the background. The home were President Lincoln stayed the night before he delivered the Gettysburg's Address.

The beginning of Pickett's Charge

The High Water Mark of "Pickett's Charge"

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On the way to our family reunion in New Bern, we stopover for a couple of days in Gettysburg, primarily to visit the National Military Park. I had been there many, many years ago, but with the recent opening of the new visitor Center in 2008, this visit was well worth the effort. It is one of the best historical museum I have ever visited and I’ve visited a few.

If you are going, plan to have at least one full day for the Park. There are tours that will take you around the Park, but you can do it just as well in your car at your speed; you can stop and walk around all of the battle sites whereas the bus will only stop at some of the sites.

First step is seeing the film "A New Birth of Freedom" narrated by Morgan Freeman, and to view the Gettysburg Cyclorama with related program. This painting, entitled “Pickett’s Charge”, is about 370 ft by 42 ft and is just unbelievable. The Park spent about $15 million renovating the painting after they purchased it in early 1900’s. For more information go to the Nation Park Web Site.

Historic of Gettysburg is also worth a visit and the best way see the town is to park your car and walk.

The Gettysburg National Military is a sacred site in that there were around 51.000 casualties. The worst of any American battle. Every American should visit this site.

Final note: a really good place to eat is at the Dobbin House Tavern, which dates back to 1776 and is the oldest building in Gettysbury.