Gettysburg National Military Park

In the summer of 1863, the farming community of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, became the site of the bloodiest battle in the Civil War. The fierce fighting left 51,000 casualties in its wake, turning farm fields into graveyards and churches into hospitals. The battlefield's first visitors were thousands of relatives searching for dead and wounded soldiers.

The preservation of the battlefield and the establishment of Gettysburg National Cemetery are a testament to the resolve of Gettysburg residents to not only rebuild their town but also to honor the fallen. Today, visitors who come to learn more about the battle can tour the battlefield and see more than 1,400 monuments and markers, or choose to walk with a ranger through Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Over the years, Gettysburg has continued to be a treasured and popular destination. As a result, the park has faced continuous threats from commercial development. At the end of the 19th century, developers built railroads and tourist facilities at the edge of sacred battlefield lands, but many of these inholdings were eventually sold to the government and removed.

NPS is currently engaged in an ambitious program to restore the battlefield grounds to the way they looked in 1863. This will allow visitors to understand how small features of the landscape, such as fences and orchards, played a large role in both the battle's outcome and the life and death of individual soldiers.

gett.jpg

State:

Pennsylvania

Acreage:

5,990.39

Category:

National Military Park

Established:

02/11/1895

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

NPCA

October 3, 2013

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects American’s freedom of speech. Many groups including NPCA request permission to demonstrate, or otherwise communicate our views, in national parks and other federal locations. The First Amendment guarantees that opinions, however disagreeable, may be expressed.

Les

October 2, 2013

Why would this park grant a special-use permit to the KKK so they could hold a rally?

jules

July 3, 2013

As a child, my family went to Gettysburg at least twice a year. I still remember how it took my breath away. How I held my breath when I saw

Historian

April 28, 2013

Leave it to a myopic liberal to blame Republicans for park funding problems. Last time I checked they control the White House and the senate and have not passed a budget in years.

Barry

August 20, 2012

I had not been to the battlefield park in some years but did visit this past weekend (August 17, 2012). I was quite shocked at the overall condition of the parkland between Seminary and Cemetary Ridges (Pickett's Charge area). The overgrowth of brush and small trees not to mention creeping vines and grasses proved disappointing and not as I recall my last visit some years ago. I suspect funding or lack of it is behind this level of care. It saddened me to see this.

Sgt Ferg

June 2, 2012

I am concerned that since a third of the horse trails around Little and Big Round Top that the parke service will not re-opeen them. Why not? Thousands enjoy riding along the back part of the park and are able to visit one of the most historic spots here! PLEASE KEEP THEM OPEN!

Anonymous

February 6, 2012

Why do the repubs want to destroy things we hold sacred for money. Makes me wonder if they have some skeletons in their closets that they don't want people to know about. Like maybe some shady deals their grandparents were involved in to make money.

JackK

November 10, 2011

Gettysburg is a fantastic site. If you want to go somewhere beautiful and full of history, Gettysburg is the place. Rain or shine, there is ALWAYS something going on! Out of 5 stars, i give it a 25 star rating.

David

November 10, 2011

Had never been to Gettysburg before August 2010. We only toured the visitor center for about 4 hours and did not have nearly enough time. You can spend 2 days just in the visitor center with all of the terrific interactive learning opportunities and well presented displays. The Cyclorama is very impressive, a must see. We will be making plans to return to this national treasure for several days so that we can take in the full experience of Gettysburg.

Mickey

November 10, 2011

We never cease to be in wonder at all there is to see and do at Gettysburg. Join the Foundation and you can go to the musueam for free. It truly is inspiring. From the Living history programs to the Illumatorium in Nov. We keep learning something new each time we come. Thank you.

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