Gettysburg
From Wikitravel
Contents
Gettysburg National Military Park is in Pennsylvania of USA.
[edit] Understand
Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the US Civil War. And 51,000 men gave their lives for what they thought was a cause worth dying for.
[edit] History
The battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1-3, 1863. The fighting started accidentally when Union and Confederate troops converged just south of the town of Gettysburg. Three bloody days of fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. With the Confederate forces majorly decimated by the end of the battle, this proved to be a major turning point in the Civil War.
[edit] Landscape
Flat meadows surrounded by rocky hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance.
[edit] Flora and fauna
[edit] Climate
Gettysburg has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Fall are mild and pleasant. Heavy winter storms occasionally strike the area, but these are fairly rare. Heaviest snowfall occurs during February and early March. Severe thunderstorms may occasionally hit the region, mostly in July and August.
[edit] Get in
By Plane
Several airports are in the region, although none of them are particularly closeby. Airports in Harrisburg (MDT), Baltimore (BWI), and Philadelphia (PHL) are the closest. Flying into Baltimore would probably be your best bet, as the drive to Gettysburg is approximately 60 miles.
By Car
Gettysburg can be reached via US Rt 30 from Philadelphia, or via State Rt 97 from the Baltimore area. From the south, US 15 runs through the town for visitors arriving from the Washington DC region.
[edit] Fees/Permits
Access to the battlefields are free at all times. However, museums and viewing towers will carry a small fee.
[edit] Get around
By Car
By far the best way to see the park is with your own vehicle. Roads wind extensively throughout the battlefields, and include many places to pull off and allow visitors to walk around. Use caution when using these roads, as there may be many people walking or bicycling on these roads. The speed limit throughout the park is 15 MPH.
By Bus
Guided tours on buses are available for fees of $22-25 for adults, and $12-15 for children aged 4-11. More information can be found at the tour bus website. [1]
[edit][add listing] See
Tour the battlefields, see the various museums throughout the town, and visit many of the gift shops.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Gettysburg Hall of Presidents Museum, 789 Baltimore St.
- Land of Little Horses Farm Park, 125 Glennwood Drive, [2]
- National Civil War Wax Museum, 297 Steinwehr Ave.
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
Restaurants abound throughout the town, from nationally known chains, to local Mom & Pop diners.
Ernie's Texas Lunch - 58 Chambersburg St. - Old-time lunch counter with a few booths. Famous for their "texas wieners" and home made soup.
Dobbin House Tavern[3] - 89 Steinwehr Ave. - Casual and fine dining.
[edit][add listing] Drink
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park at any time.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Lodging
Dobbin House Tavern [4] - Includes Gettystown Inn Bed & Breakfast.
[edit] Camping
[edit] Backcountry
Hiking, camping, and grilling can be done at nearby Caledonia State Park, located approximately 25 miles west of Gettysburg on US Rt 30.
[edit] Stay safe
Gettysburg is very safe. However, it can get very crowded during the summer, and especially on summer weekends. If large crowds are not pleasing to you, especially avoid the anniversary dates of July 1-3.
The best time to see Gettysburg is on a weekday during the spring or fall.
[edit] Get out
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