Battle of Gettysburg Vacation
April 2025
Our goal for this trip was to learn about the details of one of the important battles of the Civil War and understand its impact on the war and the town.
One concern we had when planning a trip to Gettysburg was whether the town would be populated with too many touristy gift shops and inauthentic historical sites. We found that this is not the case. While I expect it is easy to find typical tourist attractions in the area, the town, the Gettysburg Foundation, the National Park Service, and various historical societies have done a great job of preserving Gettysburg's Civil War history.
Within the town of Gettysburg, many buildings from the 1860s have their exteriors preserved, and some have been turned into period-accurate museums that showcase life during and after the battle. Most notably, outside of Gettysburg, numerous monuments honor the companies, regiments, and brigades, as well as their commanding officers. The monuments are situated at the locations where the battles occurred.
We did not thoroughly plan everything ahead of time, but ended up visiting the following sights during our 3-day stay, and this worked out reasonably well.
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Wander the town area along Chambers Street, Baltimore Street, and the side streets.
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Take a 3-4 hour driving guided tour around the battlefield.
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Spend a half day at the Gettysburg Visitors Center and Museum.
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Tour the Shriver House Museum and the Jennie Wade House (the David Wills House was not open).
Below, I have posted some more detail of each Gettysburg activity we did. This is divided into five sections. Each section features some of the many photos taken during the trip, as well as some descriptions and historical information that we learned during the visit or tour.
Touring Historical Town of Gettysburg
A less historical part of our trip was simply wandering around the town of Gettysburg. This we did the first day, or when spare time permitted (or when we were looking for restaurants to eat at). Beyond the historical significance the town has a few nice stores and a variety of restaurants, and the well-maintained 100+ year old historical buildings add a lot of charm.
Charming Gettysburg
This is just a random photo looking down one the main roads showing some buildings on Baltimore Street.
Lincoln Square and David Wills House
This picture was taken at Lincoln Square, in front of the David Wills House museum, where President Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln finalized his famous speech in the second-floor guest room. The house, owned by attorney David Wills, was integral in organizing the Soldiers' National Cemetery after the Battle of Gettysburg.
Public Library
This is the Adams County Public Library. Near the right corner of the building is a statue of Lincoln giving the "Gettysburg Address."
The library occupies the historic 1913 Federal Building on Baltimore Street. It was constructed during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Initially built to serve as the U.S. Post Office, IRS offices, and the headquarters of the Gettysburg National Military Park, the building hosted President Dwight D. Eisenhower's office after his 1955 heart attack.
Welty House
The Welty House was directly in the line of fire during the battle, and many bullet impacts can still be seen on the building's brick. Two Confederate soldiers were killed inside the house. A total of 36 soldiers from both sides were buried on the Welty property. Their bodies were later moved to the National Cemetery. President Lincoln rode past this house in 1863 on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
The Federal Point Hotel
The Federal Pointe Inn is housed in a historic building constructed in 1896. It originally served as the Meade School, a public school named in honor of Union General George G. Meade, who commanded the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg. The school welcomed its first high school students the year after it was built in 1897. For decades, the school served generations of Gettysburg students before eventually being converted into the boutique hotel it is today.
Guided Gettysburg Battlefield Guided Tour
The private guided battlefield tour at Gettysburg is a couple of hours' drive through key parts of the battlefield, accompanied by a licensed guide. The guide drove our car around the battlefield, explaining the significant actions from each day of the three-day battle, and stopping at important sites such as Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, and Pickett's Charge. The commentary focuses on troop movements, leadership decisions, and the impact of the terrain. Since we chose a private tour, we could customize it based on our priorities and ask questions to explore certain areas more deeply. This helped us gain a better understanding of the soldiers' actions. While a private tour costs more than group tours, the guides are very knowledgeable, and interacting with them directly enhances the experience.
One part of the tour we customized was to have the guide walk us through the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where the guide explained its history, design, and the details of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which was delivered there.
McPherson's Barn
The McPherson Farm and Barn are located on McPherson Ridge northwest of Gettysburg's town center. The farm was the scene of heavy fighting on the first day of battle as Confederate General Henry Heth's Division advanced towards Gettysburg against General John Buford's defending Union cavalry. During the intense combat that swirled around the property, many Union soldiers took refuge in the large barn. After Confederate forces captured it, it was used as a field hospital. The barn continued to serve as a hospital long after the battle ended, providing care for the wounded from both sides. McPherson's Barn was the scene of the opening moments of the fight and also a symbol of the humanitarian efforts afterward.
44th New York Infantry Monument
This monument is located on Little Round Top. Completed in 1893, this large stone, castle-like structure commemorates the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, which was part of the Union Army's V Corps and the 12th New York Infantry. They played a crucial defensive role during the second day of the battle, helping to hold the Union's left flank against repeated Confederate attacks. The monument was strategically placed near areas of intense fighting, including the defense of nearby Devil's Den.
The Pennsylvania State Memorial
This is the largest monument on the battlefield, honoring the more than 34,000 Pennsylvanians who served in the battle. It was dedicated in 1910 and constructed of granite and bronze. A statue of Winged Victory tops the domed structure. Bronze tablets around the base list the names of every Pennsylvanian who fought at Gettysburg. Sculptures of key Union generals, Meade, Hancock, Reynolds, and Gregg, are set into the arches. The monument is located on Cemetery Ridge near the center of the Union line.
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial symbolizes national reconciliation and unity between North and South following the Civil War. Dedicated on July 3, 1938, and marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the monument was unveiled during the last major reunion of Union and Confederate veterans. The granite and limestone structure bears a continuously burning flame atop its tower, representing the enduring hope for peace. It was erected on Oak Hill, where some of the battle's heaviest fighting occurred.
Gettysburg Battlefield Virginia Memorial
The Virginia Memorial honors soldiers from Virginia who fought at Gettysburg. Dedicated in 1917, it features an equestrian statue of General Robert E. Lee on his horse, Traveller, along with seven Confederate soldiers representing various ranks. The inscription, “Virginia to Her Sons at Gettysburg,” pays tribute to the fallen. The monument is situated near Seminary Ridge, marking the beginning of Pickett's Charge, a pivotal event in the battle.
Louisiana State Memorial
The Louisiana State Memorial, dedicated in 1971, honors soldiers from Louisiana who fought for the Confederate Army. The bronze sculpture features three infantrymen: one wounded, one carrying the Louisiana state flag, and one encouraging them onward. Located near Seminary Ridge, it commemorates the Louisiana troops' assaults on Union positions during the battle, including Pickett's Charge, and reflects the human cost of war.
Soldiers' National Monument at Gettysburg
This monument is the Soldiers' National Monument, located in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. It is the centerpiece of the cemetery. Dedicated on July 1, 1869, the monument honors the Union soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War.
The monument features several allegorical figures. At the top stands the figure of Liberty, holding a sword and a wreath. Below her, four seated figures represent War, History, Plenty, and Peace. War holds a sword and sits with broken shackles. History is recording the names of the fallen. Plenty holds a sheaf of wheat. Peace holds an olive branch and fasces. These figures collectively symbolize the transformation from conflict to national unity and peace.
The Gettysburg Visitor's Center and Museum
The Gettysburg Visitors Center and Museum is a great starting point for exploring the battlefield and understanding the impact of the Civil War. It features exhibits on the battle, the people involved, and the war's causes and effects. Highlights include the Gettysburg Cyclorama painting of Pickett's Charge, original weapons and uniforms, interactive displays that detail the day-by-day battlefield tactics of both armies, and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in context.
The museum should have been our first stop because it offers an excellent introduction to the battle, including why the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, and provides a clear overview of each day of the fight. Visiting the museum before the battlefield tours and other museums, such as the Shriver House and Jennie Wade House, gives a better background and context, especially for the battlefield tour.
Below, I have included some photos and descriptions to provide examples of the items on display at the visitors' center.
Civil War Era Firearms Display
This display, which is located in front of the Cyclorama entrance, showcases a variety of firearms used during the American Civil War. It includes pistols, carbines, and rifles. The display features weapons with various firing systems, including flintlock, percussion cap, and early breechloaders. Notable firearms on display include the Colt Navy revolver, the Sharps carbine, and the Springfield rifle musket. Revolvers became common for cavalry and officers. Carbines, being shorter, were favored by mounted troops. The collection highlights the shift from handcrafted to mass-produced weapons, increasing availability, and transforming military tactics.
Union Soldier’s Standard Field Kit
This exhibit displays a typical Union infantryman's uniform and gear used during the Civil War. The exhibit features a dark blue wool frock coat, light blue trousers, a "U.S." belt plate, a wool blanket, a tin cup, and a Model 1861 Springfield rifled musket, the standard-issue firearm for Union forces. The exhibit also notes how Union soldiers became more uniformly equipped by the second year of the war, despite continued shortages.
Civil War Soldier's Campsite
This display shows a typical Civil War military camp scene. It includes Weapons that are stacked in the center using the tripod method. Standard camp gear is present: crates, lanterns, cookware, and writing materials. Officers had better supplies, a larger wall tent, and furniture, as seen in the right section. Enlisted soldiers had smaller tents and often slept on the ground with only a blanket.
Now, Boys, Lie Low
This display focuses on the personal story of Private Daniel Riegle, a 20-year-old Union soldier who fought with the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry. It includes his uniform, letters, a revolver, personal items, and wartime photographs. The handwritten letters offer firsthand accounts of combat and daily life, including Riegle's participation in battles such as Petersburg. A bullet-pierced canteen and other battlefield relics highlight the harsh conditions faced by soldiers.
12-Pounder Napoleon Cannon
The cannon in the photo is a Model 1857 12-pounder Napoleon, the most widely used smoothbore artillery piece during the American Civil War. Named after French Emperor Napoleon III, this bronze cannon was favored by both Union and Confederate armies for its reliability, versatility, and firepower. It could fire solid shot, shell, case shot, and canister rounds, making it effective against both troops and fortifications. It had a maximum range of about 1,600 yards and was typically served by a crew of six to eight men.
Cycloroma: Fury of Pickett's Charge
These and the following photos are a few (of many) shots of the Gettysburg Cyclorama. It is a 377-foot-long, 42-foot-high panoramic painting that forms a 360-degree circular viewing experience, depicting Pickett's Charge, the Confederate assault on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 3, 1863). It was painted between 1883 and 1884. It was based on extensive research that included visits to the battlefield, photographs, maps, and interviews. The finished work debuted in Chicago in 1884 as immersive entertainment that surrounded viewers. This circular mural was a popular 19th-century visual medium that predates the advent of cinema.
Cyclorama: Thunder of Artillery
This section captures the intense artillery bombardment that preceded Pickett's Charge, with cannon smoke billowing across the battlefield and muzzle flashes illuminating the scene. One can see Union and Confederate artillery units positioned across the rolling countryside, actively engaged in a barrage of cannon fire.
Cycloroma: The Bloody Climax
This section of the Gettysburg Cyclorama depicts the intense fighting during Pickett's Charge, with the dramatic purple and pink lighting effects emphasizing the chaos and carnage of the battle. You can see fallen soldiers, broken fence rails, and the scattered debris of combat across the foreground, while troops continue fighting in the background.
Cycloroma: Battle's Aftermath
Today, the Cyclorama has been fully restored and enhanced with modern features. The mural completely encircles the central visitor area, a circular, raised platform. In front of and below the painting are three-dimensional foreground dioramas. During the presentation, lighting effects and sound design simulate the sounds of cannon fire and troop movements. The immersive display recreates the intensity of Pickett's Charge, placing the audience at the center of the action.
Taking the Schriver House Tour
The Schriver House illustrates the direct impact of the Battle of Gettysburg on civilian property and families. Built in 1860 by George Shriver as an upper-class home for his wife, Hettie, and their two young daughters, the residence included Shriver's Saloon and a 10-pin bowling alley planned for the basement. During the July 1863 battle, George was away fighting for the Union. Hettie and the children fled before Confederate forces swept into Gettysburg and took over their home, unlike many other residents who retreated to their basements. Soldiers turned the attic into a sniper's nest to fire south toward Cemetery Hill. The house serves as an example of how military forces requisitioned private homes for tactical use and how civilian families were displaced during the three-day engagement.
Parlor and Sitting Area
This is a sitting area that has been decorated to resemble a typical 1860s room for entertaining guests. Even the small square piano in the far corner of the room was typical of this time period and was used to entertain guests.
Quilting Work Area
As far as I can tell, Hettie Shriver wasn't explicitly known to be a seamstress or quilter, but it is very likely that she was, like most women of that period, very skilled at sewing and quilting work. Girls were taught this skill starting at a very young age. The Shriver House has set up this room to demonstrate a typical work area for women of this time period. In this picture, there is a quilt on a quilting frame, and on the table, fabric pieces and sewing tools are laid out as if Hetti was actively working on a quilt.
Second Floor Sewing Alcove
This is a small alcove or nook at the end of a hallway on the second floor. The space is set up as a sewing work area, which would be common for households of this time period. It contains a period-appropriate sewing machine on a wooden table positioned near the window to take advantage of natural light for detailed needlework. There's patterned fabric draped over the sewing machine and table, suggesting an active sewing project. A wooden trunk or chest sits on the floor to the left, which stores household fabrics or sewing tools.
A Childs Bedroom
This second-floor bedroom is decorated to resemble a typical girl's bedroom from the 1860s. It could have been one of Hettie's daughters' rooms, either Sadie's or Mollie's. Notice that the toys at the foot of the bed, on the left side of the photo, are typical toys for girls of that time. Also, on the desk are what appear to be schoolbooks, a small chalkboard, and writing instruments, all of which a child in 1860s would likely have in their room.
Rebel Soldiers Made Themselves at Home
The Shriver family, Hettie and her two children, had evacuated before the fighting, and upon returning, they found their home looted and damaged. This was a common experience among the civilian townspeople of Gettysburg.
This room is arranged to reflect how this room may have looked to Hettie upon her return in the aftermath of the battle. The table is cluttered with various items, including a pitcher, a tin cup, a hat, and documents, suggesting that it was left in haste or looted. A chamber pot and clothing on the floor, along with scattered playing cards and papers, contribute to the overall appearance of upheaval. A large black stain on the wooden floor and a bloody rag near the window may indicate an injury or emergency medical use.
Basement Saloon Area
In the basement, George Shriver had constructed his saloon. On the left side of the photo is the bar, with a few drinks arranged on it. In the center of the photo is a table staged to look like some eating and gaming was in progress.
Basement Make-Shift Hospital
During the Battle of Gettysburg, and once the Confederate soldiers occupied the town, in addition to using Shriver's attic as a sniper's nest, the soldiers also used the basement as a makeshift hospital. The area to the left side of this photo is arranged with a table for working on injured soldiers, and some (possibly bloodied) rags are draped near the table.
Touring the Jennie Wade House
This is the house where Jennie Wade, at 20 years old, was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. At the time, it was owned by Jennie's sister, Georgia Wade McClellan, and Georgia's husband, Louis McClellan. Jennie and her mother were staying at this house to help Georgia, who had recently given birth. Jennie was killed by a stray bullet on July 3, 1863, while baking bread in the kitchen.
The house is furnished with period-accurate pieces and a few original pieces. The Jennie Wade House tour provides a peek into Jennie's life, the daily experiences of those living during (and through) the Civil War and specifically the days before and after Jennie was shot.
Jennie Wade Statue
The building was a duplex. The north-facing residence was the McClellan-owned home, and Catharine McClain owned the south-facing part. The house was directly in the line of fire from the Confederate troops coming from the north and attacking Cemetery Hill to the south.
(Click on the photo to see all of the statue.)
Georgia's Parlor Bedroom
Georgia was expecting, so her bed was set up in the downstairs parlor. Her husband, who was away fighting, wanted her to be more comfortable. The kitchen was located next to the parlor, where the family, particularly Jennie, would supply food and water to the soldiers.
McClellan Kitchen
Unlike other Gettysburg residents who mainly hid in their basements, Jennie and her sister's family continued to live in their main house, taking care of her sister's baby and being very patriotic, supporting the Union troops by providing water and baking bread.
This is a photo of the first-floor kitchen area, where Jennie was reportedly baking bread when a bullet (one of several) came through the front door (not in the photo) and struck Jennie.
McClellan's Front Door
Jennie was struck by a stray bullet (likely a Minié ball, conical shape with a hollow base) that passed through the north-facing door (shown in photo) of the McClellan while she was kneading dough in the kitchen. Expand the photo to see the full original door with several bullet holes visible.)
Upstairs Bedroom
In one of the upstairs bedrooms, a cannon shell hit on July 2, 1863, the second day of the battle. It entered through the brick wall and embedded itself in the bedroom wall (likely Georgia McClellan's room), without detonating. This can be seen on the lower left of the photo. A replica of the cannon shell has been placed in the room to illustrate where the shell ended up. The impact caused minor structural damage but did not injure any of the occupants. Despite the near-miss, Jennie Wade, her mother, and Georgia remained in the house to care for Georgia's newborn child.
The Basement
One side of the basement is set up as it would have been after Jennie had died and was moved down to the basement.
Painting Displayed in the Basement
This painting, displayed in the basement of the Jennie Wade House, portrays the McClellan family and a Union soldier gathered around Jennie’s body after her death. It shows Georgia McClellan holding her newborn child while two soldiers stand by. The figure lying beneath the quilt on the cot is Jennie Wade. Her body was likely moved to the basement for protection from ongoing gunfire.
The Unexploded Cannon Shell
This image is the original cannon shell taken from the second floor of one of the upstairs bedrooms. The cannon shell is likely a 10‑pound Parrott artillery shell, fired during the intense bombardment on July 2, 1863. These shells carried explosive black powder, which was triggered by a percussion or time fuse.