Gettysburg Things to Do Tips by Yaqui Top 5 Page for this destination

Swope House 1836

Built in 1836 by George Swope, President of Gettysburg National Bank a very wealthy resident in Gettysburg. Not much else is know about the gentlement, but his residence was used like so many homes during and after the battle as a refuge for wounded Union soldiers.

A Lt. William H. Pohlman, the only Civil War soldier born in 1842, the son of missionaries on the island of Borneo. He was sent to America and raised by his Aunt Elizabeth Pohlman McClure. He was part of the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company G. After being wounded at "Pickets Charge" several times he kept on fighting and bandaging his own wounds. He passed out while walking himself to the hospital. He was sent to the home to recover, but sadley he passed away. Here is a good article about the home and last events of his life. Lt. William H. Pohlman

Directions: Located at the corner of York Street and North Stratton Street

Hoke-Codori House 1786

This house built by Michael Hoke in ca. 1788 is the oldest building in Gettysburg. Hoke purchased one of the first three deeds sold by James Getty on November 30, 1787 and immediately began construction of this sturdy stone structure. In 1843 it was purchased by Nicholas Codori, a local butcher, who was living here in July 1863. Codori is best known for his farm situated along the Emmitsburg Road where Confederate Generals George Pickett's and Johnston Pettigrew's divisions were repulsed in their attempt to break the center of the Union line on July 3rd, 1863. Now the home of the Brafferton Inn.http://codorifamily.com/44_york_st.htm

Address: 44 York Street Gettysburg, PA 17325

Phone: (717) 337-3423

Website: http://www.brafferton.com/

"by the skin of our teeth" Plaque

On July 1, 1863, Gettysburg's center square was the eye in the storm of panic and confusion that swirled in the town's streets and alleys as the routed Union 1st and 11th Corps fled toward the safety of Cemetery Hill.

Some Union soldiers rallied here in an attempt to stem the Confederate pursuit. Union artillery deployed nearby and sent "grape shot" flying across the square. The relentless Confederate pressure, however quickly drove the defenders further down Baltimore Street.

The pursuing Confederates took possession of the square and poured deadly fire along the streets into their fleeing foes.

Col. Gilbert Prey, commander of the 104th New York whose regiment survived the hailstorm of bullets, recalled getting through the town "by the skin of our teeth."

Over 3,000 of his comrades were not so fortunate.

Located in fron of the Gettysburg Hotel.

Directions: The plaque is at the intersection of York Street (U.S. 30) and Carlisle Street (Business U.S. 15)

Old Courthouse (1804-59) Historical Marker

First courthouse for Adams County stood in old center square from 1804 to 1859. The land for the Square was given by James Gettys. The marker is located in front the Gettysburg Hotel.

Visitor Information

Gettysburg-Adams Chamber of Commerce • 18 Carlisle Street • Suite 203 (717 334 8151)
Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau • 102 Carlisle Street (717 334 6274)
Gettysburg National Military Park • 1195 Baltimore Pike (717 334 1124)

Directions: The historic town of Gettysburg is located south of Exit 17 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at the crossroads of U. S. Routes 15 and 30.

Website: http://www.mainstreetgettysburg.org/visitor.html

Hotel Gettysburg 1797

From the historical marker (located on Gettysburg Hotel Facing Wall):

Since the founding of Gettysburg this has been the site of successive inns -- Scott's Tavern, The Indian Queen, The Franklin House and the McClellan House, which Col. John McClellan and his family operated prior, during and after the battle. The first Hotel Gettysburg was operated successively by the Dillers, the Millers, the Zinns and the Gilmores.

Immediately preceding the 50th anniversary of the battle in 1913, the second Hotel Gettysburg took form and was operated by the Rings. For 50 years until its closing in 1964 it was directed by two generations of the Scharf family who enlarged and completely modernized it in 1925.

During this period Hotel Gettysburg achieved national and international prominence. It entertained most of the notables visiting this shrine. Frequently during President Eisenhower's two terms it was headquarters for the Presidential staff, the White House correspondents, visiting dignitaries and journalists and housed an official White House press room and communications center. In August 1959, during a working vacation, the President's office was in the hotel

On January 21, 1961, the day after his retirement from office, President and Mrs. Eisenhower were greeted by thousands of Adams Countians in front of the hotel. This was followed by an equally enthusiastic welcome home dinner in its main dining room.

The Eisenhowers were the last diners to be served on December 14, 1964 when Hotel Gettysburg ceased operations later becoming the Lincoln Square Building.

Address: #1 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Directions: Located at One Lincoln Square at the junction of Rt. 30 and Business 15.

Phone: (717) 337-2000

Website: http://www.hotelgettysburg.com/

Stoever House 1817 Historical Plaque

During the Battle of Gettyburg this Federal style building, erected in 1817, housed Professor Martin Stoever's family and J.L. Schick's general store. As a result of the battle the building hosted a variety of unusual events. Shortly after the fighting began on July 1st, the Stoever's quarters became an impromptu hospital for 20 wounded Union soldiers. Mrs. Stoever recalled the disruption in the house. "The Professer's recitation room became the amputation room..." While the wounded were nursed upstairs, three fugitive Union soldiers were secretly sustained in the cellar by the Professor until the Confedarates found them on July 3rd. Three days following the Confederate withdrawal, the Christian Commission took over Schick's store for their supply and distribution center, while the Stoevers ran an "open commissary" in their back yard, feeding an endless number of hungry soldiers.

Address: 1 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg PA 17325

Directions: intersection of Chambersburg Street (U.S. 30) and Baltimore Street (Business U.S. 15), on the right when traveling east on Chambersburg Street.

Willis House 1814 Museum Willis House Review

Erected ca 1814, this building is the best know in Gettsburg. In 1863 it was the home of David Wills and family. Wills, a local attorney, is traditionally given credit as being the father of the Soldiers National Cemetery, for propsoing the Pennsylvania provide,....a common burial ground for the Union dead." This idea was supported by all the states whose sons died at Gettysburg and quickly implemented. President Abraham Lincoln was the overnight guest of David Wills on the eve of the dedication of the Soldier's National Cemetery. It was at the dedication ceremony on November 19, 1863, that Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. It is believed that Lincoln polished and rehearsed the brief text of his speech during his stay in this house: a speech which forever established the concept that our goverment is"...of the people, by the people, for the people."

Hours of operation are:
December-February: Thurs-Mon.9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March-May: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June-August: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
September-November: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Adults: $6.50
Seniors/Groups: $5.50
Youth (6-18 years): $4.00
Group Reservations are available by calling 1-866-486-5735

Address: 8 Lincoln Square Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325

Phone: 717-334-2499 or 866-486-5735

Website: http://www.davidwillshouse.org

Gettysburg National Miltary Park National Miltary Park Review

Gettysburg, is considered to be one of the greatest and bloodiest battles of the civil war that lasted July 1-3 in 1863, the war that pitted brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor.

During the early morning on July 1 in 1863 is when the Union and the Confederate army collided. The battle escalates through the day with Confederates lead by A.P. Hill and Ewell and Union lead by Reynolds, Doubleday and Howard, but ends up battling through the town of Gettysburg, and back to Cemetery and Culp’s Hills.

July 2 both armies arrive on a field where Confederates troops lead by Longstreet, A.P.Hill and Ewell try to repel them so fighting rages on at Little Round Top, Wheatfield, Devil's Den, and Peach Orchard where the Union lead by Sickles, Hancock, Newton, Howard, and Slocum are dug in. Confederates lead by Longstreet almost succeeds in unlogged them, but with reinforcements arrive to repel the attack lead by Union Sedgwick who arrives just in time. Yet, the Confederate lead by Ewell are able to capture part of Culp’s Hill.

By July 3, Confederate General Lee tried to turn the tide of the battle by using his artillery that bombards the Union forces for over two hours and then he sends in 12,000 infantry called “Picket’s Charge” to break the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge. Confederate Ewell tries to take the rest of Culp’s Hill. Yet, the Confederate experiencing way too many losses and General Lee withdraws his troops to Virginia.

During this 3-day battle, 51,000 Union and Confederate Troops lay dead, wounded, dying, or missing.

Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2804

Directions: Gettysburg National Military Park is located in Adams County, Pennsylvania. The museum and visitor center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike (Route 97) with a back entrance from the Taneytown Road (State Rt. 134).

Phone: 717-334-1124, ext 8023

Website: http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/brochures.htm

Gettysburg National Miltary Park Visitor Center National Miltary Park Review

The first place stop should be the visitor center. My sister was amazed at the building because she was here not too long ago. A beautiful 2008 building that house a café, ranger station, theatre, huge gift shop, and some wonderful exhibits you can see Free.

We had to decide if we had to time to see the museum or the whole park, so sadly we skipped the film and Cyclorama and wished I hadn’t, but there is always the future. Yet, there were some wonderful exhibits that surround the theatre that were educational and fascinating. So make sure to explore.

You have to venture over to the huge mural “Now we are engaged in a great civil war…” because at the bottom shows some very interesting facts of how each state was either Union or Confederate.

Walk-Up Price (Please check the web site for there are other prices and packages depending on what you are schedule for or seeing.
• Adult (ages 19+): $10.50
• Seniors (65+) and Military Personnel: $9.50
• AAA Discount: $9.50
• Youth (ages 6-18): $6.50
Children (ages 5 and under): FREE

Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2804

Directions: ettysburg National Military Park is located in Adams County, Pennsylvania. The museum and visitor center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike (Route 97) with a back entrance from the Taneytown Road (State Rt. 134).

Phone: 717-334-1124, ext 8023

Website: http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/brochures.htm

Dobbins House 1742

Alexander Dobbin was born in Ireland in 1742. In December of 1773. after studying for the ministry. he came to America and became pastor of the Rock Creek Church. located near Gettysburg.

He soon purchased 300 acres of land and in 1774 began construction of a new house. In 1776 the house was dedicated and Mr. Dobbin and his Irish wife. Isabella moved in. They produced ten children before her death in 1800.

Because of Mr. Dobbin's manner and education he soon became a highly respected community leader. He also established the first classical school west of the Susquehanna River in his home. The school gained a high reputation.

Sometime after his wife died. Mr. Dobbin married Mary Agnew. She and her nine children resided at the "Dobbin House" creating a total of nineteen children.

In 1809 Mr. Dobbin became sick and departed of this earth. He is buried iust a few miles from here. but his house and ideals live on. The house is registered with the "National Register of Historic Places". "Pennsylvania State Historical Registry" and with Gettysburg's "Historic Landmarks".

The house stands now almost exactly as it did 200 years ago. The never-failing springs under the house served as the Dobbins' "well" and "refrigerator". All the springs have been diverted into one area to help preserve the building. and can sti11 be observed in the lower level that now serves as the "Springhouse Tavern".

In the middle 1800's the Dobbin House was used as a "Way Station" for hiding runaway slaves. The secret slave hideout is viewable close to the walk in fireplace. During the Civil War. it was used as a hospital for both union and confederate soldiers. After the war. the Dobbin House was reportedly used as a Tavern.

The Colonial Bar in the Springhouse Tavern was built in 1818 by George Dick for his tavern near Dillsburg. Pa. George is the great. great. great grandfather of the present owner of the Dobbin House, Jacqueline White.

Address: 89 Steinwebr Ave. Gettysburg. P A 717-334-2100

Directions: Business Route 15 South

Phone: (717)334-2100

Website: http://www.dobbinhouse.com