CASSIE & TOM'S GETTYSBURG PHOTOS

The Gettysburg Battlefield encompasses Oak Ridge and Barlow's Knoll to the north to East Cavalry Field a few miles east of town to the Round Tops and South Cavalry Field to the south and everything in-between. What's generally considered "the battlefield" covers more than 25 square miles which can be visited via nearly 40 miles of avenues. A fact often overlooked by tourists and locals alike is that fighting also occured in town. The bulk of this fighting took place on the first day as the Union was driven just south of town but snipers were commonplace throughout the three day battle. There's virtually no area within town limits that can't be considered part of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Today strolling the sidewalks around town is a very pleasant experience. Not only will you see the numerous museums, art galleries, quaint shops and dining establishments but also many Civil War era structures. Just a few of those structures are presented on this and the following page.

Historical marker on the outskirts of town.

Built in 1835 the Christ Lutheran Church is located just west of Lincoln Square on Chambersburg Street. (Rt. 30) On July 1 this church was being used as a hospital. After caring for wounded soldiers inside Rev. Horatio S. Howell, Chaplain of the 90th Pennsylvania Volunteers, emerged unarmed. A Confederate soldier shot him. The plaque at the bottom of the steps marks the spot where he died.

The large white building with red awnings is the James Gettys Hotel. Over the years this business has been named the Sign of the Buck Tavern, the Union Hotel, the City Hotel and finally the James Gettys Hotel. During the battle it was used as a hospital as were most buildings in town. From the 1960's - 1980's it served as an apartment building. Today it's a fine hotel to once again greet weary tourists and travelers. It's located on the north side of Chambersburg Street just west of Lincoln Square.

Once a thriving depot the Gettysburg train station is now used as a visitor information center. President Lincoln arrived here on November 18, 1863 for his dedication of the National Cemetery the following day. Over the years untold thousands of Veterans passed through this station as they returned to Gettysburg to attend the various reunions and monument dedications. This classic structure is just north of Lincoln Square on Carlisle Street.

Erected in 1859 the building on the corner was the Gettysburg Courthouse at the time of the battle. The modern building just to the left is the present day courthouse. The location is just south of Lincoln Square on Baltimore Street.

This building was a clothing store owned and operated by Samuel Fahnestock. In 1863 it was one of the largest commercial structures in town. Some historians believe the decision to regroup on Cemetery Hill on July 1 was made by Union General O. O. Howard as he observed the area from the roof. On July 7, 1863 part of Mr. Fahnestock's store became the office of the Sanitary Commission which is comparable to today's Red Cross. The location is on the opposite corner from the courthouse.

Situated on Lincoln Square the corner house was owned by attorney David Wills. President Lincoln slept here the night of November 18, 1863. The bedroom marked by the bunting is said to be where he finished writing his immortal Gettysburg Address. In front of the Wills House is one of the most unusual and eye catching statues in Gettysburg. It depicts Abe with a modern day tourist.

Music playing is "The Brass Mounted Army"