Slightly OT-- has anyone ever visited Gettysburg?

Longacre · November 19, 2006 11:18PM

I think this question is somewhat coin related (given the collectors of Civil War tokens, coin issuances during the war period, etc.). Anyway, I may have the occasion to go visit Gettysburg. Has anyone been there and what can I expect? Is it just some open battle field, or are there other things to do and see? Or have the capitalists commercialized the location, and on every corner there are "This Car Drove Through Gettysburg" bumper stickers? To keep this thread from getting bammed, please see the coin below:

ziggy29 · November 19, 2006 11:33PM

We've been to Gettysburg once, in March quite a few years back. They just had a snowfall the night before, and we were one of very few people at the site. It was quite eerie because the scene was so pastoral, quiet and serene...it was hard to imagine the battle that took place there 130 years earlier (at the time) amidst the peacefulness.

MICHAELDIXON · November 19, 2006 11:35PM

They have a visitor's center where they present a detailed map and presentation of the battle. Also, in the center is a museum. I live about 30 miles away and have been several times. You can take a walking tour or you can drive around. I'd recommend the walking tour, as you get to see the where all the units battled and can read the signs about it. Driving around, to me, doesn't seem like much fun. The town has souvenir shops, tourist sites, etc. It's a great way to learn about history.

ricko · November 19, 2006 11:37PM

Camped there during a Boy Scout National Jamboree.... we found a couple of musket balls when trenching tents etc... Interesting place. Cheers, RicKO

291fifth · November 19, 2006 11:40PM

I was there on a high school class trip in March of 1964. Plenty of statues placed by the various states. I recall standing at the point on the battlefield that marked the deepest penetration of Pickett's charge. Too bad we didn't have more time to spend there.

ColonialCoinUnion · November 19, 2006 11:47PM

I was there in 1970.

At the time, we rented a distinctly low budget tape recording of the sites which you took with you in your car, following the directions given by some guy with a good voice ("you should now be proceeding at 35 mph on maple street, at the stone building, turn left").

It was informative, and entertaining, though I most profoundly remember my sister yelling at my father repeatedly that he was going 38 and we were getting out of sync with the tape.

I also remember climbing on the old cannons, though I would guess that you aren't allowed to do that anymore.

goose3 · November 19, 2006 11:47PM

I once met Don Merz in Gettysburg.

Leiana · November 19, 2006 11:48PM

I have been to Gettysburg! It is a great historical site.

You MUST climb up to Little Round Top, it is a great experience!

The museum is great, they even have the only example of a cannon where the shell went off inside the barrel! And a painting of General Longstreet.

Also, the Lutheran Theological Seminary is worth a drive by.

The battlefield is huge and I didn't get a chance to see it all, but it was such a great experience! I was able to see every monument I wished to, except for General Hancock's monument. That was a little dissapointing.

There is also the Gettysburg National Cemetary, where Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg address.

And the Eternal Light Peace Memorial is a beautiful place for quiet reflection.

When I went, it was early in the morning in early July.

We did the driving tour, well, actually we kinda made our own tour, because we didn't have much time

I had read the book Killer Angels so I knew about the main battle and what had happened in the various places we were driving through. It was kindof eerie, and the air felt very still and sacred.

Have fun.

-Amanda

garsmith · November 19, 2006 11:58PM

Many, many moons ago when I was a kid. I still have some reproduction cival wat coins and currency packages around here smoewhere that I got then, must have been about 1971 or 1972. I know it was shortly before I moved to England which was the spring of 72'.

Tootawl · November 20, 2006 12:22AM

At the visitors center, don't forget to see the Electric Map show.

mtnman · November 20, 2006 12:52AM

Standing on top of Little Round Top made the hair on the back of my neck
stand up. Just standing there trying to invision what took place those many
years ago was an unbelievable experience. We hooked up with a gentlemen
dressed as a Union captain. I think he knew as much about the man he was
playing as he did about his self. As we walked around he had everyone pretend
we were from our hometown newspaper the day after the battle was over. We
all got to introduce ourselves and ask a question about the battle. It was a very
interesting experience.

123cents · November 20, 2006 1:05AM

I've been there twice. I really love the place.

Michigan · November 20, 2006 1:07AM

<< Standing on top of Little Round Top made the hair on the back of my neck
stand up. Just standing there trying to invision what took place those many
years ago was an unbelievable experience. We hooked up with a gentlemen
dressed as a Union captain. I think he knew as much about the man he was
playing as he did about his self. As we walked around he had everyone pretend
we were from our hometown newspaper the day after the battle was over. We
all got to introduce ourselves and ask a question about the battle. It was a very
interesting experience. >>

Joshua Chamberlain and his men of the 20th Maine saved the day:

It was a desperate moment. The troops of the 20th Maine had been ordered to defend the left flank of the Federal line at Gettysburg "at all costs." Led by Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain, a 35 year-old college professor and Christian theologian, the men from Maine had successfully repulsed repeated attacks by courageous Confederates from Alabama. Finally, exhausted and low on ammunition the valiant soldiers from Maine appeared near the breaking point. As the determined Southerners renewed the attack on Little Round Top with another assault against the Federal left flank. Chamberlain knew what was at stake. If his troops could not hold the line and the flank was turned, the Federal army might be destroyed, the battle lost -- and the war with it.

Facing what appeared to be impending destruction, Chamberlain did the unexpected: he ordered a bayonet charge. The battle-weary men in blue obediently fixed bayonets, charged down the hill Into the face of the enemy -- and shattered the final Confederate assault The day was won.

Chamberlain would rise to brigadier general, survive four battle wounds, officially receive the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox and enjoy postwar prominence as governor of Maine. Yet despite his many achievements he would always be remembered for his leadership in those desperate moments at Little Round Top on the second day at Gettysburg. Like his Confederate counterpart, General Robert E. Lee, Chamberlain would be revered for his wartime character. How did he and his troops do it? He would be asked that question repeatedly for the rest of his life. His reply: "In the privations and sufferings endured... in battle, some of the highest qualities of manhood are called forth - courage self-command, and sacrifice of self for the sake of something held higher...." To generations of Americans - Southerners as well as Northerners - Joshua Chamberlain would hold an enduring position as the "Hero of Little Round Top."

I get goose bumps just reading this.

sliderider · November 20, 2006 1:28AM

I've been there. That was back in the early 80's, though. At the time it was a healthy mix of commercialism and historic preservation. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the commercial interests have taken over in that time, though. Once someone figures out there's money to be made, historic preservation goes out the window.

jdsinva · November 20, 2006 1:31AM

The battlefield is enormous compared to others I have visited. They offer bus tours of the battlefield, self-guided tours using your own vehicle and, of course, you can take your own initiative and go where you like. It's a tourist location, so yes there are a lot of the tourist trappings, just the nature of the beast. The first time I went, I did the bus tour thing and then drove around in my vehicle to see the areas of my own interest. I've been three times so far. There is some symbolism of the statues of the generals. I'm a little foggy but if all four of the horse's legs are on the ground, the general received no wounds, if one of the horse's legs was off the ground, the general was wounded in battle and if two of the horse's legs were off the ground, the general died in battle. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

What I would really like to do is go back and do one of the ghost walks around town, now that would be cool.

mrearlygold · November 20, 2006 1:32AM

I drove thru on the way to the Poconos. Have a Dixie battleflag on the front of my jeep.

Heheh

DennisH · November 20, 2006 1:33AM

Yes, I have.

I'll echo the same comments that others have made... the atmosphere is quiet and feels eerie. The brain knowing what hallowed ground it is on makes you want to whisper all the time.

I got the same feeling at Andersonville.

mrearlygold · November 20, 2006 1:33AM

<< I think this question is somewhat coin related (given the collectors of Civil War tokens, coin issuances during the war period, etc.). Anyway, I may have the occasion to go visit Gettysburg. Has anyone been there and what can I expect? Is it just some open battle field, or are there other things to do and see? Or have the capitalists commercialized the location, and on every corner there are "This Car Drove Through Gettysburg" bumper stickers? To keep this thread from getting bammed, please see the coin below:

>>

Hey that's a rare coin! Has anyone compared it to the one offered for more by one of the giants?

Oops

Michigan · November 20, 2006 1:36AM

<< I've been there. That was back in the early 80's, though. At the time it was a healthy mix of commercialism and historic preservation. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the commercial interests have taken over in that time, though. Once someone figures out there's money to be made, historic preservation goes out the window. >>

That big privately run observation tower was torn down several years ago, many considered it an eyesore. There is still some controversy
over a proposed visitor center and how it will be run. The battlefield itself has not really changed that much from what I understand.

Conder101 · November 20, 2006 2:13AM

I've only been there once, 39 years ago and I was 6 years old so I don't have a lot of memories about the place. I wouldn't mind visiting it again, even if it is outside.

Leiana · November 20, 2006 2:15AM

One other thing, Longacre: All over town there are political signs saying either "Yes for the Casino" or "No Casino" or something of that nature.

Read about it here. When I went, I was a little taken aback by this.

BTW- Michigan, Colonel Chamberlain is my hero, I made a post about him here.

-Amanda

coinkat · November 20, 2006 2:20AM

Go there... also visit Harper's Ferry and Antietam. Antietam is a must.

BigTom · November 20, 2006 2:23AM

I camped there about 10 years ago on July 3. They were doing a reinactment the next morning so there were about 10,000+ reinactors camped out in the open field. My tent was off in the woods. It was very erie hearing the murmer of the troops and the occassional weapon fired. The spirits were out. I'll never forget the cannon were the rebel charge was at it's high point. Talk about courage, insanity and mayhem. We can only imagine.

keets · November 20, 2006 2:30AM

since noone else has mentioned it, i will...................make certain if you go to Gettysburg that you take the time to visit the former home of President Eisenhower. it's only accessible by a tour bus. also, the best approach with Gettysburg is to go to the visitors center and schedule the private tour. you get a guide who knows the battlefield and the happenings better than you'll ever hope to and the entire tour is in your vehicle with plenty of stops and a pleasntly personal explanation of the entire battle. i can't imagine anyone visiting the site and not being emotionally moved by it.

3sidesofsilver · November 20, 2006 7:11AM

I get into Gettysburg about twice a week; when we go "in town", town is Gettysburg. Living 12 miles from Gettysburg, one might think you'd get tired of the place, but my wife and kids and I regularly drive the battlefield. We are normally the only car with PA tags out there. What the other posters have said rings true - the eerie quiet and serenity is why we go back time and again. Devil's Den is a place of mystery, history, and wonder, and is our favorite.

Gettysburg, the town, is actually considered a borough in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and it is a small town. Gettysburg, the battlefield, is twice the size of town and lies predominantly south of town. Business route 15 South, or Steinwehr Avenue, will lead you through the battlefield, past Little Round Top, and then into Emmitsburg, MD. There are many roads off of Steinwehr to explore the battlefield, and I would encourage you to travel them.

While the borough is somewhat commercialized, the battlefield has been well maintained and is free of just about anything that wasn't there in 1863 (except for the numerous monuments to the brave men, divisions, and States that fought here) - it is also a National Park. I would suggest, as point of interest, Little Round Top and Devil's Den, Seminary Ridge, Cemetery Ridge, Culp's Hill and the observation tower for an awesome view, and the Peace Light Memorial on the Mummasburg Road northwest of town.

In town, you can get vittles at the Farnsworth House, but be careful as legend has it is haunted, the Dobbin House, and a great little hole in the wall known as the Gingerbread Man. Usual fast food joints as well. Gettysburg is a historical place, and many would say it is haunted by the ghosts of more than 50,000 men killed in action, but decide for yourself after you visit; you won't be sorry.

By the way, super nice coin. I would like to, but I do not own an 1861-O Double Eagle...

itsnotjustme · November 20, 2006 7:24AM

I was there on a military "staff ride". We had a true history buff give us a guided tour, starting in the visitor center, then going to the outer lines and working our way toward the inner defenses. All teh way we were told stories of what was happening... from hand to hand combat between hundred of soldiers in a very confined space, to how they dug the trenches, to the fire rate of the artillery. 5-6 rounds per hour sounds quite slow until you realize there were 100 cannon doing this.... so 500-600 rounds per hour.

We had lunch at a small restaurant by the battle field. They gave a nice 20% discount to us as active duty military!

I must say in hind site there is an interesting fact. One of the marines in my class was a chief planner for the Global War on Terrorism.... the idea of touring a historic battlefield with a key figure from today's war.....

shirohniichan · November 20, 2006 7:36AM

I visited once when I was still in middle school. I think it was probably only a few years after the battle had taken place.

I really wish I would have taken the walk up to Little Round Top, but I didn't know then what I know now.

Maybe I'll take my kids there on a cross-country tour so they can not appreciate it as I didn't so many years ago.

billboat · November 20, 2006 7:49AM

Before you go--read "Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara. It is an excellent, highly readable treatment of the Battle of Gettysburg which will give a context for viewing the various parts of the battlefield. There are more definitive works, but this is a great start.

WTCG · November 20, 2006 8:07AM

The last time I visited Gettysburg was several years ago. In brief, if you are a Civil War or history enthusiast then you will love the park and the sights. If I recall, most of the famous sights and landmarks are accessible by foot or by car and there is a visitors' center which will get you oriented with the details of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Although things may be different now, I remember Gettysburg as not being overly commercialized or terribly crowded with tourists.

Longacre · November 29, 2006 12:24AM

I visited Gettyburg last week. On the way to the battlefield, "W" flew overhead in his helicopter convoy (I guess he was coming back from Camp David). Although I am not a big fan of the Prez, it was cool to see. When I arrived, the first thing that amazed me was how HUGE the battlefield was. I am not an expert on the Civil War, but I don't know how it was possible to have a battle back then that covered so much territory. We did the driving tour, and although we were driving somewhat slowly, it took us at least an hour to drive around only a portion of the battlefield. To add a little ambiance to the trip, we got there during the latter part of the afternoon, and toward the end of our visit, dusk was falling, and there was a beautiful purple sky over the battlefield. It was an amazing sight.

We went to two of the observation towers that are at the field, and looked at many of the monuments that are placed throughout the property. Little Round Top and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial were very breathtaking, and I imagined how difficult the conditions must have been during the battle. I have a map and information about the battlefield that I got from the visitor's center, and I need to spend some time reading through it. We also looked at the Gettysburg National Cemetary, which was were Lincoln gave his Gettysburg address. Overall, it was a great experience and I would like to go again and spend more time.

Against my better judgement, I acquiesed to my mother-in-law's desire to take one of those old time photographs. Twenty-two of us (believe it or not) got dressed up in Civil War attire for the picture. I hip checked my father in law to grab the Union general's uniform, but unfortunately it was too big for me. I had to settle for a Union infantry uniform.

Only two of us in the group dared to put on a Confederate uniform. Mrs. L looked stunning, dressed as a Southern belle, though.

Flyfishguy · November 29, 2006 12:32AM

I imagine they take a dim view of metal detecting, but wouldn't that be interesting!

Longacre · November 29, 2006 12:38AM

<< I imagine they take a dim view of metal detecting, but wouldn't that be interesting! >>

There were signs posted all over that said metal detecting was prohibited (the language on the signs was broader, but basically said you are not allowed to take anything that you might find).

RWB · November 29, 2006 12:49AM

For those who last visited a couple of years ago, the miserable eyesore tower is gone and the place is slowly being restored to something closer to its Civil War configuration. Turn your back to the tacky signs and casino ads in the village.

Before you go, get a copy of Ken Burns' PBS series on the Civil War and watch (study, might be better) the Gettysburg battle. (There is also a collection of excerpts from soldiers’ diaries – I think this is still on the Library of Congress web site.) When you arrive, go with a tour guide and, if possible, walk – you'll quickly begin to relate to what the soldiers of both sides saw and might have felt. Whether you had relatives on the Union or Confederate side (I had both, one of whom was a Union officer), the place can occasionally become overwhelming. Take time to sit and think. After your visit, re-read Abraham Lincoln’s short and eloquent speech – you will begin to understand what Lincoln was saying.

Gemineye · November 29, 2006 12:57AM

Yes I visited there a long time ago with my family.We drove thru and listened to a tape about the battlefield.

Michigan · November 29, 2006 1:12AM

<< 

<< I imagine they take a dim view of metal detecting, but wouldn't that be interesting! >>

There were signs posted all over that said metal detecting was prohibited (the language on the signs was broader, but basically said you are not allowed to take anything that you might find). >>

I remember reading a couple of years ago about someone being arrested around 3:00 AM on the Gettysburg battlefield with a metal
detector. They must have security patrols at night or perhaps a motion detection system of some kind.

jdsinva · November 29, 2006 1:24AM

<< I visited Gettyburg last week. . . When I arrived, the first thing that amazed me was how HUGE the battlefield was. . . >>

That was exactly my impression. Furthermore, standing on the Confederate side and seeing the path the men of Pickett's Charge took in the hot July sun, it's no wonder any of them made it to the triangle. . .

Michigan · November 29, 2006 1:32AM

<< 

<< I visited Gettyburg last week. . . When I arrived, the first thing that amazed me was how HUGE the battlefield was. . . >>

That was exactly my impression. Furthermore, standing on the Confederate side and seeing the path the men of Pickett's Charge took in the hot July sun, it's no wonder any of them made it to the triangle. . . >>

When the attack failed Lee said "it is all my fault". Going ahead with the attack despite the strong opposition of several of his commanding
officers was probably the worse decision he made during the war.

DNADave · September 7, 2021 6:15PM

Here a neat little item from my collection related to Gettysburg.

This was written in January 1869 by civil war soldier who was wounded at Gettysburg. He’s trying to get a “sertificate” to help him with a pension claim.

It says.

I have again made application for a pension. Will you please give me a sertificate to enable me to get my claim through. You are acquainted with my case you will remember probing for the ball at Gettysburg and of the nature of my wound, which has been and ____ very troublesome. I know I am entitled to a consideration from the government. Please give me a statement from your recollection of my case.

I can’t make out his first name but I’m pretty sure the last name is Ferris.

Co D 75th Ohio Vol

Hydrant · September 7, 2021 6:30PM

Two visits.

koynekwest · September 7, 2021 6:50PM

Yes-in 1967. It was very enjoyable. I especially liked the battle re-enactment that was done with shadows.

BustDMs · September 7, 2021 6:51PM

@keets said:
since noone else has mentioned it, i will...................make certain if you go to Gettysburg that you take the time to visit the former home of President Eisenhower. it's only accessible by a tour bus. also, the best approach with Gettysburg is to go to the visitors center and schedule the private tour. you get a guide who knows the battlefield and the happenings better than you'll ever hope to and the entire tour is in your vehicle with plenty of stops and a pleasntly personal explanation of the entire battle. i can't imagine anyone visiting the site and not being emotionally moved by it.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND scheduling the guided tour BEFORE your visit. My grown son and I made the trip a few years ago and made the mistake of only scheduling a three hour guide. Do the entire package you will not be disappointed. You can still revisit your favorite places and be sure to climb up on little round top. It is an amazing experience. Also, looking up the hill where Pickets charge took place was eerie for me imagining the soldiers looking up at the Union cannons and soldiers knowing you were going to come under heavy fire before you could fight.

As a side note we found Gettysburg MUCH more interesting than Antietam.

bearcave · September 7, 2021 7:12PM

Not yet but I'd like too. 😉

gumby1234 · September 7, 2021 7:16PM

Four score and um seven years ago....

Coinosaurus · September 7, 2021 7:37PM

Get a guided tour. You won't come back the same person.

gumby1234 · September 7, 2021 7:59PM

@Coinosaurus So this is where the aliens abduct people from?

1northcoin · September 7, 2021 8:11PM

@ricko said:
Camped there during a Boy Scout National Jamboree.... we found a couple of musket balls when trenching tents etc... Interesting place. Cheers, RicKO

Cool. The Boy Scout National Jamboree I attended was at Valley Forge. We didn’t find any battleground artifacts there but then again I guess Valley Forge was more of an encampment during the Revolutionary War.

That said the ranch my dad grew up on was adjacent to the post civil war Fort Halleck and there were lots of square nails and other relics that my siblings and I would find on our visits there in Nevada,

golden · September 7, 2021 8:33PM

Been there a number of years ago. You will need a full day.

Cocoinut · September 7, 2021 9:09PM

I was there on a school field trip in May 1964. Our bus took us around the battlefield to see various historic locations of the battle. The museum and cyclorama are "must see" spots. Bullets were still commonly found, and there were hundreds, if not thousands, on display. As previously mentioned, if you're in that area, Antietam is less than an hour's drive away. I visited that battlefield in Oct 1993, during a time when I worked in DC. The Antietam half dollar is one of my favorite commems, so I took a couple pictures of the Burnside Bridge.

ShaunBC5 · September 7, 2021 9:15PM

Wanted to go, but couldn’t remember the address.

lcutler · September 8, 2021 1:31AM

Can't even tell you how many times I have been there, first time was in 1973, the most recent was last month. Probably 20 to 30 times in all.

OnlyGoldIsMoney · September 8, 2021 7:16PM

I took my Dad to Gettysburg one day in July 1978. It was one long day in addition to the 200 mile round trip. Should I go again I would try to spend at least three days to see the more obscure portions of the battlefield park.

Slightly OT-- has anyone ever visited Gettysburg?

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