Welcome to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania!

Gettysburg, a city forever entrenched in American history, is the site of a pivotal battle in the Civil War and the grounds where former President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. In 1861, America divided into two sections - the North and the South. The Southern contingent believed that every state had the right to self-govern; the North thought one governmental body should regulate all states. A civil war ensued, with both sides willing to die for their cause. The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, and 3 of 1863, served as a major turning point in the Civil War. It ended in a Union victory, and marked the last time Gen. Robert E. Lee tried to invade the northern states. The battle, one of the bloodiest conflicts ever fought on American soil, culminated in over 51,000 deaths. A fully united America emerged at the end of the Civil War, with freedom and liberty for all. Today, over 2 million visitors make the pilgrimage to Gettysburg to stand on the very ground where tens of thousands of men fought and died for their beliefs. They visit because no book, lecture, or movie can compare to the actual site of the battle that helped America remain the united nation it is today. Gettysburg's hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts place guests in the middle of all the historical action.

Visiting Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg lives on through the city's reenactments, museums, and other historical attractions. Reenactments of the Battle of Gettysburg occur every year, but 2003 marks the 140th anniversary of the confrontation. On July 4, 5, and 6, 2003, the largest Civil War reenactment of the decade will take place in Gettysburg on Table Rock Road. Over 15,000 reenactors in period costumes, 500-700 horses, and 100 full-size cannons will re-create the sights, smells, and sounds of those three fateful days in July. Tourists should plan on arriving to the battle scene two hours early.