Visiting Gettysburg: A Little Bit of Everything for Everyone

In July of 1863, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Robert E. Lee, marched north into Pennsylvania, closely followed by the Army of the Potomac, under George Meade. The battle that ensued at the strategic crossroads of Gettysburg marked the end of the Confederacy's desire to fight and win a victory on Northern ground and gain international recognition. The battlefield today, thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service, remains in much the same condition as it was in the summer of 1863. For any student of military history, a visit (or three) to the field is a must. For Americans seeking an understanding of our history, Gettysburg remains a poignant and sobering lesson in conflict, sacrifice, honor and futility.

If you choose to visit the battlefield, be forewarned of a few things:

First, this is a huge park. Remember that the battle took place over three days; it was essentially three different battles fought in geographic proximity. It is possible to visit the entire battlefied in one day, but you will be pushing it.

Second, if you go in the summer, remember that this is also when just about everyone else visits the park.Fall and winter are actually good times to see the battlefield.

Finally, there is a lot to see and do in Gettysburg itself, just off the battlefield.

A primer for visiting Gettysburg:

First, rent and watch the movie. It is well done and especially if you have kids, will give them at least a bit of knowledge prior to setting foot on the ground. If you can, read the book on which it is based, "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara.

Second, figure out what everyone wants to do and see: Once you get away from the tourist traps just outside the Visitor Center, there are some nice antique shops, restaurants and even a golf course nearby.

Third, decide where you want to stay if you spend a night or two and make your reservations well in advance. There are some really nice old hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area; the more modern (and noisier) hotels are near the Visitor Center. Ghost tours are also very popular; more on that later.