Overnight in Gettysburg Part II
This week we wrap up our overnight trip to Gettysburg. Missed Part I? Read it here.
What sights did we see?
We have visited so many times and have seen so many things. I was actually a little stumped on what to write about because there are just so many things to cover. I may need to create my own Gettysburg blog just to cover all the stuff I would like too.
In the spirit of trying to keep this short I will only briefly mention our favorite spots to stop. I have included some photos. Interested in purchasing one of the Dutch Run Digital photos? Send me an email.
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial
The idea of a “monument to peace” was discussed for the 50th Anniversary. However, funds were not in place by 1913 to begin construction. For many years, efforts were made to raise the necessary amount. Finally, on July 3, 1938 President Franklin D Roosevelt unveiled the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.
The monument is impressive. The view from the monument out onto part of the first days battlefield is also impressive. From here, a visitor can really understand the movements of armies as they moved across this part of the battlefield.
Little Round Top
Maybe one of the most famous pieces of battlefield, Little Round Top is always worth a stop. This location allows for some really great photography. It is also a great place to watch or photograph the sunset. From here, visitors can look down onto The Slaughter Pen and Devil’s Den. It is hard to imagine any one trying to take this rocky hill, but they did.
Devil’s Den
After spending some time walking around Little Round Top we usually head down to Devil’s Den. Both the Union and Confederate soldiers moved over this area during the heated battles on July 2, 1863. The rock formation is fascinating.
Soldiers National Cemetery
After the battle, PA Governor Andrew Curtin visited the town. He was appalled at what sights awaited him here. Ruined farms, homes overflowing with wounded soldiers, and fresh graves were everywhere. Union and Confederate dead lay in shallow unmarked graves. When heavy rains came, they would wash away what little soil there was and would reveal the dead. The smell of death was heavy in the air.
Besides Governor Curtin, several citizens were devastated and appalled by the state of the town. These citizens approached the Governor and proposed to establish a special cemetery for the Union dead.
The commonwealth of PA provided the funds to establish the cemetery and helped finance reburials of an estimated 3,600 bodies. This became the Soldiers National Cemetery. The burials were far from complete when the cemetery was dedicated on November 19, 1863. Near the cemetery (the exact location is unknown) Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address.
In 1865 the foundation for the central monument was placed. Construction was finished in 1869. The cemetery was expanded to include service men and women of other wars. An annex was added in the 1960’s to accommodate the growing numbers of the military personnel from the Vietnam War.
The grounds are well maintained. The trees are beautiful. It is a truly peaceful place to walk and remember all those men and women who have served this country and given ‘their last full measure’.
The Coster Avenue Mural
Seldom seen, this hidden gem is worth finding. The mural was dedicated on the 125th Anniversary. The mural depicts the clash between Union Colonel Charles R. Coster’s forces and the Confederate forces led by Brigadier General Harry Hays and Colonel Isaac Avery. The battle was brief and brutal. In all, Coster lost 563 of his men and the Confederates lost 200 of theirs.
There is a clear protective covering over the mural that makes it hard to photograph without reflections. It is one of the least visited areas of the battlefield which is very unfortunate. The mural is quite impressive visually.
The Abraham Brian (Bryan) Farm
Just up the road from this little farm is the famous Angle and Copse of Trees. These were the focus of General Lee’s doomed Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863. Most people over look this small pair of white buildings.
During 1863, this was the home of Abraham Brian. He was among a small, unique group of farmers. These farmers were free black men who owned property. Understandably, Brian and his family fled the area as the Confederate army began to invade Pennsylvania. Following the battle, Brian returned to his farm.
During the battle the Union soldiers occupied his farm and house. They dismantled his fences, stole his hay, damaged his crops, took his animals and damaged his fruit trees. The home was exposed to heavy musketry and shell fire and there were 106 shallow graves on his property. Like many farmers in the town he filed claims with the federal government for damages. Brian requested $1028, or $21,206.01 today. He received $15, or $309.43 today. He was lucky, many farmers received nothing.
Brian did his best to rebuild but his advancing age and lack of funds made this difficult. He sold his farm in 1868 and moved into town to work at a hotel. He died in 1879 and is buried in Gettysburg’s Lincoln Cemetery. To read a bit more and see pictures from inside the house visit the National Parks Blog.
Gettysburg Shops
The Crystal Wand
I like crystals. My friends like crystals. For me this is a must stop shop. I was able to stock up on crystals for my fledgling jewelry making supplies as well as gifts for others. The store contains all sorts of metaphysical items. Books, crystals, bracelets, journals, pendulums, tarot cards and decorations. The staff is beyond helpful! They are knowledgeable and nice. To learn more visit their Facebook page here.
A Lit’le Irish, Too
If you have Irish heritage or just love the Irish people this shop is a place you must visit. Jewelry, clothes, food, and other goods line all the shelves. All of their products are made in Ireland. Each item is hand-crafted and beautiful. To find out more visit their Facebook page here.
A & A Village Treasures
This store is chock full of unique gifts. We love to go in and stock up of Christmas and birthday gifts. Lotions, jewelry, clothing, food and tea. There is something in here for everyone. The owners are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They couldn’t be more helpful. We are very particular to the food and tea selections. They have tons of locally made and sourced items. To learn more visit their Facebook page here.
Gettysburg in Conclusion
As usual, Country Fox had a wonderful time in Gettysburg. Our sleeping accommodations were great. The food was tasty. Service in all the restaurants and shops was amazing. This time of year the battlefield has less people and less tour groups which makes it great to go and relax and really take your time understanding the battle.
Looking for something to do but want to stay local? Try hiking the Ebensburg Reservoir or swing by the antique store Sun-Kissed Country.