Everyone knows about the Battle of Gettysburg and that it was one of the most important in the Civil War... but how much do we really know about it? It was a majorly important nugget of American history! Had one of any number of little things gone any different, the South could have won the war; America (and life as we know it!) would be completely different. Once you're done wrapping your brain around that, start considering a grown-up field trip to the Gettysburg National Military Park, where you can brush up on your history, and learn quite a few things you never knew that you never knew! Here are a few highlights of the park.
Here's a fun fact about Gettysburg. While most of America is worried about forests being chopped down, the people of Gettysburg are concerned that there's more woodland in the park now than there actually was in 1863. The NPS has long-term plans to restore the battlefield to its original appearance during the Civil War, and replant orchards and wooded lots that are now bare. They're also adding back in native plants to the meadowed areas to encourage the habitat and keep it looking decently authentic.
You'll find more than just Civil War history at Gettysburg. Cold War buffs, or history nerds in general, should definitely stop by the Eisenhower National Historic Site. While Ike wasn't from Gettysburg, he was born shortly after the Confederate surrender, and grew up listening to Civil War veterans tell tales of their time in the Army. Of course, Eisenhower went on to graduate from West Point and become a soldier himself. The first and only house he and his wife ever bought was an old farm in Gettysburg. He was a huge Civil War buff, and frequently took visiting dignitaries on tours of the battlefield. As President, he spent many a holiday and weekend at his peaceful farmhouse, since it was the perfect place to unwind as Cold War tensions mounted.
Devil's Den is one of the more popular tourist sites, as it bears many marks from the battle, even to this day. The boulder-strewn hill naturally made a great place for a battle... there are nooks and crannies where sharpshooters can hide, and placing cannons on an elevated position atop the hill and behind rocks gave added advantages. As you explore, you'll find cannons, walkways, and even a footbridge between two rocks. It changed hands several times during the battle, especially during the second day, and was the site of many deaths. A lot of the pictures you see of the Battle of Gettysburg are of bodies posed among the rocks here.
Naturally, since so much happened here, this is reported to be one of the most paranormally active spots in the country. Camera equipment frequently malfunctions, the sounds of gunfire, screams, and footsteps are often heard, and strange figures in Civil War garb seem to appear and disappear out of nowhere. There's also a strange spirit in a loose shirt and floppy hat who many called "The Helpful Hippie", since he likes to help tourists choose a good angle for a picture before mysteriouly vanishing.
The Dobbin House Tavern dates back to the 1700s, and is a totally Colonial-themed B&B with a few onsite dining options and a little General Store gift shop. The casual Springhouse Tavern restaurant serves up cocktails that early Americans would have enjoyed (lots of rum and brandy) along with sandwiches, soups, and salads, and is located in the former runaway slave hideout. There's also the fancier Alexander Dobbins Dining Room, with a larger menu of dinner offerings. Expect lots of candlelight and costumed servers. You can also stay the night in the little cottages on site for a really immersive historical expierence.
As you can see, the battle not only had a lasting effect on American history but on the town itself. For three long days, the town was rocked and its citizens were put through hell, but everyone in the town, and in the army, pulled together and turned the tide of the war. Learning about the stories of various individuals really adds perspective and depth to what might seem like an overwhelming and technical event in US history. You'll be surprised at just how engaging and interesting a trip tp Gettysburg can be!
