Gettysburg is more than just the big historic battlefield, although that battle overshadows everything in the town. We made this return trip because when I was looking over our pictures from when we toured the battlefield almost 20 years ago, I realized that we never saw the place where President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address! So first thing, lunch – Gettysburg Eddie’s. MY says the french onion soup was the best she ever had!
Gettysburg Eddie’s remembers its native Eddie Plank, who was a hall of fame pitcher, primarily for the Philadelphia A’s from 1901-1914.Eddie PlankWills House. President Abraham Lincoln slept in this house November 18, 1863, the night before his immortal address at the cemetery.One of several statues of Lincoln around town.Thaddeus Stevens practiced law in Gettysburg 1816-1842, then Lancaster from 1842-1868. As Congressman from Lancaster he was the most powerful congressman during and after the Civil War. He was also a framer of the 14th Amendment, which granted US citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the US, most significantly, all former slaves. He also led the effort to impeach President Andrew Johnson (failed by one vote).Statue of General Dwight D. Eisenhower Supreme Commander of Allied Forces WWII Made decision “Okay let’s go” D-Day June 6, 1944President Eisenhower’s farm at Gettysburg.We had dinner at Dobbin House Restaurant which dates to 1776, the oldest building in Gettysburg.Slave hideaway below the ground floor.
George Mason was the author of the Bill of Rights, which became the foundation for the first ten amendments to the US constitution. In fact, several states (mostly Virginia) would not ratify the constitution unless they were assured the Bill of Rights would be added. On this visit we only had time to go through the visitor center, so we did not see the Gunston Hall house. This post is mainly a high level history lesson about the Revolutionary War and George Mason’s role as described on panels in the visitor center.
Bust of George MasonWine glass chiller/punch bowl that belonged to Mason, and a brick from Gunston Hall.
James Monroe, our fifth President, was born here in 1758. He lived here until he was 16 and he entered William & Mary College. The house has been rebuilt according to historical records. All the rooms are set with pieces that reflect mid-18th century furnishings.
Bed warmerReproduction of the coat worn by 18 year old Lieutenant James Monroe at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. A feature of the uniforms of that time was the rank of Major and above wore two epaulets, while the rank of Captain wore a single epaulet on the right side, and ranks below Captain wore a single epaulet on the left side.The visitor center has a few portraits of James Monroe…Bust of James Monroe, by Cathe Wahendahl, 1957James Monroe was a significant contributor to the early days of our country. He is considered “The Last Founding Father”. I think he deserves more attention and honor. This site should be part of our National Park system, but so far, it is a privately run organization.
Washington was born here in Westmoreland County, and he moved to Fredericksburg’s Ferry Farm when he was 6 years old.Washington Birthplace monument obelisk.This outline marks the archeological remains of a brick foundation representing a substantial 18th century home that belonged to the Washington family.Colonial Revival GardenPathway to memorial house.Washington Birthplace Memorial House. This house was built in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth. The Washington family farm backed up to Popes Creek.Colonial Revival Kitchen.Tobacco barnTobaccoFarm WorkshopWalnut treeFig treeWashington family treeBust of Washington inside the Memorial House.
