Jennie Wade: A Tragic Civil War Love Story

Romeo and Juliet may be the most notable star-crossed lovers, but Pennsylvania’s Jack Skelly and Jennie Wade have a love story that may be just as tragic.

Jennie Wade was the only civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg. She died on July 3, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, with a picture of her love, Corporal Johnston “Jack” Hastings Skelly, nestled in her pocket.

He would never learn of her death, as he died of wounds sustained at the Second Battle of Winchester in Virginia on July 12, 1863. Read further to learn more about this tragic Civil War love story. Continue reading

Is Gettysburg Open In The Winter?

At Gettysburg Battlefield Tours, you’ll find tour guides who love sharing historical facts about the most important engagement of the American Civil War.

When winter arrives, that doesn’t stop.

Is Gettysburg open in the winter? You bet! The town known for one of America’s bloodiest battles is now perhaps one of the most peaceful places to visit in winter. Not only is the town of Gettysburg open to visitors hoping to dine and shop in this quaint historic town, but our guided tours of the battlefields and Winter Combo Deals make Gettysburg a wintertime destination.

Read further to learn more about winter in Gettysburg. Continue reading

Winter Combo Tours Are Best-Kept Gettysburg Secret This Winter

Ghostly Images Thrifty visitors, take note! The existence of our winter combo tours seems to be one of the (unintentionally) best kept secrets in Gettysburg. These ghostly adventures are offered on Saturday nights during the winter season (weather permitting), and beware: when space fills up – they’re gone!

The exciting news, if you’re reading this in early January, is that the season has only just begun. Our special combo tours are offered on Saturdays starting January 15 at 7:00 PM, and they run all the way through March 12 (weather permitting) with the exception of February 12th when the tour time will be 6 PM.  Please note, Ghostly Images is only open Saturdays from 3:00 PM until the time of the tour.  We will also have a 7 PM Tour on Friday, February 11th.

Why do we call them combo tours?

As you probably can guess, each combo tour includes a private tour of the Jennie Wade House AND the Haunted Orphanage. You may have seen these on popular network shows such as: Continue reading

Christmas at the Jennie Wade House

Visit the Jennie Wade House to see how they decorated for the holidays in 1863. Music, decorations,  and unique gifts.  Open Friday, December 3rd & 10th; Saturday, December 4th, 11th & 18th; and Sunday, December 5th, 12th & 19th and daily December 26th-31st.

Personalized Christmas Gift Ideas (Especially for History Fans)

With the holidays right around the corner and post-pandemic restrictions easing, Gettysburg is ready to welcome families and loved ones seeking to have a memorable, in-person Christmas holiday.

Plan an extended weekend in historic Gettysburg and give one of the most personalized Christmas gifts imaginable, with your loved ones gathered around. Continue reading

Best Places To Eat In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

About 1 million people come to visit Gettysburg National Military Park each year, a fantastic mixture of history buffs, ghost hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and more. And while we think we offer some of the best attractions this historic town has to offer, we also believe the restaurant options are fantastic as well.

If you’re wondering what the best places are to eat in Gettysburg, we have some great recommendations. From the Historic 1776 Dobbin House Tavern to the quaint Sunset Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll find options nearby to suit your taste.

Additionally, Destination Gettysburg is excited to unveil The Adams County Crop Hop, a farm and market trail to celebrate seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, cooking classes, entertainment, and more. The Crop Hop is a mobile passport giving you access to a collection of curated fruit markets, nurseries, attractions, and more and offering deals and discounts to redeem during your visit.

Read further to get a nice list of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to sate your appetites while you take a break from visiting nearby sites with Gettysburg Battlefield Tours. Continue reading

Where was the Gettysburg Address Given? Join History Fans in Commemoration

In November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous speech to honor the men who had fought and died in the Battle of Gettysburg to preserve the Union.

His Gettysburg Address was given on Cemetery Hill in the National Soldier Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was a short, yet powerful speech invoking the message of equality for all.

Yet the very spot where he stood may surprise those who tour Gettysburg Battlefields. Read on to learn some fascinating facts about that special day, and for information about a special event to commemorate it: Dedication Day 2021. Continue reading

How Long Did The Battle Of Gettysburg Last?

If you’ve been studying the history behind the Gettysburg Battlefield, possibly in preparation for an upcoming visit, one of the questions you may be wondering is, “How long did the Battle of Gettysburg Last?” The short answer is:

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted a total of three days, from July 1-3, 1863.

Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about the history surrounding the battle itself. Continue reading

Best Ways To Tour Gettysburg Battlefield (Something For Everyone!)

Planning a trip to Gettysburg soon? The battlefield is one of the most popular attractions and there are a surprising number of ways to navigate through it. In this post, we’ve highlighted some of the best ways to tour Gettysburg Battlefield whether you plan to go by yourself, as a family, or with a group of friends. But before we get too far, we’d like to answer a question we get a lot, which is “What is THE best way to tour Gettysburg Battlefield?”

While the preferred method of taking the tour varies from person to person, the best way for you to tour the battlefield is with some sort of guidance, whether from an in-person tour guide or from a pre-recorded self-guided audio tour.

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Things To Do In Gettysburg With Kids – Family Friendly Ideas

The town of Gettysburg attracts several million visitors each year, and a large portion of those visitors are families. While some activities in Gettysburg are not ideal for kids, there is a wide selection of family-friendly things to do in Gettysburg with kids that will keep the whole family engaged so you can have a meaningful time and make memories.

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