Gettysburg Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

Gettysburg Things to Do

One of the most important battles of the American Civil War, Gettysburg remains a very popular destination for history buffs and those looking for a scenic getaway.

National Cemetery

Gettysburg National Cemetery is located on Cemetery Hill, and was founded shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg. The site was purchased and Union dead were moved from shallow burial sites on the battlefield to the cemetery. This is also the site of the Gettysburg Address as well as the resting place for many soldiers (approximately 3,555). It is worth stopping and taking a look around as the site is very humbling and puts things into perspective on how many lives were lost. If you find the somber surroundings overwhelming, take some time to enjoy the variety of very old trees and tablets with stanzas from Theodore O’Hara’s poem, The Bivouac of the Dead around the cemetery.

Little Round Top

The peak of Little Round Top is 650 feet above sea level. It rises 150 feet above nearby Plum Run to the west and is covered with large boulders. During the battle, the western slope was generally free from vegetation, while the summit, eastern and southern slopes were lightly wooded. On July 2, 1863, it was the key point in the Union Army’s defensive line, overlooking The Slaughter Pen, Devil’s Den, Houck’s Ridge and The Valley of Death. Today, it is one of the more popular stops for tour groups. With its views of the battlefield, it is easy to see why the position was so important. One of the videos shows a panorama from the NY Infantry Tower.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Gettysburg.