Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District
|
|
Memorial on the Gettysburg Battlefield to the 111th New York Infantry, February 2012
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Adams County, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | ~11,000 acres (4,500 ha) |
| Architectural style | Colonial (1776 tavern),
Neoclassical (1797 hotel), |
| MPS | Battle of Gettysburg MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000155 |
| Added to NRHP | March 19, 1975 |
The Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District is a special area in Adams County, Pennsylvania. It's filled with over 1,000 historic structures and 315 historic buildings. This district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 19, 1975.
Most of the important historical sites here are part of the Gettysburg National Military Park. This park is a protected federal area. The district includes many famous monuments and memorials from the Battle of Gettysburg. You can also find old buildings like the Dobbin House Tavern, built in 1776. There are also newer structures, like the foundation of the 1895 Big Round Top Observation Tower.
Contents
Exploring the Historic District
The Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District covers a large area. It is bigger than the national park itself. This district was recognized for its historical importance in two main stages. The first was in 1975, focusing on the Battle of Gettysburg. The list of important structures grew from 618 to 1,200 around 1993. A second recognition happened in 2004.
What Makes it Historic?
This district is important because of the famous 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. It is also where Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. After the battle, many memorials were built here. New services for visitors were also added over time.
The land itself played a big role in the battle. Its natural shape helped decide how the fight went. Some old buildings from before the battle are also part of the history. For example, the 1776 Dobbin House Tavern is still standing. The 1786 Brafferton Inn is the oldest house in downtown Gettysburg.
Protecting the Battlefield
Efforts to protect the battlefield began in 1864. The Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association started buying land. The U.S. War Department also began buying land in 1893. In 1895, the Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) was created. This park included areas used as field hospitals during the battle.
In 1933, the GNMP became part of the National Park Service. The park was added to the national register in 1966. The local government also created a Historic District ordinance in 1972. The Civil War Trust (now part of the American Battlefield Trust) has helped protect over 1,000 acres here since 1997. Many of these acres are now part of the national park.
Images for kids
-
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial was unveiled at the 1938 Gettysburg reunion.
