List of Gettysburg Battlefield camps after the American Civil War facts for kids

Gettysburg Battlefield, famous for the huge Civil War battle, didn't just become a quiet park after the fighting. For many years, different groups used its fields and hills as temporary homes, or "camps." These camps were used by soldiers, Civil War veterans, young people, and even prisoners of war. They show how the battlefield continued to be an important place in American history long after 1863.

Early Camps and Veteran Reunions (1865-1910)

After the Civil War, the Gettysburg Battlefield quickly became a place for remembrance. Soldiers and veterans often returned to visit the sites where they fought.

First Gatherings and G.A.R. Camps

In 1865, just after the war, the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry camped on Culp's Hill for a special ceremony. This was for the cornerstone of the Soldiers' National Monument. Later, in 1869, the first big reunion for veterans happened. They stayed at the new Springs Hotel.

The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a group for Union Army veterans. They held many large gatherings, called "encampments," at Gettysburg. These events were not just serious. They also had fun activities like hayrides, sack races, and concerts.

In 1882, the G.A.R. held Camp Burnside on East Cemetery Hill. The next year, Camp Geary was in the same area. These camps helped veterans remember their experiences and connect with old friends.

Pennsylvania National Guard Training

The Pennsylvania National Guard also used the battlefield for training. In 1884, they set up a large camp called Camp Gettysburg. It stretched from Seminary Ridge across the famous field of Pickett's Charge. This showed how the battlefield was still useful for military practice.

President Grover Cleveland even visited in 1885 for a reunion. He toured the battlefield, guided by John B. Bachelder, who helped map the battle.

More G.A.R. Camps and Military Drills

Many more G.A.R. camps followed, like Camp Hancock in 1886 and Camp Abe Patterson in 1890. These gatherings often included ceremonies at monuments and religious services.

Sometimes, regular US Army units also camped at Gettysburg. In 1886, artillery soldiers camped in The Wheatfield. They were there for the dedication of a monument. In 1901, a large US cavalry and artillery camp was set up east of Rock Creek.

In 1902, Camp George G. Meade was established. It was a big area for military training. President Theodore Roosevelt even visited in 1904 for a Memorial Day address.

Large-Scale Military Exercises

In 1906, Camp Henderson hosted the PA National Guard. They used many farms for their encampment and practiced military movements. In 1908, Camp Alexander Hays, Jr. was hit by a big storm, showing the challenges of outdoor camps.

A large Camp of Instruction was held in 1910. Over 10,000 soldiers and militiamen trained together. This was a major event for military readiness.

Big Reunions and World War I Training (1912-1919)

The early 1900s saw some of the largest gatherings at Gettysburg, especially for important anniversaries.

The Great 1913 Reunion

In 1913, Gettysburg hosted the 50th anniversary of the battle. This was a huge event called the 1913 Gettysburg reunion. Thousands of Civil War veterans, both Union and Confederate, came together. A massive "Great Camp" was set up with many tents. It was a powerful moment of reconciliation.

During this time, the US Marine Corps also held an officer's training school at Gettysburg College.

Camp, US Troops (1917-1919)

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Gettysburg became a major training ground. The War Department set up "Camp, United States Troops, Gettysburg, PA." This large camp covered many acres and had new buildings.

The Fourth United States Regulars, a regular army unit, arrived at this camp in June 1917. It even had its own post office.

Camp Colt: Tank Training

One of the most famous camps was Camp Colt, established in 1918. This was the first place in the US where soldiers were trained to use tanks! It was set up in the field of Pickett's Charge.

A young Captain Dwight D. Eisenhower, who would later become a famous general and president, was in command of Camp Colt. It was his first command. At its peak, Camp Colt had over 10,000 officers and men. They even faced a quarantine during the 1918 flu pandemic.

After the war ended, Camp Colt closed in August 1919.

Military Convoys

In 1919, military truck convoys, like the 1919 Motor Transport Corps convoy, traveled through Gettysburg. These convoys were important for testing military transportation across the country. Another convoy, the 1919 Air Service Transcontinental Recruiting Convoy, even used the former Camp Colt drill ground as a landing field for airplanes.

Between the Wars and World War II (1920-1946)

In the years between the World Wars, Gettysburg continued to host military training and other unique camps.

Marine and Army Training

In 1922, Camp Harding hosted 5,000 US Marines. They even reenacted Pickett's Charge, a famous part of the battle. President Warren G. Harding watched this impressive display.

Later, in 1928, the US Army tested new motorized forces at Gettysburg. Engineers and cavalry units camped in The Wheatfield. They used old trucks to practice moving large groups of soldiers. Tanks also visited the battlefield for training.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camps

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created. This program put young men to work on conservation projects. In 1933, the CCC established Camp Renaissance in Pitzer Woods. Another camp, McMillan Woods CCC camp, opened in 1934.

These CCC workers did important jobs on the battlefield. They helped clean up, plant trees, and improve the park. They even found and detonated an old cannonball from the 1863 battle!

World War II Camps

As World War II approached, military training returned to Gettysburg. In 1941, units from Fort Indiantown Gap trained in Pitzer Woods. They practiced aerial reconnaissance, which is scouting from the air.

A large unit, the 71st Coast Artillery Regiment, camped in Pitzer Woods for maneuvers. They even used searchlights from Barlow Knoll.

Camp Sharpe and POW Camp

In 1943, Camp Sharpe opened in Pitzer Woods. This was a special camp for training soldiers in "psychological operations." These soldiers learned how to influence people's thoughts and feelings during wartime.

In 1944, a Prisoner of War (POW) stockade was opened along the Emmitsburg Road. It held German prisoners. Later, these prisoners were moved to the former McMillan Woods CCC camp. Guards for the POWs often slept at the local high school.

After the war, in 1945, the Lee-Meade Inn was used as a camp for a "War Mapping project." Here, people analyzed captured Japanese documents to create maps for a planned invasion of Japan.

Modern Camps and Youth Programs (1948-Present)

Even after World War II, Gettysburg continued to be a place for different kinds of camps.

Boy Scout and ROTC Activities

In 1949, the site of the former POW camp was used for a Boy Scout camporee. Boy Scout summer camps later moved to McMillan Woods in 1966.

Gettysburg College's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) also conducted demonstrations on Oak Ridge.

Youth Conservation Corps

In 1971, Camp Eisenhower of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) opened along the Emmitsburg Road. This program, similar to the CCC, allowed young people to work on conservation projects on the battlefield. They helped clean up and maintain the park.

In 1976, the Bicentennial Wagon Train, celebrating 200 years of American independence, stopped overnight at Gettysburg. The Camp Eisenhower YCC participants helped prepare the camping area.

McMillan Woods Youth Campground

By 1989, the McMillan Woods Youth Campground was improved. It could host thousands of campers each year. This shows that Gettysburg continues to be a place where young people can connect with history and nature.

Today, "living-history" encampments are common tourist attractions. People dress up in historical clothing and recreate scenes from the past. These camps help visitors imagine what life was like during the Civil War era.

Images for kids

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  The patch of the 44th Infantry Division, which bivouacked at Gettysburg in 1941.