Round Top Park facts for kids
Round Top Park was a fun place for visitors near the famous Gettysburg Battlefield. It was an excursion park that covered about 15 acres. This park was located east of Little Round Top and was owned by the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad.
Besides having fun rides and activities, Round Top Park also helped tourists. During the time when people were creating memorials for the battlefield, the park offered services for those arriving by steam train and trolley. These visitors came to see the important military sites from the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Park's Early Days
The park started welcoming visitors in June 1884. A special steam engine from Baldwin Locomotive Works would pull trains full of people to the "hill." Ephram H. Minnigh was the park manager at this time.
Special Events and Gatherings
On July 4, 1884, a big event took place at the park. Colonel John H. McClellan hosted a free ox roast, which is a large outdoor meal. People were encouraged to give donations to help the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
The park quickly grew. By June 17, 1884, it had a large covered pavilion. A "large dining pavilion" was finished by July 29, 1884. These buildings were perfect for groups and events.
Changes Over Time
In 1889, the Pennsylvania Reserves, a group of soldiers, held a reunion in the pavilion. However, by 1896, the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association (GBMA) decided to remove the park's buildings.
Even after the buildings were gone, the area was still used. On July 4, 1900, the former Round Top Park hosted the Tacony Rifles, a military group.
Over the years, the land around Round Top Park changed hands. The nearby Cunningham Grove was taken over by the United States Department of War. Round Top Park itself was given to the War Department by the GBMA. Later, in the late 20th century, the National Park Service acquired other nearby areas like Hudson Grove and Rosensteel Park.
