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GETTYSBURG
 Gettysburg
is a borough in and the county seat of Adams County, Pennsylvania,
United States. The population was 7,490 at the 2000 census.
Although known primarily as an attraction because of its proximity to
the Gettysburg Battlefield, site of the Battle of Gettysburg, the
borough is also known for its institutions of higher learning, namely
the Lutheran Theological Seminary, founded in 1826, Gettysburg College
(originally Pennsylvania College), which began operating in 1832, and
Harrisburg Area Community College.
Many roads radiate from Gettysburg, providing hub-like access to
Baltimore (52 miles/84 kilometers), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (38
miles/61kilometers), Carlisle (30 miles/48 kilometers), Frederick and
Hagerstown, Maryland (25 and 30 miles, or 40 and 48 kilometers,
respectively), and Washington, D.C. (90 miles/145 kilometers).
Chambersburg is 25 miles (40 km) west on the Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route
30), the first transcontinental U.S. highway. Today the borough is a 2½
hour drive from Philadelphia and a 3½ hour drive from Pittsburgh via the
Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. Route 15. Gettysburg Regional Airport, a
small general aviation airport, is located 2 miles (4 km) west of
Gettysburg.
In June of 2009, the Adams County Transit Authority implemented local
transportation service to the boro operating under the name Freedom
Transit
History and culture
Gettysburg was founded in 1786 and named after Samuel Gettys, an early
settler and tavern owner.
In 1858 the Gettysburg Railroad completed construction of a railroad
line from Gettysburg to Hanover. The Gettysburg Railroad Station opened
in 1859. Passenger train service to the city ended in 1942. The station
was restored in 2006 and currently operates as a museum.
Gettysburg, home to the Battle of Gettysburg (1863) of the American
Civil War, draws in large numbers of tourists every year to visit the
historical sites around the small community as well as the battlefield
itself. Gettysburg has many activities and tours to offer to vacationers
and tourists that are interested in the Gettysburg area and the history
of the community and the battle. A narrated tour via double-decker bus
and tours of the Jenny Wade house are two examples. Ghost tours are also
popular with tourists, profiling various locations reported to be
haunted. One of the most popular times to visit Gettysburg is in the
Summer and early Fall months, about June through October.
A popular attraction in Gettysburg is the reenactment of the Battle of
Gettysburg which is held every summer for the three days around the
Fourth of July. Events include tours, ghost stories and reenactments.
The Dobbin House Tavern, which is one of the most famous restaurants in
Gettysburg, was once home to Reverend Alexander Dobbin in 1776. The
restaurant has since been authentically restored and provides an
ambiance that was once present during the historic days of Gettysburg.
The Dobbin House is lit by candles while the wait staff serves authentic
foods from two centuries ago dressed in Civil War attire. Other
historical attractions are the hotels and bed and breakfasts around the
borough. The Gettysburg Hotel is a popular destination for tourists
because of all the history that the hotel holds. The Gettysburg Hotel is
located in the heart of downtown Gettysburg, within walking distance to
historical sites, restaurants and shopping. The hotel has been in
business since 1797 and in 1863 witnessed events that took place during
the three day battle.
Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau -
http://www.gettysburg.travel/
Borough of Gettysburg
-
http://www.gettysburg-pa.gov/
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