Gettysburg’s 150th Anniversary

All summer long and through the end of 2013, you'll find lots to do and see in Gettysburg, Pa.  This year marks the 150th anniversary of the historic Battle of Gettysburg, which is known as the turning point in the American Civil War.

An easy one and a half hour drive from the Historic Smithton Inn, Gettysburg offers all sorts of activities and events, including festivals, tours, live theatre, art exhibits, Civil War re-enactments, and more - that bring history alive!

Here's a small sampling of what's on deck in July:

7/1 - 7/7  7:30 pm - Civil War Fact or Fiction Walking Tour - A 1 hour 15 minute tour through the Gettysburg Historic District.  Hear some far-fetched tales from the Battle of Gettysburg along the way, and you'll have the opportunity to guess which are fact and which are fiction.

7/4 - 7/7 - Gettysburg 150th National Civil War Battle Reenactment - Approximately 15,000 soldier and civilian re-enactors will re-create the 1860s.  You'll get a close-up vier of life as teh soldiers lived it during the Civil War.

7/5 - 7/31 - Exhibition of Gary Casteel's paintings, "The Farmsteads of Gettysburg Battlefield" - Cashtown resident and multi-dimensional artist Gary Casteel will exhibit a collection of his paintings that capture the battlefield farms of Gettysburg.  (Artist's reception will be held on Friday, July 5 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm.)

7/10 - 7/21 - Road from Appomattox - A captivating re-creation of the April 10, 1865 meeting between Generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.  It was at that meeting that the two generals agreed upon peace after a nearly five-year bloody struggle that resulted in the loss of over 500,000 lives.  Produced by the Majestic Theater and Totem Pole Playhouse.

7/20 - 7/21 - 4th Annual Gettysburg 19th Century Base Ball Tournament - This annual event features clubs from all over the United States who will compete wearing the same style uniforms, using the same equipment, and playing by the same rules that were used back in 1864.

7/27 6 - 8 pm - Civil War Lecture Dinner Cruise - A 2-hour riverboar cruise with a full meal along the scenic Susquehanna River.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to our area, don't miss the 150th Anniversary fun and excitement in Gettysburg.  Visit the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor's Bureau website to see the full list of events and follow the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg 2013 Facebook page for even more information and updates.

[Photo used with permission by Gettysburg Convention & Visitor's Bureau]