Anyone attend Annual Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment?

[NancyIL]

I'll be on a roadtrip out east the last week of June. I'll be passing through Gettysburg, PA on June 30th, and have a hotel reservation in town that night. I visited Gettysburg National Park in 2003 and really enjoyed it, and I'd like to see it again. The Annual Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment begins the next day, so I'm wondering if I should stay in the area an extra day to see the demonstrations and battle reenactments?

http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/

 

[NancyIL]

Anyone?

 

[Tiggeroo]

i'd love to go. I have heard it is very crowded though so expect that. If you didn't have reservations already I'd say you'd have a problem getting a room. If I was going to be in town i'd go.

 

[ckay87]

No, but thanks for the tip!

Sorry.

 

[Narvon]

We don't go to the battle reenactment, but we do participate in the living history. My father is General W.E. "Grumble" Jones and my 5 year old son is "generic civil war kid."

The living history is really fun - period historians will discuss the battle of Gettysburg and stay in character while they talk to you. These events are organized through the Civil War Heritage Foundation and are the first weekend in July at the Wax Museum in Gettysburg.

On the 3rd of July there is a very moving Wall Ceremony commemorating not only Pickett's Charge of July 3, 1863 but also The Wall Ceremony or Hands Across the Wall Ceremony of July 3, 1913. Veterans returned to Gettysburg by the tens of thousands for the 50th Anniversary of the battle. The third day of the reunion ended at the Angle with political speaches and other items on the program and then with the Rebs being offered a hand to cross the wall. The very wall where so many died or were wounded in the attempt to take it. It was reported to be a unification of these men 50 years after the battle. This event is free; I believe the battle reenactments cost money.

It is very crowded that weekend, and very hot, but it's still quite manageable. Bring lots of bottled water!

Click Here for TONS of photos from 2005.

 

[NancyIL]

Narvon, thank you so much for the info...that is exactly what I was looking for! I realize it will be crowded and hot, but how often does one happen to be in Gettysburg, PA on the anniversary of a major Civil War battle! Your photos and trip diary are wonderful!

 

[Narvon]

Glad I could help - but I have to give credit where credit is due: it's my dad's trip diary, but I took many of the photos! Have a great time and if you're there look for us! My little boy should be in the same costume and he gets a lot of attention!

 

[NancyIL]

Giving this another bump!