Gettysburg visit last weekend.

[121st PA Vols]

Here's a brief rundown on the trip:
** Visited Gettysburg last weekend enjoying clear skies and the openness of the field with all the leaves down. It's a great time of year for those unfamiliar to get a real feel of terrain, especially in areas like Culps Hill and Little Round Top to appreciate for example the impossible terrain Southern infantry had to negotiate. And how the Feds ever dragged artillery up to LRT is still a puzzlement as the east especially and northeast face of LRT is a sheer drop off, very much like the northern face of Culps Hill. But actually, with all the swales, dips, creeks, streams and woodlots, it's a great time for those with any terrain interests and studies despite snow. Driving the 11th Corps line north of town always makes me wonder how they held such an open and exposed part of the field as long as they did.
Back to Round Top, it was bitter cold in the low 20s. But the clearness of the air allowed for a spectacular view from Little Round Top looking West and SW well south of Fairfield and Carrolls Valley (4 miles north of Emmitsburg, MD), where all that stood between you and seeing into Maryland were the South Mountains, an extension of the Blue Ridge. Traffic was non-existent that time of year with the cold and threat of snow scaring off northern Maryland, DC and Baltimore visitors.
The only view we didn't have was LRT's renovations that were covered by a recent dumping of four to five inches and an inch dusting the night before. That was disappointing. But the view from LRT will always take your breath away. Although little is melting in this long cold snap (low twenties well over a week), all avenues are plowed, tho Hunt Avenue was closed.
** My brother-in-law and I also visited Adams County Historical Society, Beyond the Battle Museum. This traces the very early history of the area (Natural History), Native Americans, Frontier Life, the Revolutionary War and so forth. They put a lot into it and it shows. Check it out online.
https://www.achs-pa.org/visit/.
*** Antietam: Sharpsburg is a forty five-minute drive from Gburg, but I again could not get there. I still want to thank all who contributed their suggestions (copied!) some months ago when I mentioned a pending trip that never developed. Thanks again for them.
**** Beaver Pond is still there, frozen over so I kept my VP-9 holstered.
***** Tommy's Pizza: I knew Tommy going to HS with his nephew. I wanted to say their pizza is again outstanding. I think you can take that to the back knowing I married a south Philly lady who as all you Italians know is very particular with 'Italian' food. It was delicious. I didn't tell her Tommy is Greek!

 

[infomanpa]

Good for you to brave the cold. I won't go in the winter unless the temperatures are 45 plus degrees.

 

[121st PA Vols]

Good for you to brave the cold. I won't go in the winter unless the temperatures are 45 plus degrees.

If you did go you could get some extraordinary pictures to add to your collection. It's beautiful, covered in snow, adding another quality to the field because of the extended views, snow and leafless trees.

 

[SSVilla]

Oh I have been spoiled. I was expecting pictures

 

[121st PA Vols]

Oh I have been spoiled. I was expecting pictures

You're right I should have taken a few. The winds were so terrific a woman reached out in front of the Hazlett's 5th US Bat losing her balance. I'm a big guy but the combo of her and the wind almost took us both down. A good laugh. Bro-In-Law was with issues and I think I'm now running out of excuses. I promise the next time to take some.
What is unendingly impressive is the west face of the hill with that exposure almost completely freeing the place of snow, allowing a good view of narrow defiles, rocks and steep inclines. That's coming from a native who is forever impressed with the terrain the men had to contend with.
As much as LRT is mentioned as a fortress, anchor, bulwark, strategic point and on and on, I don't think anyone has effectively conveyed in the mind's eye of readers the physical difficulty of ascending the place. It's actually a spine that runs north and south, very narrow at the top with severe drop-offs on the west and east flanks, maybe 50-75 yards in width east to west at the crest. Like the North face of Culps Hill, you have to get on all fours at some locations to ascend. Try it sometime but watch for copperheads. It's a workout.
And the boulders/rocks are everywhere giving shelter in some cases and being a hindrance in others. Like Culps Hill, it is an awesome nearly impregnable defensive position.

 

[Dispatch]

A good number of shops here close for the winter, its really dead, not much to do other than tour the battlefield and you can only do that so many times, and forget about any kind of nightlife.

Its not what people think, living here is nowhere near the same as just visiting...

 

[infomanpa]

If you did go you could get some extraordinary pictures to add to your collection. It's beautiful, covered in snow, adding another quality to the field because of the extended views, snow and leafless trees.

You're right. A snow cover does allow the land to be more visible through the trees.

 

[infomanpa]

A good number of shops here close for the winter, its really dead, not much to do other than tour the battlefield and you can only do that so many times, and forget about any kind of nightlife.

Its not what people think, living here is nowhere near the same as just visiting... View attachment 535655

I noticed that when I have stayed there for an occasional winter event. It's amazing how quiet it can be.

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

Pictures would be fantastic! Maybe next time….

 

[121st PA Vols]

A good number of shops here close for the winter, its really dead, not much to do other than tour the battlefield and you can only do that so many times, and forget about any kind of nightlife.

Its not what people think, living here is nowhere near the same as just visiting... View attachment 535655

Gettysburg is and always has been a small town. It's just over 8000 now and 7000 when I was in HS over forty years ago. We used to joke they rolled the streets up after dark. But that was then, not now.

Today there is very often something going on at the college; a lecture by an author or professor, a speaker representing this or that civil war group, walks and talks by the CWRT, and Park Service events by prominent individuals and Park personnel. There is often A LOT going on in Gettysburg.
* The Park remains open all year to drive through for self-studies unhindered by screaming kids, rude people, and ticks. The Soldiers National Cemetery is especially peaceful and educational stopping to view the headstones and plaques. Quite a view too!
* The downtown has significantly upgraded their shops from cheap souvenirs only to a few exclusive high shops the ladies will enjoy and interesting variety shops. Try the Lark.
* The restaurants mimic this, with serious and fine cuisine at Sign of the Buck and excellent menus at Food 101, ABC Restaurant and many, many others.
* The bakery on the Square is as good as any I've been to in Philly.
* Try also the Majestic Theater at https://www.gettysburgmajestic.org/
It has progressed from a place we used to fire popcorn from the balcony to patrons below (great fun), then try to hide from the ushers (ushers!). They have a range of offerings that may surprise you.