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re: Going to be in DC in a few weeks .Thinking about Gettysburg for a day

Posted on 6/19/25 at 12:42 pm to
Posted by HarryBalzack
Member since Oct 2012
16220 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 12:42 pm to
Sure. Hire a guide, though, through the NPS visitor's center. LINK
Posted by BFIV
Virginia
Member since Apr 2012
8668 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 12:47 pm to
Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Appomattox, Chancellorsville, are all closer and very historic. Gettysburg is up there at the top of the list, though. Had a paranormal experience at Gettysburg. Not unusual, though. Lots of folks have.
Posted by SpotCheckBilly
Member since May 2020
8162 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 12:55 pm to
Driving from DC to Gettysburg, you will be close to Harper's Ferry and Antietam, but you will not go through them. Both are worth seeing, however. You are basically going to take I-270 to Frederick, MD, and then US 15 into Pennsylvania. It's not a bad drive, especially when you get north of Frederick. You'll go past Thurmont and the mountain to your west (Catoctin) is where Camp David is. It's not open for visitation, but MD 77 goes up the mountain to the state park, and it's a pretty little drive.

If Mt. Vernon is under repairs, I would cross that off the list. The recommendation to read up on Gettysburg is a good one. It really helps to have an understanding of what went on during that 3-day battle.

Pickett's charge was directed at a small group of trees in the middle of the Union line (the copt of trees). It was a mile across open ground from Seminary Ridge, where the Confederate line was. Neither Seminary Ridge nor Cemetary Ridge (Union line) look like much when you drive through the park, but I would recommend that when you get to the copt of trees, walk out about 50 yards from the cannons that mark the Union line, then turn around and walk back. That's what the remnants of Pickett's charge faced, sans the mini balls and cannon fire.
This post was edited on 6/19/25 at 1:50 pm
Posted by vl100butch
Ridgeland, MS
Member since Sep 2005
36595 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 1:26 pm to
If you go up in the morning, you'll be contra-flow once you get on 270. Depending on where you are staying in DC, I'd recommend either the Clara Barton or George Washington Parkways to the beltway and then to 270.

But, if you're staying out in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, or Rockville, I'd recommend getting on the Beltway there.

There are a couple of scenic spots to catch on your way north, there is some high ground just south of Frederick with a viewing area.
Posted by OWLFAN86
Erotic Novelist
Member since Jun 2004
194082 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 1:28 pm to
I always enjoyed Gettysburg,,the farm where i stayed was a Confederate field hospital an amazing story

bet it brings back memories for you
Posted by VaBamaMan
North AL
Member since Apr 2013
8010 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 1:41 pm to
My inlaws live about half an hour from Gettysburg, so we go over regularly when we are up to visit. Actually driving over there this afternoon. Some fantastic little shops and restaurants in town after being out on the battlefields. Theres a WW2 museum close by as well.

Its worth the drive. It's one of those places you can feel the weight of the souls lost.
This post was edited on 6/19/25 at 1:42 pm
Posted by TigerDude80
METRY
Member since Nov 2007
1886 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 2:00 pm to
quote:

Depends on how you feel about the Address.


Posted by usc6158
Member since Feb 2008
38398 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 2:08 pm to
Harper’s Ferry is worth a visit. Lots of great hiking as well right from the town and a good brewery on the hilltop
Posted by 0x15E
Outer Space
Member since Sep 2020
14735 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 2:53 pm to
quote:

It is hallowed ground.


Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
35680 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 2:57 pm to
You have time to do Little Round Top, the cemetery, and the Picketts Charge tour.

I’m an a history professor/teacher, so it appealed to me.
Posted by real turf fan
East Tennessee
Member since Dec 2016
11033 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 3:58 pm to
Valley Forge is better visited on cold winter days, but you really need to start in the 1700's.
You need to visit Monticello and appreciate the man who built it and the innovations within his house. A trip could include a walk through UVa, the part he built, and where Edgar allen Poe was domiciled in his time there.

Two other early presidents houses (Madison and Monroe) are on you way back to DC. Neither is a mcmansion.

In DC, the National Zoo and then all the parts of the Smithsonian. (because they aren't exactly history).

Posted by Classy Doge
Member since Nov 2021
4438 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 4:24 pm to
quote:

Going to be in DC in a few weeks
Can you please kick Bill cASSidy in the balls for me?
Posted by tigergirl10
Member since Jul 2019
10661 posts
Posted on 6/19/25 at 4:25 pm to
Williamsburg and Mount Vernon are both fun places.
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