Gettysburg: Battlefield Driving Tour

The Gettysburg Battlefield Driving Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic site of one of the American Civil War’s most pivotal battles. From the strategic significance of the Railroad Cut to the commanding views from the Oak Ridge Observation Tower, this immersive experience allows travelers to trace the movements of the opposing armies and gain a deeper understanding of the battle’s tactics and strategies. With must-see locations like the Seminary Ridge Museum and the harrowing Devils Den, the tour provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on this hallowed ground. Those eager to uncover the secrets of Gettysburg won’t want to miss this captivating journey through a defining moment in American history.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Gettysburg.

Key Points

• Explore the strategic importance of the Railroad Cut, where Union cavalry faced overwhelming Confederate forces in the opening day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Gain a commanding view of the Gettysburg battlefield from the Oak Ridge Observation Tower, visualizing the critical events and movements of both armies.
• Visit the Seminary Ridge Museum for an immersive experience of the pivotal role this location played during the battle, including the First Day, Pickett’s Charge, and medical care.
• Reflect on the sacrifices of the South at the imposing North Carolina and Virginia Memorials, honoring the bravery of their respective states’ troops.
• Observe the fierce fighting at the Devils Den and Peach Orchard, two key tactical objectives that saw some of the bloodiest combat during the three-day battle.

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Culp Street and the Railroad Cut

The tour begins at Culp Street, where visitors can explore the strategic importance of the Railroad Cut and learn how it played a pivotal role in the opening day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Union cavalry defended this low-lying area, but they were quickly overwhelmed by the advancing Confederate forces. The Railroad Cut became a deadly trap, as Union soldiers were forced to retreat through the narrow, rocky ravine under heavy fire.

This critical early engagement set the stage for the three-day battle that would decide the fate of the Civil War. Visitors can walk along the Cut and imagine the chaos and carnage that unfolded here on July 1, 1863.

Oak Ridge Observation Tower

An observation tower atop Oak Ridge offers visitors a commanding view of the Gettysburg battlefield, allowing them to visualize the critical events that unfolded across this historic landscape.

From this vantage point, one can trace the movements of Union and Confederate forces, gaining a deeper understanding of the battle’s tactics and strategies.

The tower’s elevated position provides a unique perspective on the action that transpired below, bringing the pivotal moments of July 1-3, 1863, into clearer focus.

Visitors can imagine the chaos and confusion as they gaze out over the rolling hills and valleys, gaining a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought and died on this hallowed ground.

Seminary Ridge Museum

Housed within the historic buildings of Seminary Ridge, the Seminary Ridge Museum offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the pivotal role this location played during the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays that chronicle the intense fighting along Seminary Ridge on the first day of the battle. The museum’s collection showcases the personal stories of those who experienced the battle, providing a poignant reminder of the human toll of war.

Exhibit	Highlights
The First Day	Follows the initial Confederate assault and Union defenses
Pickett’s Charge	Examines the ill-fated Confederate assault on the third day
Civilian Life	Explores the impact of the battle on the local population
Medical Care	Highlights the challenges of treating the wounded during the battle

North Carolina and Virginia Memorials

After visiting the Seminary Ridge Museum, visitors can explore the imposing North Carolina and Virginia Memorials, each honoring the sacrifices of their respective states during the Battle of Gettysburg.

The North Carolina Memorial features a towering statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, as well as inscriptions paying tribute to the bravery of North Carolina troops.

Nearby, the Virginia Monument is equally grand, with a bronze statue of General James Longstreet leading his soldiers.

These memorials serve as poignant reminders of the heavy toll the battle took on the South, and provide an opportunity to reflect on the courage and determination of the men who fought and died on these hallowed grounds.

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Longstreet Observation Tower and Warfield Ridge

From the North Carolina and Virginia Memorials, visitors can make their way to the Longstreet Observation Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the Warfield Ridge, the site of a key Confederate assault during the Battle of Gettysburg.

This towering structure provides visitors with a bird’s-eye perspective of the battlefield, allowing them to visualize the strategies and movements of the opposing armies.

Warfield Ridge, located just south of the tower, was the scene of intense fighting on the third day of the battle, as Confederate forces under General Longstreet launched a massive assault against the Union center.

Today, the ridge and tower stand as poignant reminders of the sacrifices and struggle that took place on these hallowed grounds.

Devils Den and The Peach Orchard

Continuing southwest from Warfield Ridge, visitors arrive at the formidable Devils Den, a rugged outcrop of boulders that saw some of the fiercest fighting during the battle.

This strategic high ground was a critical objective for both Union and Confederate forces, leading to brutal close-quarters combat.

Nearby, the Peach Orchard saw a pivotal clash as Confederate forces pushed forward, only to be met with a determined Union defense.

The orchard’s trees and shrubs provided little cover, making it a deadly killing zone.

Visitors can visualize the intense struggle that unfolded in these hallowed grounds, forever etched in the annals of Gettysburg’s history.

Abraham Trostle and George Weikert Farms

Beyond the intense combat at Devil’s Den and the Peach Orchard, the tour now brings visitors to the Abraham Trostle and George Weikert farms, poignant reminders of the war’s impact on civilian life. The Trostle farm, where the family’s barn was used as a field hospital, saw heavy fighting and destruction. Meanwhile, the Weikert farm, located near the Wheatfield, bore witness to the relentless fighting as Union and Confederate forces clashed. These tranquil properties now stand as somber testaments to the price paid by ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of the battle.

Farm	Owner	Impact
Abraham Trostle Farm	Abraham Trostle	Barn used as field hospital, heavy fighting and destruction
George Weikert Farm	George Weikert	Located near the Wheatfield, saw relentless fighting between Union and Confederate forces

East Cemetery Hill and Lincoln’s Memorial

The tour wraps up at the East Cemetery Hill, where Union forces fought tenaciously to hold this strategic position against repeated Confederate assaults.

Visitors can explore the Soldiers National Cemetery, the final resting place for thousands of Union soldiers, and pay their respects at the Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Memorial, a poignant tribute to the President’s immortal words that consecrated this hallowed ground.

Key highlights of this concluding stop include:

• Viewing the Soldiers National Cemetery, the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers
• Visiting the Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Memorial, where the President’s famous speech is memorialized
• Reflecting on the battle’s impact and the sacrifices made by both sides
• Appreciating the significance of this site in the broader context of the Civil War
• Concluding the tour with a deeper understanding of the Gettysburg battle and its lasting legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Gettysburg Battlefield?

The best time to visit the Gettysburg Battlefield is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Crowds are smaller, and visitors can fully enjoy the history without dealing with extreme temperatures.

How Long Does the Full Self-Guided Driving Tour Typically Take?

The full self-guided driving tour typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how much time visitors spend at each stop. With over 15 key sites, it’s a comprehensive tour that allows travelers to explore the historic battle in depth.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any standard discounts, but you can find special offers and packages on their website. These may include combo deals with other local attractions or periodic seasonal promotions to make the tour more affordable.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on the tour for safety and accessibility reasons. However, service animals that assist visitors with disabilities are welcome. Visitors should check with the tour operator for any specific pet policies before their visit.

What Are the Accessibility Options for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour offers several accessibility options for visitors with disabilities. There are step-free routes, wheelchair-accessible buildings, and guided tours for the visually or hearing impaired. Staff can assist visitors in navigating the battlefield.

Recap

The Gettysburg Battlefield Driving Tour offers visitors a chance to explore this historic site.

From the strategic Railroad Cut to the poignant memorials, the tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to retrace the steps of the opposing armies and gain a deeper understanding of the battle’s tactics and sacrifices.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a thought-provoking experience, the Gettysburg Battlefield Driving Tour is a must-visit destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: