civil war tours pennsylvania

CIVIL WAR  SEMINARS & TOURS

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America's battlefields, support our local historic sites.

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It's our goal to support the preservation of America's history. We raise money to support local historic sites through raffles, silent auctions and donations. 

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See what our tour group has been up to by viewing photos from past conferences and tours. Our Facebook page is updated regularly - be sure to check it out! 

Upcoming Conferences

 View the latest conference coming up in Chambersburg, Pa.

For more than 30 years we have offered exceptional tours at great prices. Civil War conferences are held throughout the U.S. featuring bus tours of battle sites, monuments, points of interest, talks by nationally-recognized historians and so much more.

 Whether you're interested in the Civil War or belong to Civil War Round Tables/Historical Societies, we welcome any and all to attend. Please contact one of our team members based in Chambersburg, Pa. for questions or special group pricing information.

100 Lincoln Way East, Suite A, 

Chambersburg, PA 17201

[email protected]

Tel: 717-264-7101

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Civil War Tour: This Hallowed Ground

Both Civil War tours are wonderful! We couldn't have done it by ourselves. Everything is perfectly planned. All you have to do is go and the days are always filled with great sites and amazing information.

– Teresa Holmes Taylor

This Hallowed Ground is one of our most memorable tours!  It gives you a panorama of the major events that began and ended the Civil War, starting with First Manassas, culminating with Gettysburg and breathing the air of finality at Appomattox.

The Civil War was the defining event in American history. It was an ordeal by fire that, according to the most recent historical estimates, cost the lives of as many as 750,000 American soldiers and left more than 300,000 wounded—casualties higher than all our other wars combined.

We study the military campaigns and strategy and delve into the causes as well as the people who were willing to sacrifice their lives and property for their country, whether north or south. Who were those soldiers whose hearts were, in the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes, “touched by fire?” How were they trained? Until the turning point at Gettysburg, why did the Confederate officers and soldiers in the East often tactically outmaneuver, fight harder, and campaign better than the Union generals? And, finally, why did the North win?

Our professional historian will lead the group and conduct informal discussions throughout the tour. We can learn from, and be inspired by, the skill, the courage, and the endurance displayed by the generation that brought us through the Civil War. In addition to retracing battles we include education sessions to enhance our understanding of the war and people.

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• Manassas, Gettysburg, Appomattox:  This tour is a study of the causes behind the conflict and the major battles that began and ended the Civil War, starting with First Manassas, culminating with Gettysburg and closing with the surrender at Appomattox.
• Harpers Ferry:  We visit Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, where John Brown staged his infamous raid that failed to incite a slave rebellion.  He was captured and hanged there.  Stonewall Jackson later captured the town, arsenal and entire Union garrison as a prelude to the Antietam Campaign.
• Antietam:  Antietam was the site of the bloodiest day of war in American history when, on 17 September 1862, there were 23,000 casualties.
• Gettysburg:  At Gettysburg we study the three days that marked General Lee’s final attempt to score a major victory in the north.
• Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania, Wilderness:  We tour the area of four major battles: Confederate victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville leading up to Gettysburg; then Spotsylvania and the Wilderness Campaign fighting to keep the Grant’s Union armies at bay.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 welcome reception.

Schedule your flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport. The group will meet at a nearby hotel where we will have a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

DAY 2 Manassas: Confederate Victories, Union Disarray

Our program begins with a visit to the battlefield at Manassas. Both the North and South thought that a war would be short. Union leaders believed their greater resources and manpower would prevail while the Confederates doubted northern resolve. The first battle of Manassas (Bull Run) on July 21, 1861, saw the proud but green Union Army facing the better-led Confederates who won a decisive victory. The Union Army retreated unpursued to Washington. Innocence and illusion were over for both sides. By the time of Second Manassas at the end of August 1862, both armies had gained combat experience, but the result was an even more significant Confederate victory.

DAY 3 Harpers Ferry, Antietam

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry is one of the loveliest places in the eastern U.S.

This was the scene of John Brown’s raid in October 1859— a desperate act that hastened the outbreak of war. Brown was hanged for treason on December 2, but the raid hardened radical sentiment for he was seen as a martyr in the North and a radical insurrectionist in the South.

The Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history with 23,100 men killed or wounded. Although neither side gained a decisive victory, Lee’s withdrawal and failure to carry the war effort effectively into the North caused Great Britain to postpone recognition of the Confederacy. It also allowed President Lincoln to compose and later issue the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves free in the states still in rebellion.

DAY 4 Gettysburg: Days One and Two

The Battle of Gettysburg, lasting three days, July 1, 2, and 3, 1863, was the bloodiest battle and the turning point of the Civil War. More than 50,000 Americans on both sides were casualties. Gettysburg was General Lee’s final attempt to carry the war north. Although nearly two years of fierce fighting still lay ahead, after Gettysburg the prospects of a Union victory changed from if to when. We will stand at Little Round Top, where the 20th Maine Regiment, led by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, repulsed several Confederate assaults and preserved the Union position at Cemetery Ridge. This action was described by author Michael Shaara in his epic narrative The Killer Angels .

DAY 5 Gettysburg: Pickett’s Charge, Lincoln’s Address, 
The Civilian Experience

Today we walk the field of Pickett’s Charge, perhaps the most famous attack in American history. As noted by historian James McPherson, “Pickett’s Charge represented the Confederate war effort in microcosm: unsurpassed valor, apparent initial success, and ultimate disaster.” Of the 14,000 Confederates who attacked, only about half returned.

Some four months after the battle, President Lincoln came to Gettysburg to deliver one of the greatest speeches in American history. We will visit Shriver House, a museum dedicated to the civilian experience during the struggle. Dinner will be at the Dobbin House, the oldest building in Gettysburg (1797) and a stopping point for escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad.

DAY 6 Fredericksburg–Richmond: The Heroism of Clara Barton–Chancellorsville

This morning we will return south to Virginia and visit Fredericksburg – a region of four major battles: Fredericksburg, December 1862; 
Chancellorsville, May 1863; 
The Wilderness, May 1864; 
Spotsylvania Court House, May 1864. Richmond— the soul, and Capital of the Confederacy—was the northern army’s main target. The direct route from Washington to Richmond passes through Fredericksburg. Clara Barton, later to found the American Red Cross, won fame and gratitude for her heroic nursing of the wounded on both sides. We visit Chatham Plantation, where the “holy angel” from Massachusetts worked at her makeshift “hospital.” Barton had already helped the wounded at Antietam and Second Manassas. Later, she would serve at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania and become supervisor of nurses for the Union Army of the James.

Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville were decisive Confederate victories. Wilderness and Spotsylvania were tremendous but tactically inconclusive battles in Grant’s 1864 Overland campaign. After visiting Fredericksburg, we’ll continue to Chancellorsville, where we analyze the battle, see where Stonewall Jackson received his mortal wounds, and discuss the aftermath.

DAY 7 Petersburg: The Confederacy and the Antebellum South

By the summer of 1864, the war in Virginia settled into a brutal siege around Richmond and nearby Petersburg that would last until the spring of 1865. We will visit the fascinating National Battlefield at Petersburg, the scene of the Battle of the Crater. After walking the ground over which the battle took place, we travel a short way to visit the memorable National Museum of the Civil War Soldier at Pamplin Historical Park. The Museum tells the story of the nearly 3,000,000 Americans — northerners and southerners, whites and blacks, immigrants and native-born — who fought in the Civil War. While at the Museum, we will explore Tudor Hall Plantation, which features a working kitchen and slave quarters that present a multi-media exhibit on antebellum slavery and plantation life.

DAY 8 Appomattox

The final campaign began at Petersburg. the longest siege in American history, June 1864—April 1865. The siege was a precursor of the trench warfare of the First World War fifty years later. Only the considerable skill, courage, and endurance of Lee’s army kept the Union forces out away from Richmond. But on April 2 the northern army broke through and cut off the Confederate supply lines from the South, forcing Lee to retreat to the west. Grant pursued relentlessly, and virtually surrounded Lee’s army and forced the surrender on April 9 at Appomattox Court House. The United States was reborn. After visiting Appomattox, we will return to our hotel for our farewell dinner.

DAY 9 Transfers to Airports

One morning transfer to Dulles Airport. Because Dulles is a two-hour drive from Richmond, you will not be at the Dulles airport until 10 a.m., so book your flight after Noon. There will only be one group transfer so if your flight is earlier than noon, your transfer will be on-your-own.

• May 11 - 19, 2024 - Waitlist Only!
• June 15 - 23, 2024 - Waitlist Only!
• September 14 - 22, 2024 - Waitlist Only!
• October 5 - 13, 2024 - Waitlist Only!
• May 10 - 18, 2025
• June 14 - 22, 2025
• September 13 - 21, 2025
• October 11 - 19, 2025

Recommended Reading

• Battle Cry of Freedom  by James M. McPherson
• Civil War trilogy by Shelby Foote

Tour Includes

• Three- and four-star hotel accommodations for eight nights
• Breakfast and dinner each day
• Sightseeing: Harpers Ferry, Shriver House, Chatham Plantation, Pamplin Historical Park, Tudor Hall, National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, McLean home
• Travel between cities via deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach with tour manager
• End-of-tour airport transfers to Richmond and Dulles Airports
• Hotel porterage, taxes and service fees

Activity Level

Although we do walk numerous battlefields, there is nothing that is overly taxing.

Photo Gallery

• James Arnold
• Mark Bielski, Ph.D., Director
• Gerald J. Prokopowicz, Ph.D.

TRIP COST $4,390

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $1,000.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 6 reviews for ' Civil War Tour: This Hallowed Ground '. Add your review

My original interest in this kind of tour comes from my nephews passion of the Civil War and we wanted to travel together at least once. Was interested in doing the Band of Brothers tour, which is how I knew that SAHT had these Civil War Tours. Because of the whole covid situation still lingering we decided to do The Hallowed Ground tour. We were not disappointed!!! Touring all the different sites, of where not only the battles happened but how the citizens on both sides of the conflict were entrenched in some of these battles was a point of view that I had not stop to long to wonder about. Gerry Prokopowicz’s knowledge, understanding & perspective of this time in our history was captivating, interesting as well as respectful toward the subject matter!!! Love how he was able to incorporate the human aspect of this important part of our history!!! His passion on the subject pours through, not only in his explanation of things but in his continued interest in still being in awe of new discoveries!!! Openness to questions & different points of views with a respectful way of explaining them was humbling!!! Connie Kennedy, our guardian angel, was equally as passionate in making sure that every person got to enjoy the tour to the degree in which we wanted to experience it!!! Her love of history & the joy it brings us comes through in her loving, caring & respectful way of making sure we are having the ultimate experience!!! Smiling every day & being of good humour was greatly appreciated!!! Hal our trusted good humoured transportation specialist didn’t only get us to places on time safely, he also was part of the tours ability to make us feel welcomed as well as taken care of in every aspect possible!!! These three individuals, along with the support staff of Jenni, Carmen, Terri & Cheryl, made it impossible not to have an eyeopening, educational & amazing tour!!!

As for the tour itself and the content of the tour, it was as exceptional as the wonderful people that guided us as well as those who were individually informative and passionate about the separate subject matters they taught us about!!! There is a tremendous amount of content packed into the tour but with a relaxed feeling of taking it all in!!! So much information as well as sights to see and so little time to see it all but it was done exceptionally well!!! Got to see and learn a lot with the time we had!!! Well laid out to take in the most of what there is to experience!!!

From my experience on this one tour with SAHT, I know that I will definitely tour with them again!!! If we are as well guided, taught and taken care of as I felt on this tour, it is a no brainer, I will take other tours with them in the future!!! The entire staff I had the privilege & honour to experience on this tour made it possible to enjoy it to the fullest with no misfortunes!!! Food & lodging were part of the experience that your staff made sure we were happy and always well taken care of!!!

My heartfelt gratitude & appreciation for Gerry, Connie, Hal, Jenni, Carmen, Terri & Cheryl for making this an experience of a lifetime!!!

With James Arnold as our historian, he brought life to the battles fought. The tour manager, Nick, and our driver Hal, were exceptional. All three gentlemen worked together to provide a wonderful experience. The accommodations were excellent and meals provided were great. It is an experience well worth the cost and certainly would do it again! (Bring comfortable walking shoes!)

This Hallowed Ground

If ever I could call a tour “perfect,” this would be it. Jack Mountcastle is not only a walking encyclopedia, but he’s funny and entertaining. The tour was especially meaningful to me since I was able to walk where my Civil War relative walked, and share from his journal. Savannah, our “fixer” and Hal, the driver, were wonderful. An added attraction was the happy group of like-minded tour participants. We all learned so much and left with our heads filled with facts, and our hearts filled with new friendships.

This Hallowed Ground Tour

I took the Hallowed Ground Tour in May 2018 and have time to reflect on this marvelous experience. I read and watched quite a bit before the tour, but there is no substitute for visiting the sites where history was made. My highlights were standing on Little Round Top, walking Pickett’s charge, and seeing the Union river crossing site at Fredericksburg. My personal favorite was the Minnesota memorial at Gettysburg where the 1st Volunteer regiment held the Union line with an 82% casualty count on the 2nd day. Gerry P our historian was excellent in addition to his hidden musical talents. Matt B our guide was excellent as well. If you want to understand how our nation became one from many, this tour is for you.

It was fantastic!

Where do I begin? I just got back from This Hallowed Ground Civil War Tour. It was not just great, it was fantastic! I learned so much from an expert authority on the Civil War, Jack Mountcastle. His wealth of knowledge and understanding of what happened was far beyond my expectation. I am still thinking of all that we saw and heard as I go about my day. Special moments will live in my memory forever. Thank you for providing this type of experience to me. It was well organized with all of our needs taken care of.

Happy traveling…….

I'll remember this trip for years

I could not let a day go by without following up on our tour.

The planning of the tour was over the top. The battlefields that were chosen and why they were an important part of the war, the places we stayed were wonderful and who could complain about the food! Not only was it good but in several of the establishments, there was more history. It was obvious that a lot of thought and planning went into this adventure.

All of the above though would be a mute point if not for your staff. General Mountcastle was excellent. On our trip it was obvious that many had done their homework as they asked very pointed questions. Jack not only had the answers but could follow up with more information. He was able to put us right there with the feel and thought of the day. Keith Buchanan was right there as well. No one had to worry about wandering off or being left behind. You knew he was there for you and in control of our environment. He made sure everything flowed as expected. Hal was also an integral part of the adventure. The bus was clean, cool and on time. I also thought how appropriate that even though he had been on this trip before, you would see him many times out walking the field, listening to Jack and wandering the museums. It is obvious that more information can be gleaned all the time.

I will be remembering this trip for years to come and sharing my experience about your tour and team. We have several friends on the East Coast and I have made copies of my material and will be sending it as an inspiration to take the trip! Please share with your staff, including Terri and the others that I may have spoken with over the phone how much they are appreciated.

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ALERT: Little Round Top is currently closed to all visitation for rehabilitation. The National Park Service estimates Little Round Top to reopen to the public in late Spring or early Summer 2024.  Learn more .

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Help preserve history..

Proceeds from tickets and other purchases in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. 

The statue of General Gouverneur Kemble Warren on Little Round Top

Significance

Why tour the battlefield, guided battlefield tours.

Tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.

Rigorously tested and licensed through the National Park Service, Licensed Battlefield Guides provide you with an informative, engaging and enlightening perspective of the battle, the people, the monuments and landmarks.

Car Tours Bus Tours

Save & Purchase the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience + Bus Tour Value Package

At A Glance

The National Park Service and the Gettysburg Foundation partner to enhance the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg through the Foundation's public outreach and private financial support.

National Park Service website

Gettysburg Battlefield Tour by Car

Guided Car Tour

Meet your Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Museum & Visitor Center for your personal tour of the battlefield.

• See the monuments and hear the stories as you tour with your Licensed Battlefield Guide across the battlefield. 
• Your Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car on the tour of the battlefield (on board). 
• Personalize your tour with a focus on specific actions, units or events of the battle.
• Reserve your tour at least 24 hours in advance of your visit.
• Call to reserve your guided car tour.

Reservations:  877-874-2478 | 717-334-2436

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

Guided Bus Tour

• Start your tour and board your bus at the Museum & Visitor Center.
• Step onto hallowed ground and enrich your experience as your bus makes stops at some of the battlefield’s most legendary locations.
• Get more than just the facts. Gain an insightful picture of the personalities, places and events at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Exhibits & Tours

Film, cyclorama & museum experience, the film, cyclorama & museum experience introduces you to the civil war before, during and after the battle of gettysburg and prepares you for a more meaningful tour of the battlefield., battlefield value package, film cyclorama & museum + battlefield bus tour.

Make the most of your Gettysburg visit. Package the Film, Cyclorama and Museum with a battlefield bus tour for one memorable Gettysburg experience.

By Bus. By Car.

Step onto the hallowed ground and experience Little Round Top (when available, after the rehabilitation project is completed), Devil's Den and the Angle beyond the history books and movies. You'll tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.

Battlefield Car Tour

Personalized experience.

Don’t miss a thing on your guided Battlefield Car Tour. Either onboard or point to point, your License Battlefield Guide will provide you with plenty of stops to answer your questions and enjoy your own private tour of the battlefield.

Call to reserve your guided battlefield car tour: 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436

Gettysburg Cyclorama

Experience pickett's charge.

Originally displayed in 1884, the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama is a massive fully-restored, 360-degree painting that places you in the middle of Pickett’s Charge on the decisive third day of the Battle. 

Experience the Cyclorama as part of the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Package.

Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys

The new virtual reality experience at the gettysburg lincoln railroad station™.

All aboard for Gettysburg's first immersive virtual reality experience. During your visit, you will join one of three historic figures on a virtual journey to the railroad station following the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath in July 1863.

Children of Gettysburg 1863 ®

Family-friendly adventure.

Gettysburg's most family-friendly, interactive children's history museum. More than a typical children's museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863 ® tells the engaging stories of the children, teens and young adults who lived in and near Gettysburg during and after the 1863 battle.

Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit. 

Ideas For Families

Gettysburg Group Reservations is excited to offer our exclusive Experience Gettysburg Packages to individual travelers and families looking to get the most out of their Gettysburg experience! Packages have been curated to provide a well rounded multi-day experience for your visit.

Featured Gettysburg Packages include:

Gettysburg insiders.

The perfect package for your visit to historic Gettysburg, PA any time of the year! Included in the package are activities that will both give your family an excellent overview of what happened during the Battle of Gettysburg and as well as an appreciation for what the small town in rural PA went through. For more information contact us today or contact one of our accommodation partners below!

Adults $110 Per Person and Kids Ages 6-12 $65 Per Person

Civil War & More

This package is wonderful for a multi-day visit giving visitors a taste of everything that Gettysburg has to offer. Take the guesswork out of planning your visit and let us help make the most out of your getaway! The package including historic tours and local cuisine. For more information call us today or contact one of our accommodation partners below.

Adults: $130 Per Person and Kids Ages 6-12 $55 Per Person

Available April 1st 2023

  For more information, call us today at 800-447-8788 or contact one of our accommodation partners below!

Accommodation Partners

We have partnered with some of the area’s leading attractions and accommodations to bring you the total Gettysburg experience! Combine your favorite package with one of our partner accommodations to make your visit truly special.

Our accommodation partners Include:

• Baladerry Inn
• Inn at Cemetery Hill

Battlefields

March with soldiers on historic battlefields.

You can learn a lot from books about battlefield stories and strategies, but nothing can beat standing on the hallowed ground where the battles actually took place. 

Visit PA’s Revolutionary War and Civil War battlefields during a scheduled re-enactment for even greater insight into the military minds of the day and the conditions the soldiers endured, bringing their stories to life. Not just for history buffs, Pennsylvania’s well-preserved battlefields today provide a peace-filled place to connect with nature and the nation’s past.

Learn About the State's Oldest Battles

Visit  Fort Ligonier to learn about the French and Indian War battles fought in Pennsylvania. There you'll find the reconstructed fort and museum displaying the weaponry, uniforms, and other artifacts,  with guides to provide a hands-on learning experience of life in the fort.

In 1763, Native American warriors rebelled against British encroachment and broken treaties. In the Battle of Bushy Run — or Pontiac's Rebellion, British forces defeated the Native American warriors. Take a guided or self-guided tour of the  Bushy Run Battlefield to explore the landscape, and don't miss the reenactment held each August! 

Experience the Fight for Independence

Some of the largest historic battlefields and military encampments in Pennsylvania are from the Revolutionary War. The most famous site is Valley Forge National Historical Park where a disparate group of Colonial militias endured a brutal winter, but emerged as a highly disciplined fighting force. Start at the Visitors Center then drive the 10-mile Encampment Tour with stops at major landmarks. 

Don't Miss These Revolutionary Battlefields

• Sandy Hollow Heritage Park: The 42-acre grounds are the resting place for the soldiers who died during the battle — one that demonstrated the resolve of the Continental Army despite being outnumbered.
• Washington Crossing Historic Park: See where Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware River in 1776 and turned the tide of the war.
• Paoli Battlefield Historical Park: The Battle of Paoli was brutal, but the massacre of Continental Soldiers who had surrendered to the British was far worse. The self-guided tour tells the story of the massacre that led to the country's first battle cry, “Remember Paoli.”

Explore the Battle for Freedom

One of the most well-known Pennsylvania battlefields to visit is Gettysburg, where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War occurred. Learn about the battle, the tactics of Confederate and Union military commanders, and the site's history at the Gettysburg National Military Park and indoor museum. Be sure to explore the battlefields, where 1,328 monuments, memorials, markers, and plaques commemorate those who fought. 

Visit the David Wills House nearby to see where Lincoln completed his Gettysburg Address, which he delivered at the Gettysburg National Cemetery — the final resting place for 3,500 Union soldiers. 

Get trip ideas

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Battlefield Destinations

Results are limited to a 25-mile radius

  Malvern, PA Paoli Battlefield Historical Park

  Chadds Ford, PA Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site

  Jeannette, PA Bushy Run Battlefield

  Washington Crossing, PA Washington Crossing Historic Park/Bowman's Tower

  Gettysburg, PA The Historic Daniel Lady Farm

  Gettysburg, PA Gettysburg

  King Of Prussia, PA Valley Forge National Park

  West Chester, PA Sandy Hollow Heritage Park

  Ligonier, PA Fort Ligonier

Trips & Trails

Haunted hayrides, ghost stories and goosebumps

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Signature Battlefield Series – Gettysburg and the Battlefields of the Civil War Tour

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About the Tour

“In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to ponder and dream; And lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.”

Speaking at the dedication of the Monument to the 20th Maine October 3, 1889, Gettysburg, PA

Geek Nation Tours is proud to announce another of its “Signature Battlefield Tours” series. Join us for “Gettysburg and the Battlefield of the Civil War” in 2025. We are happy to offer the tour to the battlefield that played a huge role in the Civil War as well as visits to other historically significant locations such as Antietam, Manassas and Harpers Ferry. Join us as we travel the through this hallowed ground and visit some of the most important sites in American history. We will return often to the Battlefields themselves and explore these powerful places. You will find yourself looking across the great breadth of the Manassas battlefield. You will stand on an impossibly small cornfield and a tiny bridge where more Americans died than on any other single day in the nation’s military history. We will see the town where John Brown made his stand against slavery and we will see the monumental Gettysburg battlefield in detail. We will visit the hill so gallantly defended by Joshua Chamberlain and stare off into the distances on General Robert E Lee’s line where he made the fateful decision to march against Union lines.

Pre-Tour Information

Hello all!  We have decided to move it to coincide with Historicon, arrive at the battlefields with less hubbub and less tourists one would normally find on anniversary dates, and hopefully beat the heat a bit. That said, our pre-tour to Historicon is listed below. For the Main Tour keep on scrolling down (and be sure to see the Extension even further down :))

Tour Itinerary

Optional pre-tour add-on, day 1 - washington, dc (wednesday, jul. 16, 2025) / pre-tour arrival.

Overnight Location: Holiday Inn Lancaster PA, Dinner Included

Day 2 - Lancaster, PA (Thursday, Jul. 17, 2025) / Historicon!

Vincent Rospond  is the founder, owner, and fearless leader at  Winged Hussar Publishing , LLC with 30 years of experience in the publishing industry. He has written several books on military history, edited over thirty and is the editor of The Journal of America's Military Past. He received his MA in history from the University of Illinois.

Winged Hussar Publishing, LLC was founded in 2012 publishing books in both military history and SF&F. Their military histories are aimed at historians, gamers and students.

Day 3 - Lancaster, PA (Friday, Jul. 18, 2025) / Historicon!

Day 4 - Lancaster, PA (Saturday, Jul. 19, 2025) / Historicon!

Day 5 - Lancaster, PA (Sunday, Jul. 20, 2025) / Historicon!

NOTE: For those doing only the HistoriCon Pre-Tour. Transfers to a departing airport are not included. We will be headed south to Manassas as a group and thus you will be on your own for this transfer.

Day 1 - Washington, DC (Sunday, Jul. 20, 2025) / Arrival Day!

Overnight Location: Courtyard Manassas Battlefield Park VA. Dinner Included

Day 2 - Manassas, VA (Monday, Jul. 21, 2025) / Manassas Part 1 & 2

Overnight Location: Courtyard Manassas Battlefield Park VA, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3 - Harper’s Ferry, WV (Tuesday, Jul. 22, 2025) / Harpers Ferry & Antietam

Overnight Location: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hagerstown MD, Breakfast included

Day 4 - Gettysburg, PA (Wednesday, Jul. 23, 2025) / Gettysburg at last!

Overnight Location: Gettysburg Hotel PA, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 5 - Gettysburg, PA (Thursday, Jul. 24, 2025) / Little Round Top, Devil’s Den and the Wheatfield

Overnight Location: Gettysburg Hotel PA, Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day 6 - Gettysburg, PA (Friday, Jul. 25, 2025) / The Battlefield and the Town

Day 7 - Washington, DC (Saturday, Jul. 26, 2025) / Departure Day

Overnight Location: Breakfast included

Optional Post-Tour Add-on

Day 1 - arlington, va (saturday, jul. 26, 2025) / arlington national cemetery.

Those travelers having opted for the Washington, D.C. Extension, will be continuing our journey to  Arlington National Cemetery . Here travelers hop on and off the automated bus tour to explore the cemetery at their own pace. This will be a leisurely, but limited, visit before we head off to the Washington National Mall. For our first day on the Mall, we will explore the  Lincoln Memorial,   Capitol Reflection Pool, World War II Memorial,  and  Washington Monument  as a group. Depending on how much time we have you will be free to wander the grounds or take in some of the other sites as well…

Later we will go to our hotel before having dinner at the popular Founding Farmers restaurant. After dinner your time is your own, but an evening visit to the National Mall, with the illumination of the monuments, is a sight no one should miss.

Overnight Location: JW Marriott Washington DC, Dinner included

Day 2 - Washington, DC (Sunday, Jul. 27, 2025) / The National Mall

Today we will again explore the  National Mall . We will be transferred to and from the Mall and you will have the full day to explore the area as you see fit… The day will be yours to craft as you wish, but the GNT crew will be on hand to make sure all of your Capitol dreams come true! You can take some choice photos of the White House and Capitol Hill or spend your time visiting some of the most famous monuments, memorials, and museums in the entire world:

Of course there are even more monuments to see today including:

Or if you would like to stroll the gardens you have these options:

There are many local options for dinner, but afterwards we will all come back together for one last night of games and fun, making the last night last as long as we want. Plenty of time to sleep on the planes on our way home!

Day 3 - Washington, DC (Monday, Jul. 28, 2025) / A Journey Home

NOTE: Attendance of special guests and celebrities is subject to change due to scheduling conflicts and professional obligations.

NOTE: COVID-19 has changed both our geek and our real worlds. Some things may never be the same and others may not be able to be offered on our tours or will have to be altered in a new post Covid world. With that said, please understand that GNT is moving forward as if the disease is already conquered, but all tours are now subject to change.

What's Included

Several Breakfasts, some Lunches and most dinners throughout Main, Pre-Tour and Extension. Including Dobbin House and Farnsworth House Dinners. Most transfers, hotels and entrance fees. All battlefield tour prices and fees.

What's Not Included

Flights not included. Some small local fees may apply.

Don’t have a friend to get the double occupancy rate? That is what Geek Nation Tours does.  Book as a double occupancy and we will match you up a roommate… This way you get the best of both worlds – someone to BS about the ACW with – and more cash to spend!

Book This Tour Now

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Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland

Visit gettysburg, antietam and fort necessity to honor those who gave their lives so the nation could live. plus, make a side trip to the flight 93 national memorial..

Not every traveler is a history buff. But a visit to Gettysburg, site of one of the most iconic and bloody battles of the Civil War, should probably be on every American’s bucket list. 

From Columbus, the drive takes a bit more than six hours. And a two- or three-day visit to the Pennsylvania landmark can easily include several other noteworthy sites along the way, including another important Civil War battlefield, the fort where George Washington suffered his most humiliating defeat and the memorial where the first Americans to fight back during 9/11 are commemorated. 

In addition to being a major historic site, Gettysburg is also a lovely small town adept at catering to the nearly 1 million visitors who arrive each year. Even visitors who never set foot in the Gettysburg National Military Park would find plenty to do. Town streets are packed with shopping, dining, breweries and wineries, hotels and inns, galleries and museums. But the battlefield should definitely be on the to-do list. 

More than 165,000 Union and Confederate soldiers clashed from July 1-3, 1863. The largest battle ever fought on this continent resulted in more than 51,000 casualties—and turned the tide of the war in favor of the Union. The battlefield Museum and Visitors Center includes 12 separate galleries, many interactive exhibits and thousands of artifacts on display. Visitors can also experience the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a painting in-the-round created in the 1880s that tells the story of the battle and is, itself, a magnificent piece of history. 

Plenty can also be discovered on a self-guided auto tour. The 6,000-acre battlefield is crossed by several small roads with plenty of places to pull off and explore the many monuments and markers that were erected in the decades after the battle. 

Bus tours are available from the visitor center. But the best way to tour the battlefield may be with a licensed guide in your own vehicle. Guides are happy to customize tours based on visitors’ interests and knowledge. 

Although the three-day Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, Antietam, near the village of Sharpsburg, Maryland, was the site of the war’s bloodiest single day—and the bloodiest day in American history, with some 23,000 casualties. Antietam National Battlefield is just an hour’s drive from Gettysburg, making it a logical stop for history-lovers passing through, or an easy daytrip for travelers extending their stay in the Pennsylvania town. 

Like Gettysburg, Antietam is dotted with monuments honoring the military units and men who served there. One of the most curious is a Brobdingnagian marker commemorating the service of a young commissary sergeant who went on to become President William McKinley. The monument celebrates McKinley’s efforts at bringing coffee and hot food to Union troops on the front lines. 

No, really. 

But if I were on the front, tired and hungry, I would certainly have welcomed and appreciated Sgt. Billy’s offerings. (Come to think of it, this might actually be the most noble act a future president has ever performed.) 

Southwestern Pennsylvania also hosts two other important historic sites along the route from Central Ohio. Fort Necessity National Battlefield near Farmington, Pennsylvania, is a small historic site featuring a museum and the recreated fort where George Washington, as a very young lieutenant colonel, led a unit of British colonial troops to a humiliating defeat at the hands of the French in 1754. Though discouraged, Washington, of course, persevered, having much better luck decades later in the American Revolution. 

Few Americans who remember Sept. 11, 2001, can visit the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and not get a bit emotional. The memorial tells the story of the terrorist attacks on the United States that day and of the passengers on United Flight 93 who gave their lives fighting back against their hijackers, preventing their plane from being used as a weapon against another prominent target, possibly the U.S. Capitol. 

The memorial marks the site where the plane hit the ground, killing all aboard. In addition to a museum, the site features several trails, including the Trail of Remembrance along the final flight path. Also at the memorial is the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall structure containing 40 large wind chimes, each tuned to a separate and distinct tone of its own—a haunting and fitting way to remember the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 and a bit of history many of us lived through ourselves. 

Where to Stay When Visiting Gettysburg

Gettysburg offers a wide variety of lodging options. The Gettysburg Hotel (est. 1797) is a historic property at the heart of downtown with rates from $118 per night. For a cozier stay, consider the Brafferton Inn , with rooms beginning around $110 per night, or Battlefield Bed and Breakfast in a restored 1810 farmhouse, with rooms beginning around $210 per night. hotelgettysburg.com , brafferton.com , gettysburgbattlefield.com   

This story is from the Best Driving Vacations package in the February 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly. 

GROUP TOURS

Group pricing.

  Book your group for a tour of the National Civil War Museum. Our exhibits offer an engaging and educational experience for people of all ages. We offer reduced admission for group tours, and we ask that you book your tour at least 2 weeks prior to your visit.  

Senior/Adult

Contact our group tour sales office to discuss an upgrade for a presentation or collections tour.

*Children under 6 are FREE*

Book a Group Tour

Adult & Senior groups of 10 or more are always welcome at the National Civil War Museum. Your group will explore 17 galleries that tell the fascinating story of the Civil War and its enduring legacy. Group leaders must book their tour at least two (2) weeks in advance. The group leader and bus driver(s) are always complimentary, and we have ample parking for buses. All tours are self-guided but can be supplemented with a special talk or collections tour. We have space for lunch if requested and free wifi is available throughout the building. Contact our group tour sales office  to schedule your tour at 717-260-1861.

Tours are self-guided. On your visit you will explore over 25,000 sq ft of exhibition spaces that include audio and video displays, dioramas, and nearly 850 artifacts that help interpret the story of the Civil War.

Plan on spending anywhere from 2 to 4 hours at the museum. Since it is a self guided experience, you can move through the galleries at your own pace.

Bus & RV Parking

Free on-site parking is available for all visitors. Limited access is also available for RV’s and motor homes. There is no overnight parking permitted. Buses, please use the Market Street entrance to Reservoir Park and the museum.

Group Tours

You can purchase tickets in advance here or they can be purchased at the door.

Food Service

The museum does not have in house food service. Adult and school groups can arrange for catering prior to their visit, and we do have limited space available for lunch

No tour of the museum is complete without a visit to our store. We have a large selection of books, toys, clothing, and more. You can also visit our store online here .

ADA Compliance

The Museum is fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and motorized scooters. Elevators service all public areas in The National Civil War Museum, and seating is available in the galleries. Service dogs are always welcome.

The National Civil War Museum is located at 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA 17103. The museum is located inside of Reservoir Park. You may call the museum to get directions at 717-260-1861.

Exhibit Information

Immerse yourself in a journey that brings the past to life through a remarkable collection of artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive experiences. Our exhibits have been thoughtfully curated to provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Civil War era. From iconic battle artifacts to personal stories of soldiers and civilians, each exhibit offers a unique perspective and invites visitors to connect with the struggles and triumphs of the time.

This site is temporarily unavailable

Gettysburg & The Civil War Bike Tour

Bike through history: the civil war from gettysburg to antietam and harpers ferry.

Prepare yourself for a totally visceral experience of American history combined with a relaxing bike vacation. Come join us on our award-winning 4-day Civil War bike tour and pedal through Gettysburg, Antietam and the Monocacy Valley. It’s one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime!

Experience Gettysburg as few people have, up close and personal with a battlefield guide. This award-winning vacation retraces key campaigns of the American Conflict. Cycle through the beautiful landscapes of rural Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. We pass stone barns of the 1700s, and beautiful brick homes that have witnessed the birth and struggles of a young nation. Roll past the farm fields that still feed a nation. In the evenings, kick back and reflect while relaxing on a porch from a previous era.

Want more riding and Civil War history?

Explore the longer Shenandoah and the Civil War Bike Tour .  Gorgeous scenery, incredible history over six days, with an average of 41 miles/day and intermediate to advanced riding options.

Custom bike tour departures available for groups of 6 or more.

Tour Highlights

Ride through 3 states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia

Antietam National Battlefield

South Mountain State Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor

Lodging Options

Brafferton Inn

Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel

Bavarian Inn

Day 1:   Meet your Licensed Battlefield Guide for a riveting tour of the Gettysburg National Battlefield. Enjoy a wine and cheese party at your lodging for the evening, Brafferton Inn.

Day 2:   Today is a day of options: take a leisurely ride through the countryside to the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel, or jam-pack your ride with covered bridges and cornfields before retiring for the night.

Day 3:   Climb to Gathland State Park for spectacular views, and descend through mixed forest and farmland along the Antietam River, followed by a tour of the Antietam National Battlefield.

Day 4:   Cycle to the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and the historic town of Harper’s Ferry. Ride six miles on the C&O Canal towpath to our final destination and shuttle.

“The guides were accommodating and informative…and the route absolutely inspiring.”

~JuezJoe, TripAdvisor

Trip Information

Trip Length - Days

Tour Rating

National Park Visited

Route Overview

Daily Mileage

Check In Location

Gettysburg, pa.

Support & Gear Vehicle

E-bikes Allowed

Required Specifications

• 50 pounds or less weight limit
• Pedal assist only
• Removable battery
• 5+ hour battery capacity

Minimum Age

3 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 2 Dinners

2024 Pricing

PP Double Occupancy

Single Supplement*

Standard Bike Rental

*This is required if you are traveling solo or if you are traveling with someone but require separate beds.

RESERVE ONLINE BY DATE

Select your departure date and click to reserve your bike tour!

• Book May 12, 2024
• Book June 24, 2024 1 Spot Left!
• Book July 14, 2024
• Book Sept. 22, 2024

If your desired departure date is within 30 days, please call our office to book , it will be unavailable to book on-line.

Call 800-272-4141

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Experience Gettysburg’s Most Haunted Ghost Tour

Join Civil War Ghosts tonight to hear the gripping stories of the ghosts and hauntings of Gettysburg. See where the civilians and soldiers fell, and where their eerie presence persists to this day. They want to be heard – will you listen?

Visit the many haunted downtown inns and buildings where the wounded took their last breaths in agony. Touch the traces of their sacrifice that remain and reach out from beyond in this small, haunted town that shaped the future of the United States.

Ghost Tour Meeting Location : Tours meet at the front yard of Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast at 452 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Tour Duration : 1hr. across 1 mile

To Order : Press "Get Tickets" for availability.

Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

The Experiences You've Heard About

Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour

Hear gripping stories about Gettysburg's most historic haunts alongside long dead soldiers, in blue and gray, that still roam the town from the Civil War's bloodiest and most gruesome battle.

Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour

Tread on the bloody grounds where Civil War soldiers fell and the presence of their lost souls still persists.

Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Join an experienced battlefield guide to uncover the most integral parts and iconic locations of the Battle of Gettysburg, right where it happened. Ride with us into Gettysburg's passionate military history!

Gettysburg Brew Tour

Take a dive into the boozier side of Gettysburg off the battlefield. Journey to the historic town's most popular pubs while learning about its liquid roots. Drink like a local at their favorite watering holes.

Gettysburg Historic Downtown Food Tour

Taste farm fresh produce, nationally loved comfort foods, traditional pastries, and more at downtown Gettysburg's finest eateries.

Secrets of Gettysburg Tour

Explore the untold stories and little-known facts lurking beneath the surface of this legendary small town that has been plagued by death and violence for centuries.

The Historic Welty House Ghost Hunt

Join us for a limited capacity (16 persons) ghost hunt in this newly opened area in Gettysburg, never before available to the public.

Wonder Women of Gettysburg: Hidden Valor

Learn about the incredible women who played a behind-the-scenes role and became unsung heroines of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Gettysburg Historic District Drink Tour

Drink your way through Gettysburg's fabled historic district at some of the most distinguished dives and taverns in American history.

Our walking route takes you on a journey through Gettysburg’s historic downtown.

Our tour is both informative and thrilling..

Suitable for anyone and everyone curious about the haunted history of Gettysburg and its role in our nation’s history. Newcomers who’ve never done a ghost tour are as welcome as enthusiastic ghost hunters.

Three most haunted stops on the tour:

• The Farnsworth house – Once a sniper’s nest for Confederate soldiers , picking off Union troops. Now a Bed and Breakfast with some spooky permanent residents.
• The Jennie Wade House | The Farnsworth House – With bullet holes in the walls, and some remaining in the doors, this house was caught in the crossfire as Jennie Wade and her family made bread for the soldiers.
• The extended Civil War Ghosts tour includes the Gettysburg Hotel , haunted by a couple. Romantic spirits caught on opposite sides of the conflict perhaps? Extend your tour and hear their story.

With over 46,000 soldiers killed in the three-day battle, Gettysburg has too many tragic tales for any single walking tour . Civil War Ghosts presents a route that shows all sides of this hideous conflict.

Both armies clashed around a town of just 1,500 inhabitants. Nearly every structure was commandeered for military use. Residents responded as humans will, in every way thinkable.

Book your place now to hear about Tillie Pierce, the daughter of a butcher wrote a book about her experiences during the war , of her and friends singing ‘Our Union Forever’, as six thousand of Buford’s cavalry passed through the town. Later as the battle grew nearer, she saw more troops passing and heard them wonder when they would be sent back in the horse-drawn ambulances that were also on the streets.

Sooner than she would have wanted the town overflowed with wounded soldiers. Tilly sprang into heroic action, tending wounds and dressings and making many men comfortable as they lay dying around the homestead, the outbuildings, and many other places around the small town of Gettysburg.

The Inn that bears her name has many stories of hauntings, hear this, and many more fascinating stories on the Civil War Ghost Tour now.

“Our tour guide was great. I have been coming to Gettysburg for close to 50 years and taken lots of ghost tours. This one gave information I did not know. The tour guide is the most important part of the tour and I would give this gentleman a 5+ stars! Thanks for a fun evening! –Janie Crowl

The Civil War Ghost Tour Difference: What Sets this Tour Apart from the Rest?

Your guides will stick to the historical facts. When you realize the horrifying scale of the human tragedy of Gettysburg the experience becomes that much more unsettling. With every step, you walk deeper and deeper into the grim depths of true history. Gettysburg retains its historic feel, it is only a small leap of the imagination to picture yourself in the aftermath of the battle, and even easier at night!

Will You Join Us?

With so many tours and activities to choose from civilwar, how do you choose which ones to book, what’s on my ghost tour - just a sample of the locations on the tour.

The Farnsworth House

Now a bed and breakfast, the Farnsworth House used to be the territory of Confederate snipers during the Battle of Gettysburg. Regarded as one of the town’s most haunted places, the Confederate soldiers who were once inside have long since passed… but continue to stay in the house.

The Hall of Presidents

The Hall of Presidents closed last year , but this former wax museum has a deep-rooted history of paranormal activity. The Hall was filled with wax figures of every American President and First Lady. The building built on a former Civil War burial ground. Being built atop a burial ground is seldom good news, and guests will learn how this building continues to be no exception…

Gettysburg Hotel - Extended Tour Exclusive

The beautiful Gettysburg Hotel is haunted by two spirits, man and woman, from wartime. They share a mysterious and deep bond, a secret known by only a small few. What is the tragic connection of this ghostly pair? Find out only on our extended tour!

The David Wills House | The Gettysburg Hotel Tour

The David Wills House is one of the most remarkable places in Gettysburg. During wartime, David Wills, a young lawyer, took on a difficult project by helping the many wounded and dead soldiers of Gettysburg. Wills made his home into a hospital for the wounded. He also took on the role of a gravedigger, helping establish a proper burial ground for the dead. For Wills’s efforts, President Lincoln spoke at the completed burial ground’s dedication and stayed at this house. Of course, this house isn’t just historically significant–it’s haunted, too. Learn the haunted side of this storied house only on our extended tour!

Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland

Today we continue on our journey highlighting four of the best driving destinations from central Ohio.

With a focus on the creme de la creme — vital, accessible and unforgettable voyages that every central Ohio resident should put on his or her bucket list — we offer suggestions that will appeal to most everyone.

From a circle tour of “our Great Lake” to the architectural wonders of a modernist sister city three hours away, these four extraordinary adventures are wonderful ways to widen your horizons in 2024.

More: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Explore the Northern Shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Today's installment is Part 2 of 4 destination packages from Columbus Monthly's annual travel guide. We hope you enjoy.

Traveling to Gettysburg and Antietam

Not every traveler is a history buff. But a visit to Gettysburg, site of one of the most iconic and bloody battles of the Civil War, should probably be on every American’s bucket list. 

From Columbus, the drive takes a bit more than six hours. And a two- or three-day visit to the Pennsylvania landmark can easily include several other noteworthy sites along the way, including another important Civil War battlefield, the fort where George Washington suffered his most humiliating defeat and the memorial where the first Americans to fight back during 9/11 are commemorated. 

In addition to being a major historic site, Gettysburg is also a lovely small town adept at catering to the nearly 1 million visitors who arrive each year. Even visitors who never set foot in the Gettysburg National Military Park would find plenty to do. Town streets are packed with shopping, dining, breweries and wineries, hotels and inns, galleries and museums. But the battlefield should definitely be on the to-do list. 

More than 165,000 Union and Confederate soldiers clashed from July 1-3, 1863. The largest battle ever fought on this continent resulted in more than 51,000 casualties — and turned the tide of the war in favor of the Union. The battlefield Museum and Visitors Center includes 12 separate galleries, many interactive exhibits and thousands of artifacts on display. Visitors can also experience the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a painting in-the-round created in the 1880s that tells the story of the battle and is, itself, a magnificent piece of history. 

Plenty can also be discovered on a self-guided auto tour. The 6,000-acre battlefield is crossed by several small roads with plenty of places to pull off and explore the many monuments and markers that were erected in the decades after the battle. 

Bus tours are available from the visitor center. But the best way to tour the battlefield may be with a licensed guide in your own vehicle. Guides are happy to customize tours based on visitors’ interests and knowledge. 

Although the three-day Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, Antietam, near the village of Sharpsburg, Maryland, was the site of the war’s bloodiest single day — and the bloodiest day in American history, with some 23,000 casualties. Antietam National Battlefield is just an hour’s drive from Gettysburg, making it a logical stop for history-lovers passing through, or an easy daytrip for travelers extending their stay in the Pennsylvania town. 

Like Gettysburg, Antietam is dotted with monuments honoring the military units and men who served there. One of the most curious is a Brobdingnagian marker commemorating the service of a young commissary sergeant who went on to become President William McKinley. The monument celebrates McKinley’s efforts at bringing coffee and hot food to Union troops on the front lines. 

No, really. 

But if I were on the front, tired and hungry, I would certainly have welcomed and appreciated Sgt. Billy’s offerings. (Come to think of it, this might actually be the most noble act a future president has ever performed.) 

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Southwestern Pennsylvania also hosts two other important historic sites along the route from central Ohio. Fort Necessity National Battlefield near Farmington, Pennsylvania, is a small historic site featuring a museum and the recreated fort where George Washington, as a very young lieutenant colonel, led a unit of British colonial troops to a humiliating defeat at the hands of the French in 1754. Though discouraged, Washington, of course, persevered, having much better luck decades later in the American Revolution. 

Few Americans who remember Sept. 11, 2001, can visit the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and not get a bit emotional. The memorial tells the story of the terrorist attacks on the United States that day and of the passengers on United Flight 93 who gave their lives fighting back against their hijackers, preventing their plane from being used as a weapon against another prominent target, possibly the U.S. Capitol. 

The memorial marks the site where the plane hit the ground, killing all aboard. In addition to a museum, the site features several trails, including the Trail of Remembrance along the final flight path. Also at the memorial is the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall structure containing 40 large wind chimes, each tuned to a separate and distinct tone of its own — a haunting and fitting way to remember the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 and a bit of history many of us lived through ourselves. 

Where to Stay When Visiting Gettysburg

Gettysburg offers a wide variety of lodging options. The Gettysburg Hotel (est. 1797) is a historic property at the heart of downtown with rates from $118 per night. For a cozier stay, consider the Brafferton Inn , with rooms beginning around $110 per night, or Battlefield Bed and Breakfast in a restored 1810 farmhouse, with rooms beginning around $210 per night. hotelgettysburg.com , brafferton.com , gettysburgbattlefield.com   

This story is from the Best Driving Vacations package in the February 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly. 

This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland

Itineraries

Our itineraries help plan your visit, provide tips and recommend related historic sites and key resources. Itineraries are geared for first-time visitors and include options for short and long visits.

Explore Itineraries by Location

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful, pristine and well-preserved Civil War battlefields, Antietam is a must-see for any Civil War enthusiast.

Learn more about Maryland's "Charm City" and the defining moment in the War of 1812 that occurred here.

The powder keg that exploded into a rebellion, Boston perhaps has more historic sites closely associated with the American Revolution than any other city in America.

Explore the Brandywine Battlefield – site of the largest single-day battle of the Revolutionary War where George Washington clashed against British General William Howe – and more!

Established in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, is city rich with Revolutionary War and Civil War history. Visitors to the city can walk in the footsteps of heroes of the Revolutionary War and Civil War at places like Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter.

Located at the foot of Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park preserves several battlefield spaces surrounded by residential and commercial development.

Culpeper County offers wonderful food, shopping and beautiful battlefields such as Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain.

Your Adirondack adventure can always be enhanced with a little 18th-century history, especially when you consider the fascinating Fort Ticonderoga.

Gettysburg is home to home to one of the most important and iconic battles of the Civil War and one of the greatest speeches of all time.

The historic town of Fredericksburg with its surrounding battlefields remains a must-see for all visitors interested in history and the Civil War. 

For a day trip a long weekend or for a full week, Lexington, Kentucky, means wonderful shopping, horses, bourbon, great food and American history.

Manassas' Bull Run (First Manassas) and nearby Second Manassas are remarkable historical sites that should appeal to all. Spend a day or weekend exploring!

Monmouth County, New Jersey means the Jersey Shore, wonderful food, shopping, and, of course, Revolutionary War history

Few areas in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War that witnessed more fighting than did the area surrounding the cities of Richmond and Petersburg.

Philadelphia and Independence National Historical Park are a top travel destination for Revolutionary War history. Make the most of your trip to the "City of Brotherly Love."

For a day trip, a long weekend or more, Sackets Harbor is a great destination for a trip full of history, nature and outdoor adventures.

Spend your day exploring the many sights of the pristine Shiloh National Military Park – site of the first great bloodletting of the Civil War.

From French colonial history to Lewis and Clark to the Civil War and beyond, the "Gateway City" has a plethora of historic sites and museums that tell its unique story.

Vicksburg was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military campaigns of the entire Civil War. Explore  Vicksburg National Military Park and its vicinity.

Washington, D.C. is one the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Make the most of your time in our nation’s capital with of itineraries.

Tour Revolutionary Boston in One Day

Tour Gettysburg Battlefield in One Day

Tour Civil War Savannah in One Day

Tour American Battlefield Trust-Preserved Battlefields in Three Days

Tour Civil War Charleston in One Day

Tour the Antietam Battlefield in One Day