In our national obsession to digitize and "dot-com" everything -- particularly as we enter a new century -- it's easy to forget that there are some places in the United States that have channeled just as much energy into preserving the past. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a good example. Its Civil War history is so important not only to Gettysburg, but to the United States as a whole, that this picturesque town has taken great pains to restore its old structures and preserve the imprints left by soldiers in the mid-1800s.

Visit Gettysburg today, and you'll be struck by its uniqueness and the respect the town pays to history. You can travel over some 40 miles of quiet, country roads, viewing more than 1,000 Civil War monuments and cannons as you make your way. Since central Pennsylvania enjoys the beauty of all four seasons, a visit to Gettysburg at any time of year has something to offer; but wintertime is perhaps the most scenic time of year during which to view the town's Civil War relics. Viewing snow-covered battlefield monuments and cannons is a particularly dramatic experience, and it's perhaps the best time for taking photographs of these historic structures.

Gettysburg is where the Civil War reached a pivotal point over a three-day period between July 1 and July 3, 1863. It may not be possible to travel back in time, but Gettysburg tries its best to recreate this era. It should come as no surprise that the famous Gettysburg Address was delivered at Cemetery Hill in Gettysburg (by President Abraham Lincoln on Nov. 19, 1872), and tourists may visit the spot where these significant words were first uttered.

Other stops on your historic tour may include the headquarters of Gen. Robert E. Lee; Picket's Charge; Little Round Top; and the Devil's Den, all infamous Civil War sites. For a taste of historic local color, plan your stay at a Gettysburg bed and breakfast, visit the town's museums (nearly 30, at last count), and take in some of the most beautiful countryside views you've seen in a long time. Gettysburg is a mere one hour from Lancaster in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Even if history isn't your primary area of interest, Gettysburg offers a few historic and truly unique points of interest that even the greatest skeptics will have difficulty resisting. The Gettysbrew Pub and Brewery is the site of the former Monfort Farm, which served as one of the largest Confederate field hospitals during the war. Visitors can take in a taste of history (quite literally) in a pub-like atmosphere that has a story to tell in every corner.

Swirling around Gettysburg is a rich tapestry of ghost stories. And in this setting, you just might be inclined to start believing them. A visit to Farnsworth House Mourning Theater will certainly change any doubter's mind. Visitors travel within the depths of a dark, stone cellar, where a ghost story-teller awaits them. By flickering candlelight, you'll hear the spooky stories of phantoms who, many locals believe, are still roaming Gettysburg's streets and historic battlefields. Farnsworth House also holds candlelight "Ghost Walks" throughout the year. Visitors stroll down Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, home to some of the town's most historic structures -- all of which are rumored to be hangouts for its most famous phantoms. For a bird's eye view of Civil War history, climb to the top of Gettysburg National Tower, which provides a view not only of the town but also its sprawling battlefields.

If you'd like to own a piece of history, you'll find that it can be relatively affordable in Gettysburg. In this town of approximately 7,000 residents, the median home value for a three-bedroom house is approximately $81,000. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Gettysburg is approximately $400. The median year built for single-family homes in Gettysburg is 1939, indicating that while you'll still find homes here dating back to the 1800s (for which you'll pay more), the town offers a diversity of newer housing stock, as well.

Gettysburg's median home value seems to indicate that its housing inventory is relatively modest, but a search of local Realtor Web sites reveals something different. The town has plenty of historic residences with asking prices of $350,000 and above. You'll find just as many if not more homes priced in the mid-$100s. The most appealing aspect of Gettysburg's inventory is its architectural diversity. From contemporary to split-level to Cape Cod-style to colonial, you'll find something here for every taste. And aspiring innkeepers may select from a variety of traditional residences well-suited to accommodate guests and dining facilities.

This charming Central Pennsylvania town has something unique to offer both its residents and its visitors. As we forge ahead into the new millennium, it's easy to forget where it all started. Gettysburg hasn't forgotten, and a trip here is a delightful reminder.

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Published: January 17, 2000

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