Gettysburg: Danger & Courage– A Guided Walking Tour

The "Gettysburg: Danger & Courage– A Guided Walking Tour" offers visitors an immersive exploration of the lesser-known civilian experiences during the historic 1863 battle. Led by experienced and licensed guides, the tour takes participants through the southern end of the Gettysburg battlefield, uncovering poignant stories of bravery and resilience that unfolded amidst the chaos. From the tragedy of Jennie Wade to the harrowing accounts of locals seeking refuge, this compelling narrative sheds light on a often-overlooked aspect of the Gettysburg story.

Good To Know

• Explore the civilian experiences during the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, including the story of Jennie Wade and accounts of street fighting.
• Witness the courage and sacrifice displayed by Gettysburg’s residents through captivating narratives led by experienced, licensed guides.
• Enjoy a 1-hour guided walking tour of the southern end of the Gettysburg battlefield, focusing on the aftermath and preservation efforts.
• Benefit from flexible booking options, limited group sizes, and a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Complement the morning Civilian Experience tour with an intimate, immersive exploration of the civilian perspective during the battle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Gettysburg: Danger & Courage– A Guided Walking Tour" is a 1-hour experience that explores the southern end of the historic Gettysburg battlefield.

Priced from $25 per person, the tour has a limited group size of generally under 10 participants.

Led by experienced, licensed guides, the tour focuses on civilian experiences during the 1863 battle and shares stories of Jennie Wade, civilian survival, and street fighting.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and English-speaking.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Booking Information

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour has flexible booking options to accommodate different schedules. Customers can check availability and select their preferred starting time. This allows them to plan their visit conveniently.

The walking tour is limited to 8 participants, usually under 10, to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Customers can easily skip the ticket line and focus on the tour.

Tour Highlights

This walking tour focuses on the southern end of the Gettysburg battlefield, allowing participants to learn about the civilian experiences during the pivotal battle of July 1863.

Guests will hear stories of Jennie Wade, a civilian who died during the fighting, as well as tales of civilian survival and street combat. The tour also discusses the aftermath of the battle, including presidential visits and the early history of Gettysburg.

Led by experienced, licensed guides with strong storytelling skills, the tour provides an engaging complement to the 11:00 a.m. Civilian Experience tour covering the northern end of the battlefield.

Tour Experience

An easy walking pace with frequent stops for storytelling characterizes the tour experience.

The tour complements the earlier Civilian Experience tour by focusing on the southern end of Gettysburg and the civilian stories during the 1863 battle.

This tour focuses on the southern end of Gettysburg and the civilian stories during the 1863 battle, complementing the earlier Civilian Experience tour.

Led by experienced, licensed guides with storytelling expertise, the tour delves into the aftermath, presidential visits, and early Gettysburg history.

With a group size limited to 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate setting to learn about Jennie Wade, civilian survival, and street fighting.

The meeting point is near the drummer boy statue in Unity Park, allowing guests to skip the ticket line.

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Civilian Experiences During the Battle

Although the Battle of Gettysburg is renowned for its military significance, the experiences of civilian residents played a crucial role during the three-day conflict.

The tour highlights several poignant stories:

1. The tale of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle, who was struck by a stray bullet while baking bread.

2. Accounts of residents seeking refuge in basements and attics, sheltering from the relentless artillery fire.

3. Narratives of street fighting, as soldiers and civilians navigated the chaos of the town’s streets.

4. The aftermath of the battle, including presidential visits and the early preservation efforts that shaped Gettysburg’s history.

Stories of Jennie Wade and Street Fighting

One of the most poignant civilian stories from the Battle of Gettysburg is that of Jennie Wade, the only non-combatant killed during the conflict. The 20-year-old was baking bread when a stray bullet struck and killed her.

Tour guides recount how Jennie’s death devastated her family and the local community. Along With Jennie’s story, the tour explores the harrowing experiences of other civilians who endured the street fighting.

Guides describe how residents hid in cellars and basements, cowering as bullets whizzed overhead. Through these captivating narratives, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the civilian toll during the battle.

Aftermath, Presidential Visits, and Early Gettysburg History

The tour also examines Gettysburg’s aftermath and enduring legacy. Visitors learn how the battle transformed the small town, including:

Gettysburg’s aftermath and enduring legacy are explored, as visitors learn how the battle transformed the small town.

1. Presidential visits by Abraham Lincoln and later commanders like Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor the fallen.

2. The hotel of Gettysburg National Cemetery and the famous Soldiers’ National Monument.

3. The role of veterans’ organizations in shaping the battlefield’s preservation and memorialization.

4. The emergence of Gettysburg as a hub for heritage tourism, drawing millions of visitors each year to study this pivotal moment in American history.

Experienced, Licensed Guides With Storytelling Expertise

Experienced, licensed guides lead the Gettysburg walking tour, drawing on their storytelling expertise to bring the historic events to life.

With extensive knowledge of the battlefield, they share captivating narratives that transport visitors back in time. The guides skillfully weave together personal accounts, tactical decisions, and the civilian experience, painting a vivid picture of the battle’s unfolding.

Their enthusiasm and engaging delivery ensure participants leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices and courage displayed during the Gettysburg Campaign.

The guides’ expertise and storytelling abilities are integral to the immersive tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specific minimum age requirement. It’s suitable for participants of all ages, though parents should use their discretion in determining if the content is appropriate for young children.

Are Leashed Pets Allowed to Join the Tour?

Leashed pets are generally allowed to join the tour, as the tour is designed to be accessible. However, it’s recommended to contact the tour provider in advance to confirm their specific pet policy.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. According to the information provided, the standard price is $25 per person, but discounts may be available for these groups. Tour participants should check with the tour provider for details on any applicable discounts.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Tour?

The tour involves easy walking with frequent stops for storytelling. It complements the 11:00 a.m. Civilian Experience tour, which covers the northern end of Gettysburg. Guests can expect an engaging historical experience without excessive physical activity.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Refreshments During the Tour?

The tour does not include time for purchasing souvenirs or refreshments during the experience. Participants should plan to get any desired items before or after the guided walking tour, which focuses on the historical narratives along the route.

The Sum Up

The "Gettysburg: Danger & Courage" tour offers an immersive experience, revealing the lesser-known civilian stories from the 1863 battle. Led by experienced guides, the tour delves into poignant narratives of bravery and resilience, providing participants with a compelling and in-depth understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

You can check availability for your dates here: