Gettysburg: The Civilian Experience Guided Walking Tour

The "Gettysburg: The Civilian Experience Guided Walking Tour" offers a compelling one-hour exploration of the profound impact the Civil War had on the town’s residents. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the harrowing experiences of townspeople who cared for over 22,000 wounded soldiers, highlighting makeshift hospitals, community resilience, and the lasting significance of President Lincoln’s visit. With a price tag of $25 per person and accommodating up to 10 participants, this intimate tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the untold stories of Gettysburg’s civilians during one of the nation’s darkest chapters.

This experience made our article of Our Picks For The 10 Best Walking Tours In Gettysburg.

Good To Know

• Explore the critical role of Gettysburg’s townspeople in providing medical aid and shelter for over 22,000 wounded soldiers during the Civil War battle.
• Discover the civilian experiences and transformation of the town amidst the aftermath of the bloodiest battle, including mass burials and psychological toll.
• Understand the significance of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and its impact on the local community four months after the battle.
• Gain a holistic perspective on the civilian experience during the conflict, including the experiences of children caught in the battle.
• Learn about the townspeople’s compassion, resilience, and human spirit in supporting the wounded soldiers, despite the chaos of war.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Gettysburg: The Civilian Experience Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating 1-hour exploration of Gettysburg’s rich history and the impact of the Civil War on local civilians.

The tour is priced from $25 per person and limits group size to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

The tour is priced from $25 per person and limits group size to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Knowledgeable guides lead the wheelchair-accessible tour in English, sharing stories about the town’s role in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and the care provided to 22,000 wounded soldiers by fewer than 2,300 townspeople.

Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Exploring Gettysburg’s Civilian Experience

Beyond the well-known military details of the Battle of Gettysburg, the walking tour explores the profound impact on the town’s civilian population.

Participants learn how fewer than 2,300 townspeople cared for over 22,000 wounded soldiers. They discover the experiences of civilians during the battle, such as the care provided in makeshift hospitals and private homes.

The tour also highlights President Lincoln’s visit in November 1863 and the civilians’ role in the aftermath.

Guided by knowledgeable historians, the tour brings Gettysburg’s civilian experience to life, offering a more holistic understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

The Bloodiest Battle of the Civil War

Although the Battle of Gettysburg is widely recognized as the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, the walking tour delves deeper into the civilian experience during this pivotal conflict.

The three-day battle resulted in over 50,000 casualties, with Gettysburg’s residents facing the aftermath. The tour highlights:

The three-day battle resulted in over 50,000 casualties, with Gettysburg’s residents facing the aftermath. The tour highlights the town’s transformation and the civilian experience.

• The town’s transformation into a makeshift hospital, treating over 22,000 wounded soldiers with limited resources.

• The experiences of civilians caught in the crossfire, including children.

• The psychological toll on the community, from the sounds of cannon fire to the mass burials.

• President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, delivered four months after the battle.

Caring for the Wounded Soldiers

As the battle raged on, Gettysburg’s residents sprang into action, transforming the town into a makeshift hospital to care for over 22,000 wounded soldiers.

With fewer than 2,300 people, the townspeople worked tirelessly to provide medical aid, shelter, and sustenance to the influx of casualties.

Homes, churches, and public buildings became wards, while locals donated supplies, food, and their time.

Despite the chaos and devastation, the civilians’ compassion and resilience shone through as they tended to the injured soldiers, regardless of their allegiance.

This selfless effort underscored the human spirit amidst the horrors of war.

More Great Tours Nearby

President Lincoln’s Visit to Gettysburg

Four months after the Battle of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln visited the town to deliver his now-famous Gettysburg Address. Lincoln’s moving words honored the fallen soldiers and inspired the nation to continue the fight for a "new birth of freedom."

The president’s visit was a pivotal moment for the town and its residents, who’d endured the devastation of the battle.

According to tour guides, visitors can expect to learn:

• Lincoln’s original speech and how it evolved

• The significance of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery

• Local civilians’ reactions to the president’s presence

• How Lincoln’s words continue to resonate today

Personalized and Engaging Guided Tour

The Gettysburg Walking Tour promises a personalized and engaging experience with knowledgeable guides who bring the town’s history to life.

Guides like Terry and Rob are praised for their expertise and ability to captivate participants. They share stories of the civilians’ experiences during the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, including how the townspeople cared for over 22,000 wounded soldiers.

Guests appreciate the small group size, which allows for a more intimate and interactive tour.

With their passion for history, the guides make the events of the past come alive, offering a truly memorable experience for all who join the Gettysburg Walking Tour.

Booking Your Spot

Booking your spot on the Gettysburg Walking Tour is straightforward. You can reserve your spot without immediate payment and check availability for tour times to secure your reservation.

The meeting point is outside the Gettysburg Hotel, where you’ll look for the guide in a blue shirt and brown pants/shorts.

The booking process includes:

• Reserve now and pay later

• Check availability for tour times

• Secure your reservation

• Meet the guide at the designated location

Enjoy this personalized and engaging guided tour exploring Gettysburg’s rich history and the impact of the Civil War on civilians.

Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Gettysburg Walking Tour, it’s important to come prepared.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the tour involves exploring Gettysburg’s historic sites on foot. The tour isn’t recommended for individuals over 95 years old, so keep this in mind when deciding if it’s the right fit.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the Gettysburg tour, as it involves exploring historic sites on foot. The tour isn’t recommended for those over 95 years old.

With a group size limited to 10 participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides who bring the town’s Civil War history to life.

Remember to check availability and secure your reservation, as spots on this popular tour can fill up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Service Animal on the Tour?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and guests are welcome to bring service animals. Visitors should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure the guide is prepared to accommodate the needs of all participants.

Is the Meeting Point Near Any Public Parking Lots?

The meeting point is located outside the Gettysburg Hotel, which is near several public parking lots in the area. Visitors can easily find convenient parking options close to the tour’s starting point.

Do the Guides Have Any Special Training or Certifications?

The guides have expertise in Gettysburg’s history and the Civil War. They undergo specialized training to provide engaging and informative tours that bring the past to life for participants. Their knowledge and storytelling skills receive high praise from tour reviews.

Can I Join the Tour if I Arrive Late?

Yes, visitors can join the tour if they arrive late, but they should notify the guide in advance. The tour is limited to 10 participants, so late arrivals may not be accommodated if the group is full.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, the company may be willing to provide a discount if asked in advance. It’s best to inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Gettysburg: The Civilian Experience Guided Walking Tour" offers a poignant glimpse into the town’s resilience during the Civil War’s darkest hours. Visitors can explore the makeshift hospitals, hear the stories of community members, and witness the lasting impact of President Lincoln’s historic Gettysburg Address. This intimate and accessible tour provides a unique opportunity to understand the profound civilian experience of one of America’s most pivotal battles.

You can check availability for your dates here: