July 1, 1863, was the start of the battle that would later be called the turning point of the American Civil War. Opposing armies collided in Gettysburg and rumbled for three days, resulting in more than 40,000 casualties--the battle with the largest amount of deaths in the Civil War. Fields became temporary graveyards for soldiers who took their last breath, and the graveyards became homes for their souls to dwell in. Catch a glimpse of these soldiers doomed to roam the battlefields for eternity on one of the ghost tours of Gettysburg.
Listen to true tales of historic Gettysburg as you take a guided tour through the battlefields led by a costumed guide and candlelight. Enter the Civil War Army camp where soldiers told legendary sagas of danger and their voyage. Tourists will find out how civilians lived among gunfire and the enemy at their doorstep. A game of fact or fiction will test the knowledge of the tourists for a prize to be won at the end. Participants can do more than just learn about the great battle; they will be able to join the Union Army and feast on hardtack, learn to drill and shoot a black powder rifle.
American Stories Historic Walking Tours
49 Steinwehr Ave.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 624-8154
gettysburgaddress.com
The owner of Haunted Gettysburg Tour Guides, Bob Wasel, has written six books about Gettysburg and its unearthly wanderers, making him an expert on the best places for a ghost hunt. Tours leave twice nightly, led by a period-dressed guide winding through the back alleys of Gettysburg by candlelight. Each tour lasts one hour and 15 minutes, is pet-friendly, handicapped-accessible and welcomes ghost hunters of all ages. Tours leave rain or shine (umbrellas are provided) and run through Nov. 19.
Haunted Gettysburg
27 Steinwehr Ave.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-1200
hauntedgettysburgtours.com
Ghosts of Gettysburg offer several tours, including the Seminary Ridge Tour where ghost hunters visit the site of a young soldier who was buried alive under a pile of corpses for days. Visit Robert E. Lee's headquarters and the buildings of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, whose grounds were used as a hospital and temporary graveyard. The Steinwehr Avenue Tour begins in the parking lot of the Reliance Mine Saloon, winds through the Gettysburg National Cemetery and passes by the fields where Pickett's men charged toward their fate. Ghosts of Gettysburg also offer the Baltimore Street Tour, where buildings that were once filled with wounded soldiers can be seen, or the Carlisle Street Tour, where a ghostly visitor appears to watch performances of the young actresses. All tours last between one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 50 minutes, and it is recommended to arrive 15 minutes early.
Ghosts of Gettysburg
271 Baltimore St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 337-0445
ghostsofgettysburg.com
