Although it's been more than four score and seven years, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, still boasts the proud history of President Abraham Lincoln's address there in 1863. The city even has the slogan, "The Most Famous Small-Town in America." Today, the area continues honoring its history with over 1,300 monuments and other commemorations.  The Battle of Gettysburg claimed 51,000 lives, and most soldiers who fought for the Union were buried in Gettysburg as well. Ghost tours are popular in the area for that reason.

The largest memorial is the State of Pennsylvania monument, erected in 1910 and made to honor those who gave their lives in the Civil War. The massive construct is built of granite with iron and concrete and is adorned on top with a Winged Victory statue, holding a sword high. There are plenty of options to tour the battlefield and visit historic buildings, either with a guide or without. If you prefer to learn indoors, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.

That said, there's more to the city than just the part it played in the war. It was founded in 1786 and named for tavern owner named Samuel Getty. It became incorporated into the state of Pennsylvania in 1806. Today, its central location in the state makes it a fantastic place to spend time. Visitors can make it to Baltimore in about an hour, or Washington, D.C., in around two hours. Philadelphia is only 102 miles away.

If you like antiques, check out The Horse Soldier, a family-owned business specializing in military antiques. Some of its products date back to the Revolutionary War, though the store focuses on the Civil War. You can find books, currency, weapons, autographs, and more.

Gettysburg is also up-and-coming as a hot foodie destination. For a fine dining experience, check out the Smokehouse Restaurant at Antrim 1844. The menu for the six-course meal changes often, but you can expect delicacies like brioche-crusted black cod, duck agnolotti, or coffee-braised bison. You can pair those dishes with special wine selections.

If you want to taste the city's history, there are multiple options for an outing known as period dining, where the food offered reflects or is inspired by meals that would have been served in the 19th century. At the Farnsworth House, guests eat by candlelight in a dining room restored to its authentic state and decorated with photographs from a famous Civil War photographer. Even the servers dress the part. At the Dobbin House Tavern, load up on homemade date nut bread and try cocktails like the Run Bellies Vengeance and the Philadelphia Fish House Punch.

If you simply can't decide where to eat, take a food tour. One our takes you around the downtown area and historic neighborhoods, eating at half a dozen restaurants or more. Another option is a Farmer's Market tour, which includes a cooking class and a Christmas-focused tour offered seasonally. 

Gettysburg is an amazing place that should be honored and respected. It deserves the best, and that's why Hammond Cleaning and Restoration is the best choice for anyone who needs cleaning services. We've served Central Pennsylvania for over two decades, going above and beyond with our five-step proprietary cleaning method. Contact us today to learn more.