9 Fascinating and Little-Known Facts About Gettysburg National Military Park You Won't Want to Miss!

1. Face-off with Facial Hair

Hold onto your hats and grab your time-traveling DeLorean, because we're heading back to Gettysburg, but this time without the heartache and tears: Gettysburg National Military Park, established in 1895, spreads over 10,000 acres and provides visitors with a museum, visitor center, monuments, and markers dedicated to the memory of the brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, all wrapped up in a guided tour that'll take you back to a time when facial hair was a battlefield essential.
Source => travelchannel.com

2. Time Travel on Horseback

Ever wanted to step into a time machine and trot along the trails of history? Well, saddle up because we've got just the destination for you: Gettysburg National Military Park features a 7.25-mile Bridle Trail that loops around its southern end, complete with historical landmarks like the Philip Snyder Farmhouse, Bushman Farm, and monuments for the Army of the Potomac and 5th New York Cavalry. Accessible to hikers and horseback riders alike, it promises a moderately challenging adventure that takes about 5.5 hours, factoring in pit stops for photo-ops and exploration.
Source => npplan.com

Discover the unique symbolism behind the stunning architecture of the Lincoln Memorial, featuring majestic columns representing Union States crafted from Colorado Yule marble. You won't believe the incredible detail!

=> Fun Facts about The-Lincoln-Memorial

3. The T-Rex of Civil War Paintings

Get ready to feel like a really short T-Rex trying to admire artwork: there's a monstrously massive Civil War painting at Gettysburg National Military Park! The main spectacle: a stunning 377 feet long by 42 feet high, 360-degree Cyclorama depicting "Pickett's Charge," open for oohing and aahing at the park's Museum and Visitor Center since 1913, with a colorful history dating back to its 1884 Boston exhibition.
Source => nps.gov

4. A Sculpture Buff's Dream

If Gettysburg National Military Park were a sculptor's showroom, it would put Michelangelo's David to shame: Boasting over 1,300 monuments, markers, and memorials, it's the largest collection of outdoor sculptures in the United States, with each artwork honoring the brave souls who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and leaders who steered the course of the Civil War.
Source => study.com

5. Blockbuster Battlefield

Say "lights, camera, action" to a Civil War lesson: The Gettysburg National Military Park served as the sole filming location for the 2001 movie "Gods and Generals," converting its historic battlefield to emulate the authentic events and surroundings of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and other major battlegrounds in Virginia. Today, this blockbuster-worthy park stands restored, protected, and ready to teach visitors about the all-too-real Civil War era – no ticket purchase or popcorn necessary.
Source => funvirginia.com

6. Monuments by the Who's Who of Sculptors

Gather round, my park-traversing comrades, and prepare to be sculpted with laughter as we etch our way through the artistic wonders of Gettysburg National Military Park: this historical treasure trove is adorned with monumental masterpieces carved by prominent late 19th and early 20th-century sculptors such as John Quincy Adams Ward, James Kelly, and Caspar Buberl, effectively transforming the park into a who's who of battlefield bust creators - sadly, no Roman-style columns or arches made the cut, but there's plenty of unique eye-candy to honor the valiant soldiers who fought in this iconic clash.
Source => battlefields.org

7. Wedding Bells Amidst Battlefields

Step right up and tie the knot in the same place where history was made: at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, where the Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service, offers unique event spaces and dining options amidst a backdrop of immersive museum exhibits and the historic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting, creating a seamless blend of past and present for any celebration.
Source => theknot.com

8. The Inclusive Graveyard Party

From soldiers playing musical headstones to history's most inclusive graveyard party: The Gettysburg National Military Park houses over 6,000 veterans from a multitude of conflicts such as the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, all surrounding the Soldiers' National Monument, which itself was dedicated back in 1869!
Source => nps.gov

9. A Green Haven for History & Nature Lovers

Contrary to popular belief, Gettysburg National Military Park is not just a relic of long-lost battles, but also a premier destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, botanists, and general lovers of insects. Filled with more greenery than a St. Patrick's Day parade, it's a delightful place for all your historical frolicking needs: The park boasts 5,989 acres of diverse habitats with over 26 miles of associated riparian habitat, 148 acres of palustrine wetland, and over 2,300 acres of landscape devoted to crops, pastures, and meadows, providing a home for a plethora of wildlife species and an immersive glimpse into agrarian living.
Source => nps.gov