The Gettysburg Hotel is among many of the Historical landmarks in Gettysburg, PA. Established in 1797, the hotel sits in the center of Lincoln Square and is just a few blocks from the Gettysburg Battlefields. While the building may be historic, the amenities are modern and the hotel offers a quaint escape for your weekend in Gettysburg.
During a recent weekend in Gettysburg, my husband and I had the pleasure of being able to stay at The Gettysburg Hotel. I have always admired this hotel, not sure if it’s because of the age or the history but it has always been on my list of places to stay. If you can visit during the holiday season I highly suggest it, as the hotel is located near many of the town’s holiday events and you can walk. While it was cold during our visit we still took in all of the sights and sounds of Gettysburg.
The Gettysburg Hotel
Hotel History
The Gettysburg Hotel, started off as a tavern on what is now known as Lincoln Square, Gettysburg’s historic town center. Scott’s Tavern was built in 1797 by James Scott and in 1809 it was acquired by William McClellan, a former York County sheriff who renamed the tavern, the Indian Queen. After 1846, it was called the McClellan House for its owners, the McClellan brothers.
During the summer of 1863, the building played witness to one of the most pivotal events in the American Civil War – The Battle of Gettysburg. Right across the street at the Wills House, President Abraham Lincoln is said to have completed the famous Gettysburg Address.
The 1890s brought about an imposing revamp of the old building that the new owner christened The Gettysburg Hotel. It remained as such throughout the majority of the 20th century. By the time the 1900s rolled around, the Gettysburg Hotel boasted electric lights, steam heat, hot and cold baths, and a fine restaurant.
In 1955, it became a temporary White House while President Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack at Gettysburg. President Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, were the Gettysburg Hotel’s last guests in 1964 before the owner closed its doors. The old building was ravaged in an unfortunate fire in 1983. It had long since been abandoned as a victim of postwar America and changes in traveling habits. Rebuilt in 1991 it is now better than ever.
Hotel Overview
Offering 119 guests rooms the hotel is quaint and even at full capacity (as it was during our stay) it never felt crowded. The property was recently renovated, and now offers all of the modern convenience of a large hotel in a small boutique package.
The rooms are well-appointed, even a bit on the larger side for a boutique hotel. We had a room with two queen beds; you can easily fit a family of four or a group of girlfriends comfortably. Each room offers free high-speed wireless as well. The hotel is completely smoke free so no worry about lingering smell from the previous guests. Being a smaller hotel, you can hear guests in the hallway but we weren’t disrupted by anything.
Features
- High speed internet connection
- Business center
- Fitness center
- Cable television
- Room service
- Free local telephone calls
- Roof top swimming pool
The Gettysburg hotel offers public spaces to relax and watch people go by in Lincoln Square. During the winter you can stay warm by the lobby fireplace or play cards in the annex room. We were visiting during the Annual Gettysburg, Tuba Carol Fest and were able to watch the players from inside the lobby. Seeing how it was 12 degrees outside that evening, this was a nice option to have for this event.
One Lincoln is the bar and restaurant located just off the lobby. It is a great spot to grab breakfast before you head out for a day of exploring Gettysburg. I would like to say that I finished all of my meal but the portion was HUGE. Often in boutique hotels I am let down by the dining options, this was not the case at One Lincoln. The bar is small but has plenty of seating for guests, they also offer monthly specials on food and drinks. The hotel does not offer room service but you can get meals to go if you would like.
Haunts?
Rachel is one of the most popular ghosts of the Gettysburg hotel. Rachel is believed to be the ghost of a Civil War nurse. She can be seen not only wandering the hotel but also the streets of Gettysburg looking for soldiers to tend to. She would also detail her frustrations trying to care for wounded soldiers. One of the wounded soldiers who was cared for in the house is said to still haunt the rooms.
Because of its long and violent history, Gettysburg is believed by many to be one of the most haunted places in the United States. Many visitors come to Gettysburg looking for paranormal activity and some leave feeling satisfied they found something and others find it to be a hoax. I once went on a Ghost Tour of Gettysburg and the tour guide told us that often you wont see a ghost with a face but often times you will see “orbs” in your photos. I wasn’t looking for ghosts, nor am I a ghost hunter but I will let you draw your own conclusion.
I took these photos seconds apart they just have a slight angle difference from me trying to find the best light. Not a single photo from the rest of my trip has anything on the frame, meaning my camera lens wasn’t dirty. Haunted or just funny lighting?
The Gettysburg Hotel is quaint and doesn’t offer a lot of the extras you may find at a larger chain, what it lacks in all the fluff of a larger hotel it makes up for in charm. Also, the location is prime and cannot be beat if you are planning to spend your time exploring Gettysburg. Surrounded by shops, wineries, dining and theater The Gettysburg Hotel would be my pick for a girls getaway or romantic weekend.
Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary weekend stay on behalf of The Gettysburg Hotel and Destination Gettysburg. All opinions are my own and no further compensation will be given.