Near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg
Restoring Seminary Ridge
Photographed By Karl Stelly, November 14, 2016
1. Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg Marker
"This is without a doubt the most important preservation effort we've yet undertaken."
—Jim Lighthizer, President, Civil War Trust
In the decades after the battle, the Thompson House became a popular attraction among visitors interested in Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. In 1913, the Chambersburg Pike became part of the famed Lincoln Highway, which significantly increased automobile traffic and tourism to Gettysburg. A museum and gift shop were opened in the stone house with an adjacent campground on the property, followed by a boarding house and tourist cabins. By 1967, a large motel complex and restaurant surrounded the Thompson House.
In 2014, the Civil War Trust announced plans to purchase the entire complex and restore the site to its Civil War appearance. Restoration work began early in 2016 with archeological surveys followed by the removal of the restaurant, swimming pool, non-essential parking lots, and the motel complex. The Trust meticulously restored the 1863 landscape and Thompson house exterior. A non-historic structure atop the original Dustman barn foundation was removed. In the fall of 2016, the historic fences and the trail on which you stand were completed, all thanks to the generosity of the members and supporters of the Civil War Trust.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails series list.
Location. 39° 50.103′ N, 77° 14.694′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is on Chambersburg Pike (U.S. 30) west of Seminary Ridge, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (a few steps from this marker); Lee's Headquarters At Gettysburg (a few steps from this marker); Headquarters of the Army of Northern Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters At Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker); 95th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Photographed By Karl Stelly, February 20, 2017
2. Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg
This view shows three of the wayside exhibit markers for Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg. From left to right: "Restoring Seminary Ridge," "Fighting and Photographs," and "The Headquarters Complex."
