Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Eagle Hotel
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 26, 2025
1. The Eagle Hotel wayside
From 1834 to 1960 this site was occupied by the Eagle Hotel building. It was Gettysburg's premier hostelry for most of the 19th century. The advent of automobile and cheaper motels were the source of its downfall midway in the 20th century.
It was always the soldiers favorite. When his cavalry division arrived in Gettysburg on June 30, 1863, General John Buford placed his headquarters at the Eagle Hotel until the battle opened the following morning. For years following the war it was the hotel of choice for Union veterans returning for reunions.
During the retreat of Union forces through the town to Cemetery Hill the intersection here in front of the Eagle was the scene of considerable confusion and brief fighting between pursued and pursuers. While they occupied the town the Confederates ransacked the hotel's liquor and food supply but did no harm to the building.
Erected by Main Street Gettysburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1863.
Location. 39° 49.86′ N, 77° 13.994′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is at the intersection of Chambersburg Street and N Washington Street, on the right when traveling west on Chambersburg
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ice House Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Parish House (within shouting distance of this marker); Thaddeus Stevens (within shouting distance of this marker); T.T. Tate House (within shouting distance of this marker); " expecting to find all dead." (within shouting distance of this marker); Reverend Horatio S. Howell (within shouting distance of this marker); C.W. Hoffman House (within shouting distance of this marker); " the pathos of those poor wounded men " (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. the Eagle Hotel (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named T.T. Tate House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding The Eagle Hotel. This replaces the wayside that had gone missing with the new version of the Main Street Gettysburg waysides that have been appearing throughout the town.
Related marker.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 26, 2025
2. The Eagle Hotel wayside site
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
