Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Globe Inn
Harboring Confederates
This was the site of the Globe Inn, one of Gettysburg's oldest hotel-taverns. Built in 1790, it was owned and operated by town founder James Gettys, and later became the unofficial headquarters for the local Democratic Party.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, the hotel was patronized by Confederate officers. To the surprise of the owner, Charles Will, they paid for their food and lodging in federal currency obtained during their raid through Pennsylvania prior to the battle.
Later in 1863, some angry Republican townspeople accused Will and his son John of Harboring Confederates. The army provost marshal found the claims groundless, dismissing the charge against the Wills with the comment: "I am convinced there is political feeling between you people."
The original structure, drastically remodeled over time, succumbed to fire in 1968.
Erected 2024 by Main Street Gettysburg. (Marker Number 14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Food & Drink • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Main Street Gettysburg series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 39° 49.863′ N,
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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: Gettys Crossroads and Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettys' Tavern Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wills House (within shouting distance of this marker); Center Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln Square Building
Other markers no longer nearby. "harboring Confederates" (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "by the skin of our teeth" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
