Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Gettys Homestead
Founder of Gettysburg
Located at this site, the log and weatherboard dwelling in this photo was built by Samuel Gettys, an early Scots-Irish immigrant. His son, James Gettys, founded the town of Gettysburg in 1786.
The building would survive almost another century before succumbing to fire in 1880. At the time of the battle, it was the home of Adam Doersom, a local blacksmith.
James Gettys' activities extended beyond being the town father. Before his death in 1815, he served as a tavern owner, sheriff, town clerk, road builder, state legislator, and a brigadier general of local militia. He married Mary Todd, a distant relative of First Layd Mary Todd Lincoln.
[Caption:]
The Gettys home, destroyed by fire in 1880.
Courtesy of Sue Boardman
Erected 2024 by Main Street Gettysburg. (Marker Number 10.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Main Street Gettysburg series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1786.
Location. 39° 49.902′ N, 77° 13.812′ W. Marker
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: Racehorse Alley Parking Plaza (here, next to this marker); Gettys' Tavern Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Maryland Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Globe Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Majestic Theater
Another marker is no longer nearby. "harboring Confederates" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
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 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
