Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Depot

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

1. The Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Depot Marker

Inscription. This building, completed in April 1884, served the new Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Company, which sought to take advantage of the growing interest in the Gettysburg Battlefield. From here visitors could continue with a 2 1/2 mile tour across the battlefield or on the "Round Top Branch" on the railroad, or employ the services of a battlefield guide, such as "Major" W.D. Holtzworth, a prominent local Union veteran who operated out of the nearby Eagle Hotel on Chambersburg Street.

In its heyday, this railroad was a principal means of transportation to Gettysburg. The Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Company merged with the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad in 1891. It continued to transport thousands of veterans and their families to Gettysburg, especially for the 50th and 75th Reunions of the "Blue and Gray" held in 1913 and 1938.

As a result of new highways and the automobile, the Reading Railroad cased passenger service to Gettysburg in 1941.

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1884.

Location. 39° 49.932′ N, 77° 14.005′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County

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. Marker is at the intersection of North Washington Street and West Railroad Street, on the right when traveling south on North Washington Street. Located in front of the train depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 North Washington Street, 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. "… you know nothing about the lesson anyhow." (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ice House Complex (about 300 feet away); Dwight D. Eisenhower (about 400 feet away); C.W. Hoffman House (about 500 feet away); T.T. Tate House (about 500 feet away); Thaddeus Stevens (about 500 feet away); "…expecting to find all dead." (about 500 feet away); The James Gettys Hotel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a photo showing The Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Depot, North Washington Street c. 1888. Photo courtesy of the Adams County Historical Society.

Also see . . . The Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad. A tour by Licensed Battlefield Guide Don Walters. (Submitted on June 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

2. The Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Depot Marker

The Depot Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

3. The Depot Today

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,030 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.