Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Better Than a Tent
"running water, luncheonette and confection service…"
On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, the Union Army retreated from positions behind you to Cemtery Hill, the high ground in front of you.
By early evening, Union pickets along this area of the Emmitsburg Road were being harassed by Confederate fire. On July 3rd, Federal artillery fired over this lot onto the fields to your right, aiding the repulse of Pickett's Charge.
In 1938, in time for the 75th Anniversary of the battle, Curnal Butt and his three daughters opened the Green Gables Toruist Cabins, advertising, "running water, luncheonette and confection service...."
In 1956, Paul and Jean Witt replaced the cabins with the Gettysburg Motor Lodge, said to be the first modern motel in Gettysburg.
In 1996, their sons, Gary and Paul Jr., returned Cabin #3 to the site and restored as a reminder of early lodging.
Erected 2024 by Main Street Gettysburg. (Marker Number 49.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Food & Drink • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.
Location. 39° 49.189′ N, 77° 14.049′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg,
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: The Duttera House (a few steps from this marker); A Tale of Two Brothers (a few steps from this marker); Gold Star Mothers Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Culp Brothers Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Grand Reunion (a few steps from this marker); Second Brigade (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); July 1, 1863 (about 400 feet
Other markers no longer nearby. Better Than a Tent… (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "The Great Peace Jubilee" (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "Four score and seven…" (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.
Photographed by F. Robby, May 11, 2009
3. Cabin #3
Rear view of the cabin.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 16, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.
