Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Better Than a Tent…
Photographed by F. Robby, May 11, 2009
1. Better Than a Tent... Marker
On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, the Union Army retreated from positions behind you to Cemetery 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 3, Federal artillery fired over this lot onto the fields to your right, aiding the repluse 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 Tourist Cabins advertising, "running water, luncheonette and confection service..."
In 1956, Paul and Jean Witt replaced the cabins with the Gettysburg Motor Lodge, the first modern motel in Gettysburg.
In 1996 their sons, Gary and Paul Jr., had Cabin #3 returned to the site and restored as a reminder of the early lodging industry.
Erected by Main Street Gettysburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1820.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 49.181′ N, 77° 14.038′ W.
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Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: The Duttera House (a few steps from this marker); Better Than a Tent (a few steps from this marker); A Tale of Two Brothers (within shouting distance of this marker); Culp Brothers Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Gold Star Mothers Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Grand Reunion
Photographed by F. Robby, May 11, 2009
2. Better Than a Tent... Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. "Four score and seven…" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "The Great Peace Jubilee" (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 been replaced with the linked marker.
Photographed by F. Robby, May 11, 2009
3. Cabin #3
Front view of the cabin.
Photographed by F. Robby, May 11, 2009
4. Cabin #3
Rear view of the cabin.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,323 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 16, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.
