The Best Times to See the Sites

Looking for the Road Less Traveled

Summer in Gettysburg means crowds. Locals know that and we're resigned to taking a little more time in the square. We actually like all the crowds and families, and local businesses thrive. In town and along the roads of the battlefield finding a parking spot can be a challenge. On the avenues of the battlefield it is possible to slow down and look at the monuments, but not to really read the inscriptions. So, one must pull over at one of the pull in sites or find a parking spot. Anyone who has tried to park at Little Round Top in the afternoon from May to September knows that can be a challenge at some times and in some places. Today's post is all about the evening, and the alluring stillness that you can find from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The photograph above depicts a moving monument to the Indiana troops who stormed across the meadow toward Spangler's Spring and Rock Creek. This attack is described in the Park Service's sign "Slaughter at Spangler's Spring" which is near the parking lot at Colegrove Road. This picture was taken about 7:15 pm on July 12. I was parked at the parking lot at the spring, and there was only one other car.

I had time to really read the inscription, and was moved looking at the word "EQUALITY" above the description of the action. I hoped they knew, these men from Indiana who had traveled so far to defend the Union how far we have come on the path to equality. Their sacrifices were not in vain. From the monument, I meandered along the road to the loop formed by Colegrove and Carman Avenues. Thrushes called from the forest, and two cardinals flew across the road and back again. I was utterly alone, except for a single truck that drove by.  This loop could also be a way to get from the Culp's Hill & Spangler's Spring area to the Baltimore Pike. There were monuments to New Jersey as well as Indiana and Massachusetts. I had time to consider the clearing of the trees between the spring and the Baltimore Pike. I had been uneasy with the clearing of so many trees and the destruction of habitat, but now I could see that "I am the earth; let me work" is true. The damp meadow actually is habitat for many creatures and plants that have moved in to heal the scars left behind in the clearing. Southern agrimony, a native plant, blooms along the edge of the road. In the small rill that runs under the road are some very fast crayfish, if you have the time to look. And, with no crowd around, you don't have to feel silly looking at the crayfish and frogs, even if you haven't brought along children or grandchildren. At 7:30, ghost walks have not yet begun in town (during summer), and you have probably finished supper, so this is the perfect time to find your places on the battlefield. If you are in the Culp's Hill area and drive along Geary Avenue, look west. You will be rewarded with sunset lighting the sky pink. Sunset over Cemetery Hill is a magnificent picture opportunity. Just as rewarding, if you would like to see the forest in the area without their monuments, is a short ride along Williams Avenue. As you reach the statue of John White Geary, go straight onto Williams Avenue, which looks as though it merely parallels Geary and goes around the back of the monument. Actually, it is a narrow seldom driven road on which you can see the fence that separates the National Military Park from private land. At first, I thought that I was on a forbidden path because it seems so different from Geary Avenue.At a stop sign, turn left to proceed to Stevens Knoll. Here you will find more picture opportunities at sunset.

Round Top

But what about the more popular spots? Evening is actually the optimal time to visit or revisit Little Round Top as well. Parking is much easier, and while you probably will encounter others, there are no crowds. Here is the monument to Major Gouverneur Warren, Chief of Engineers of the Army of the Potomac. Visiting after 7 pm and before darkness afforded us the opportunity to pause and ponder this view, looking out over what has come to be known as the Valley of Death, and beyond. Warren is said to have stood on this very boulder surveying the field of battle. If you have children along, the more comfortable evening time can be a perfect opportunity to ask and answer questions. Also, the very popular monument to the 44th New York Infantry, which children often call "the castle" is less crowded so you can linger. Climbing the spiral staircase is well worth the effort because the observation deck is roomy enough for several at once, and an ideal vantage point to look out over the battle venues to the west. Sunset views from the castle, looking west could provide excellent pictures, and even better memories.

If you go: 
Remember that in summer, the park closes at 10 pm, so plan accordingly. By 8:30, dusk makes everything gray down in the valleys, but higher ground will still be light. Leave your windows open to hear the haunting calls of thrushes and other birds. There is a very noisy pileated woodpecker in the area of Spangler's Spring.
You can access the Spangler's Spring and Culp's Hill sites from East Middle Street, at the intersection with Liberty. The parking area for Little Round Top is on Sykes Avenue.


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