Troop Movement

Driving in Gettysburg

 

 Aren't you glad you're not trying to get around on this road? In 1863, the major roads of Gettysburg were already in existence. Roads were dry and dusty or wet muddy troughs, with ridges and tracks, but they allowed movement from one area to another with some efficiency.  This picture, from the work of famous photographer Matthew Brady shows a view of Gettysburg with  both bystanders and soldiers. Soldiers marched at varying rates, but could cover from 8 to 20 miles in a day. Troop movement at Gettysburg was facilitated by the existing roads, which led to cities in both Maryland and Pennsylvania..  Today, traffic in Gettysburg flows smoothly for the most part. At times though, locals and visitors feel that the movement on some roads has slowed to 1863 rates. Add an increased number of cars to the many pedestrian crossings plus drivers looking for available niches for on-street parallel parking, and the result is at times frustration. Today's post will look at parking, pedestrians and preferred passages -- otherwise known as shortcuts.

PARKING

On-street metered parking  is available in Gettysburg along the major roads, at the Racehorse Alley Parking Garage, and at several public parking lots. I have always thought that hotels should remind patrons to bring along a roll of quarters when they travel. The rates for each meter are posted on the meter, and rates do vary, as do time limits. Many meters have a two hour time limit, so be sure to read your meter before you load it up with quarters. Pull in parking is available at the "Square" -- the intersection of York Street, Chambersburg Road, Carlisle Pike, and Baltimore Street. This is a traffic circle, and traffic in the circle always has the right of way. There is plenty of room to back out of these spaces,but you'll need to wait your turn to join the flow of traffic. Other spaces on roads are parallel parking. Please remember that BLUE parking meters are for handicapped citizens who have either a handicapped pass hanging from a mirror or a handicapped license plate.  This is really important, and worth remembering. Moreover, you will receive a ticket and a fifty dollar fine if you park in front of one and are not handicapped. Also, some hotels will have covers over the meters in front of them because they are reserved for hotel guests who are checking in.   http://gettysburg-pa.gov/parking.htm

PEDESTRIANS 

Look out! Someone is jaywalking. That someone may be you someday, so be aware that people strolling around shopping may just decide to cross at random places, emerging from behind those cars parked along the streets. Even more importantly, at the square, there are no traffic lights, and traffic MUST stop for   pedestrians in a crosswalk. It only takes a minute, and the system works relatively well if everyone follows the rule. As you enter the square, note the "Yield to pedestrians in crosswalk" sign. That means you.Also, when you see a crosswalk and the yellow pedestrian sign on Baltimore Street just past Farnsworth House, you must stop. On Steinwehr Avenue, there is also a mandatory stop crosswalk at Dobbin House.

PREFERRED PASSAGES  -- SHORTCUTS AND EASY WAYS

. Most roads on this map are still important in getting around in Adams County. Missing from this map is the current Route 15, which intersects with York Road (Route 30), Hanover Road (Route 116), the Baltimore Pike, Taneytown Road (Route 134), and Steinwehr Avenue (the Emmitsburg Road in 1863). York Road, Route 30 east can be maddeningly slow, especially on Friday afternoons for some reason. There are several traffic lights, but the slowdown seems inexplicable. If you are already on York Road, headed east when traffic slows to a crawl...or worse, take a slight heft turn onto Hunterstown Road. On the map above, this road is unmarked, but travels diagonally off York Rd. across the railroad tracks. You'll drive about a mile, then turn right at the 4 way stop onto Shealer Road.

This road will take you to Wal-Mart and to a traffic light at York Road. Locals use this road often, but it is still not very traveled. If you are in town, say at the square and want to go to Gateway Gettysburg or to Ruby Tuesday, Hoss's or other stores east of town, then follow Business 15 North, Carlisle Street to East Lincoln Avenue to Old Harrisburg Road and turn right onto Shealer Road. This might not be actually shorter, but I am a fan of keeping moving rather than simply stopping.