Immortalized by President Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address delivered on November 19, 1863, Gettysburg was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Nearly fifty thousand soldiers perished in the pitched battle between Union and Confederate forces. Finally, the Union forces were able to claim victory. Thirty miles from Harrisburg, the town still lives on in the past and is full of memorials to the battle.

There are battle signs everywhere in Gettysburg -- besides the battleground, there are many museums in the town highlighting different aspects of the War. These include the National Civil War Wax Museum with life-size models and the Jenny Wade House, a memorial to the only civilian casualty, a victim to stray bullets. Also, visit the Hall of Presidents and their First Ladies and the Eisenhower National Historic Site.

The battleground that surrounds the town is called the Gettysburg National Military Park and is a poignant site to visit. The Visitor Center here has a wonderful collection of weapons and clothing associated with the battle. An electronic map shows details of how the fighting proceeded. Opposite the Center is the Gettysburg National Cemetry with scores of numbered graves circling the Soldiers' National Monument. The Cyclorama Center has a massive painting depicting episodes from the War as well as a copy of the Gettysburg Address.

Spring and summer are the peak season here and April to October is thus the time when you find the the town full of visitors. You can get to Gettysburg on US 30 by car from Lancaster. Tour buses make regular trips to the town.

Heritage hotels, cheap motels, campgrounds -- Gettysburg has accommodation to suit all budgets. Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes as it is convenient to walk around town but to explore the battleground, you need a car or a bike. Cycles can be hired in town. There are bus tours to the battlefield everyday. There are several good restaurants here, including some housed in old historic buildings.