DIDYOUKNOW

from DayTripper 2023 - Summer Edition

FiberFest

Jennie Wade is the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. She was shot while baking bread for Union soldiers in her sister’s home.

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, stands as one of the most significant and bloodiest engagements in the Civil War. The battle was a clash between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Gen. Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army of the Potomac, led by Gen. George G. Meade.

The battle began when Confederate forces initiated an assault on the Union’s defensive positions, resulting in intense fighting across the rolling hills and fields surrounding Gettysburg. Over the next three days, the two armies engaged in a series of desperate attacks and counterattacks, with casualties numbering in the tens of thousands.

On the final day, July 3, Lee ordered a massive assault known as Pickett’s Charge, aiming to break through the Union center. The Confederate forces bravely advanced but faced heavy artillery and infantry fire, leading to their eventual defeat. Lee’s gamble had failed, and the Union held its ground.

The Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point in the Civil War. The Confederate defeat effectively ended Lee’s ambitious invasion of the North and boosted Union morale. It also highlighted the determination and resilience of the Union Army in the face of a formidable opponent. In addition, the battle’s high casualty count, with more than 50,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing, underscored the devastating human cost of the war.

n 4. Jack’s Mountain Covered Bridge and Sachs Covered Bridge: Only 1,600 covered bridges remain in the world, and the Gettysburg area is home to two. These two iconic bridges are steeped in history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Jack’s Mountain Covered Bridge was built in 1984 by Joseph Smith, and is the only covered bridge in Adams County that you can still drive through. Sachs Covered Bridge also is on the National Register of Historic Places, and can be walked across. But be warned, many say it’s haunted.

[Jack’s Mountain Bridge: Jack’s Mountain Road, Fairfield. Sachs Bridge: Water Works Road, Gettysburg.] n 5. Paranormal Tours: There are multiple companies that will take you on spooky tours of ghostly venues in and around Gettysburg. Through the Ghostly Images of Gettysburg, you can actually go inside one of two haunted houses: The Jennie Wade House or the Homestead Orphanage. Go if you dare!

[777 Baltimore St., Gettysburg] n 6. The George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital: Have a living history experience at this residential home and farm that had to be suddenly turned into a field hospital in 1863. Today, it has been meticulously restored, featuring original buildings from the battle where living historians tell authentic accounts of experiences on the farm during the battle. You also can see Civil War era demonstrations. [Accessible via a shuttle from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center] n 7. Waldo’s & Company: “Hidden” underneath the Lark gift shop in downtown Gettysburg, Waldo’s is a nonprofit that promotes the cultural arts. It is a place for artists to create and display their work. It also often has live music and art classes. Bonus: Visitors get a free cup of coffee.

[17 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg] n 8. Healthy Adams Bicycle/ Pedestrian Loops: The Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian Inc. is a nonprofit that is dedicated to making “fun, safe cycling and walking trails for exercise and recreation,” according to its website. You can find many great recommendations for routes to take like the Peace Light/Peach Orchard, which winds you past the State of Pennsylvania Monument and the quaint neighborhood of Colt Park. Visit habpi.com for route maps. n 9. National Riding Stables: This nonprofit horse rescue offers you the unparalleled experience of riding these gentle giants through pastoral battlefields while learning a little bit more about the area. It is a great way to explore while having an adventure on horseback. n 10. Go Country: You don’t have to go far outside the city limits to find a whole new side of Adams County. Drive for only about 15 minutes and you will find beautiful farmland with pick-your-own fruit and flowers experiences, farm tours, entertainment, and seasonal farm stands. The Adams County Crop Hop is a great way to explore the area. Or, discover the land on your own. Go by the Gettysburg Goat Yoga & Suds From the Bucket [365 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg] where you will find friendly goats and skin care products made out of goat milk. Stop by the cafe at Oyler’s Organic Farms & Market [400 Pleasant Valley Road, Biglerville] for a laidback farm-to-table breakfast on Saturdays. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the orchards of Silvershire Farm [210 Clearview Road, Aspers] or enjoy a class of wine or hard cider, pizza and live music at Boyer Cellars [405 Boyer Nursery Road, Biglerville].

— By KATE MARSANICO

• FULTON THEATRE

Show: “GREASE”

Lancaster, PA • Wed. July, 19 • $118.

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE

Show: “NEWSIES”, Lancaster, PA • Thurs. July 20 * $119.

• A DAY IN ST. MICHAELS #2 St. Michaels, MD Sat. July 22 • $121

• BIRD IN HAND, PA. Banquet in a Corn Field • Thur. Aug. 3 • $95.

• TOTEM POLE PLAYHOUSE

Show: “MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET” Fayetteville, PA • Sat., Aug. 5 • $113.

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE

Show: “GUYS & DOLLS”