There are places in the world more defined by their past
than most others. Some towns mark the site of great human joy or
triumph, while other places are shrouded in historical mystery or some
unexplained phenomenon. And then there are those places that have been
defined by tremendous trauma. Places where the ghosts of the past never
seem to fade into memory, but are constantly finding their way back
into the people's consciousness. One of these places is Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania.
In the summer of 1863, this small town would forever be defined by the
over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors from all over the United
States who met here that July, many of whom would never leave. The ones
that didn't are forever part of the fabric of this inviting hamlet. We
can see them in the monuments to their valor throughout the
battlefield. We can see them in the people who dress and act like them
in tribute to what happened here. And some people even claim to see
them in their ghosts, reported in nearly every corner of Gettysburg.
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FARNSWORTH
HOUSE INN
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Photograph by Kathleen Connally: www.durhamtownship.com
The
Battle of Gettysburg re-enactors
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Millions of people travel to this spot
every year to experience the spirit of this community that became the
steward to a defining moment in the American journey. Most people and
places in Gettysburg embrace this idea, while others may not. But it is
the places in Gettysburg that have no choice in the matter that are
truly compelling. Most of them can be found along the battlefield, but
there are others that may or may not be found within the guidebooks.
One such place is the FARNSWORTH
HOUSE INN.
Farnsworth courtyard
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Farnsworth
bar
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Robert E. Lee
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When
Hollywood embarked upon telling the
story of the battle of Gettysburg, the actors and crew largely chose
the bar at the
FARNSWORTH HOUSE to unwind, talk
and feel the spirit of their surroundings. They chose wisely and left
their mark on the place with personal memorabilia and salutations, a
tribute to their obvious appreciation for this terrific tavern. Their
enthusiasm was apparent and the feeling of authenticity here was likely
the draw for those working so hard to bring the essence of Gettysburg
to the world. According to folks who were at the bar then, Stephen
Lang, the actor who played General George E. Pickett once stood on the
bar and exclaimed that he had finally taken the high ground. Who could
argue with him?
Have a seat at
the bar and you stand a good chance of being joined by what may look
like a ghost but is in actuality a re-enactor. These folks can tell you
about the smallest details of the battle you would never read about in
textbooks, because they have tried to live it themselves. Wait a bit
longer and you may be joined by a battlefield guide or tour operator
who may fascinate you with places to see you easily could have
overlooked. If neither of those encounters occurs, ask someone working
there about the
FARNSWORTH
HOUSE
itself. Everyone I met there
was always willing to tell me about their place and the town they call
home. You will leave with a heightened appreciation for the spirit of
those ghosts who defined this Inn and this town so long ago.
Characteristic beer taps
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Film costumes
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