Gettysburg via Guzzi

[adventurelounger]

Hello fellow Guzzisti,

I decided to fill an embarrassingly neglected hole in my historical consciousness last week, and took a ride from Connecticut to Gettysburg, PA to finally explore the most pivotal battle—and challenge—to America's 250-year continuity as a Union.

If you’re bored or curious, like history, enjoy pictures of a Moto Guzzi V85 Guardia d’Onore (and cannons) on a sweet spring morning, or are a Civil War buff (I am obviously not), feel free to check it out: https://longitudeandgratitude.blog/2026/04/19/addressing-gettysburg/

Those of you who frequent “that other site” may have also seen it there under Day Trippin’. Apologies for the redudancy.

A few pics to picque your interest…

[Dirk_S]

If you smelled a rank scent in the air as you neared or left G-burg, you went through the paper mill town of Spring Grove, where I’m from. The other stanky spot is Hanover (between Spring Grove and Gettysburg), but mostly around the Hanover Foods plant (canned goods). Hope you got your fill of Utz potato chips, Snyders of Hanover pretzels, Sheetz MTOs (Sheetz and Wawa are way better than any gas station convenience stores found in New England), and the beautiful rolling country roads where you can often let ‘er rip (just mind the deer). The forest roads around Michaux State Park just west of G-burg are also great unpaved riding, and part of the Mid-Atlantic BDR.

Did you drink a pint at The Garryowen? I miss that pub.

Edit: Forgot to add—what a phenomenal shot of the backlit monument.

[Cam3512]

There's also a really cool visitor's center just south on Route 15.  Check it out next time.

[Thunderbutt]

I would recommend taking one of the guided bus tours of the various battle fields, including Little Round Top, and Pickett's Charge.  And if you are a history buff, you can easily spend several hours in the museum at the visitor's center.
I had always wanted to visit Gettysburg and Appomattox Court House once I learned my ancestors were in the Civil War with Stoneman's 9th New York Cavalry which was one of the main support units for General Buford, who was the first Union unit to arrive and take the high grounds.  Somehow surviving the weekend festivities at Gettysburg, my great, great, grandfather and his brother eventually became part of the mounted unit who escorted Grant to Appomattox where the treaty was signed which ended the war.
   
What a feeling standing in front of the McLean House where the treaty was actually signed knowing my ancestor may have stood in the exact same spot 155 years ago.

.   

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I usually avoid downtown Gettysburg, but find myself wandering around the Battlefield at least once a year. Camped there as a Boy Scout many years ago.  When I do go, I sneak in on backroads, coming from Fairfield via Sachs Covered Bridge. Photos courtesy of Blaine Paulus.






 
As you might guess from my user/business name, I'm partial to Antietam National Battlefield. Far less development surrounding it and still plenty to see.

[Perazzimx14]

When in Gettysburg one owes it to themselves to stop at the Dobbin House for a bowl of French onion soup. None finer!

[adventurelounger]

Thank you all for taking the time to read it (and for the nice shoutout to my iPhone skills @Dirk_S). And @Thunderbutt that’s truly an amazing story, and must have been a memorable experience standing in your forebears’ footsteps. Wow. And @AntietamClassicCycle, will get to Antietam on the next trip’

[Perazzimx14]

Thank you all for taking the time to read it (and for the nice shoutout to my iPhone skills @Dirk_S). And @Thunderbutt that’s truly an amazing story, and must have been a memorable experience standing in your forebears’ footsteps. Wow. And @AntietamClassicCycle, will get to Antietam on the next trip’

Antietam is a National Park so you'll need a Standard, Annual or America the Beautiful Pass to enter 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Antietam is a National Park so you'll need a Standard, Annual or America the Beautiful Pass to enter 

So is Gettysburg National Military Park. Maybe to go into the visitors center at Antietam, but I regularly ride all of the roads and see all of the sites within the park without ever needing any sort of pass.

[Perazzimx14]

So is Gettysburg National Military Park. Maybe to go into the visitors center at Antietam, but I regularly ride all of the roads and see all of the sites within the park without ever needing any sort of pass.

Gettysburg does not require a visitors pass as indicated on the NPS site. 

Link to the National Park Service in reference to Antietam and pass requirements. I have no idea if this just changed or has always been but when I was there a few weeks back to get my America the Beautiful Pass it was required. I have never been inside Antietam and not sure if there are multiple entrances/exits like Gettysburg that would impossible to monitor??

https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/fees.htm

[PeteS]

Gettysburg does not require a visitors pass as indicated on the NPS site. 

Link to the National Park Service in reference to Antietam and pass requirements. I have no idea if this just changed or has always been but when I was there a few weeks back to get my America the Beautiful Pass it was required. I have never been inside Antietam and not sure if there are multiple entrances/exits like Gettysburg that would impossible to monitor??

https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Google earth is your friend. None of the roads leading into the park have ranger booths to collect admission. Appears very much as Gettysburg does.

Pete

[mojohand]

Gettysburg does not require a visitors pass as indicated on the NPS site. 

Link to the National Park Service in reference to Antietam and pass requirements. I have no idea if this just changed or has always been but when I was there a few weeks back to get my America the Beautiful Pass it was required. I have never been inside Antietam and not sure if there are multiple entrances/exits like Gettysburg that would impossible to monitor??

https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/fees.htm

That's very weird. I was at Antietam in October and drove around freely. Hmm.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

That's very weird. I was at Antietam in October and drove around freely. Hmm.

I was just there the other day and did the same.