Understand
Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the US Civil War and the largest land battle ever fought in North America.
Climate
Gettysburg has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Fall are mild and pleasant. Heavy winter storms occasionally strike the area, but these are fairly rare. Heaviest snowfall occurs during February and early March. Severe thunderstorms may occasionally hit the region, mostly in July and August.
Landscape
Flat meadows surrounded by rocky hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance. In the countryside north of Gettysburg is the "Fruit Belt" of Pennsylvania with thousands of acres of apple and peach orchards and vineyards.
History
The battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1-3, 1863. The fighting started accidentally when Union and Confederate troops converged just north of the town of Gettysburg. Three bloody days of fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Confederate forces fell back after Lee's final frontal assault broke on the third day. After touring the three days of Gettysburg, follow the Confederate Retreat through Fairfield, just 8 miles west of Gettyburg on PA Route 116, through beautiful rolling countryside and farms. As you drive the 8 miles try to imagine a soldier who has just participated in what will become the largest battle ever fought in North America, tired, hungry, possibly wounded, retreating from the Union in a driving rain storm through mud into the town of Fairfield â most likely the longest 8 miles ever marched! The town, itself, was raided by the Confederates in 1862 and during the retreat on July 4, 1863. The town is largly unchanged. You won't find a traffic light or fast food restaurant. It is worth the drive. You can pick up an area tour guide and map at the Fairfield Inn located in the center of town.