House of David Wills: Presidential Guest

History: After a long train ride from Washington D.C. to the Gettysburg Railroad Station, President Abraham Lincoln headed to the home of David Wills, a local attorney, to spend the night. Mr. Wills is given credit as being the father of the Soldier’s National Cemetery, for proposing that Pennsylvania provide “…a common burial ground for the [Union] dead.” This idea was universally supported by families whose sons died at Gettysburg.

President Abraham Lincoln was invited to stay overnight on November 18, 1863, the eve of the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery. The dedication ceremony on November 19, 1863 is where Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. Popular belief is that Lincoln polished and rehearsed his brief speech, which forever established the concept that our government is “…of the people, by the people, for the people…"

More to Explore: While in Gettysburg, start your tour at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, where the park offers a bookstore and an extensive museum about Gettysburg and the Civil War. Inside, the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama dramatically depicts "Pickett’s Charge", and the film “A New Birth of Freedom”, narrated by award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, focuses on the significance of Gettysburg. While at the museum, partake in the refreshment saloon that offers snacks, sandwiches and drinks in a Civil War atmosphere.

Then head out to see the battlefield on a ranger-led program, with the Licensed Battlefield Guide service, or on your own with the self-guided audio tour. Also offered are battlefield tours on horseback by private vendors. The town of Gettysburg is replete with gift shops, museums and ghost tours of a Civil War theme.

Photo Credits:

“Iconic image of Abraham Lincoln splitting wood: The Rail Splitter.”
"Contemporary photograph of the Battle of Gettysburg Memorial."Print courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.