David Wills House

Site

The David Wills House

It’s best known as the house where President Abraham Lincoln stayed prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address. However, the home of attorney David Wills also served as a center for compassion and inspiration in the days and months following the Battle of Gettysburg.

Inside, Wills managed the immense task of providing proper burials for the fallen soldiers and began planning for the national cemetery.  On the eve of the cemetery dedication, President Lincoln spent the night in the Wills' home while adding the finishing touches to his inspirational address.

With the bedroom where Lincoln slept restored to its 1863 appearance, today’s David Wills House features a seven-gallery interactive museum relating the story of Wills, Lincoln’s visit and the Gettysburg Address.

Significance

Why visit the David Wills House?

From the devastation and despair of war to the hope and inspiration of Lincoln’s address, the events and actions following the Battle of Gettysburg often centered around the David Wills House.

• More to the story: Discover unique artifacts and experience life in Gettysburg immediately after the battle.
• From the office of the attorney: Step back into Wills’ recreated office where plans for the Soldiers’ National Cemetery originated.
• Lincoln stayed here: Stand in the bedroom where Lincoln finalized his immortal Gettysburg Address. See the actual bed he slept in.
• Power of the message: Gain a better understanding and appreciation for Lincoln’s brief, yet powerful, address at Gettysburg.

 

Story

A final resting place planned.

A presidential guest.

An immortal address.