A NOTE AS YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT: Experience a special "lights up" program of the Gettysburg Cyclorama as part of the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience from Jan. 20-22. The traditional Cyclorama light & sound show included with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience resumes Jan. 23. Learn more.

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Site

Bust of Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg Address Memorial in the Gettysburg Soldiers National Cemetery

Established just months following the battle, the Gettysburg National Cemetery marks the “final resting place for those who here gave their lives..."

At the cemetery's dedication, President Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19, 1863. The Lincoln Address Memorial in the cemetery commemorates the iconic speech.

At the cemetery center, the towering Soldiers' National Monument features the figure of Liberty on the pedestal surrounded on the base by War, Clio, (the Muse of History), Plenty and Peace.

In addition to the more than 3,500 Union soldiers buried here, the cemetery contains the remains of American soldiers and dependents from the Civil War to Vietnam.

 

Significance

Why visit the Gettysburg National Cemetery?

A visit to the Gettysburg National Cemetery reminds us of the sacrifice and dedication our soldiers have given to preserve our democracy and expand freedom.

  • Solemn Reflection: Walk the hallowed grounds and take a moment to reflect on those who have given–and are willing to give–“the last full measure of devotion.”
  • Strategic Site: View the Union army’s vantage point. The cannons and monuments in the cemetery mark specific locations of Union artillery and demonstrate the tactical significance of Cemetery Hill during the battle.
  • Soldiers' National Monument: Stand at the cemetery’s centerpiece. The 60-foot statue features the figure of Liberty on the pedestal surrounded on the base by figures of War, Clio, (the Muse of History), Plenty and Peace.
  • Gettysburg Address: Read the words again. The Lincoln Address Memorial inside the cemetery commemorates the speech. Ponder its relevance to our nation today.


Current Conditions in the National Parks at Gettysburg: Visit the Gettysburg Foundation's National Park Service partner online for current conditions at Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.

At A Glance

Allow 45 minutes
Silence and Respect.
Free admission
Wheelchair accessible
Outdoor site – May be impacted by weather. Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent.
97 Taneytown Rd. Gettysburg, PA 17325 (MAP)
Parking lot available across from the cemetery entrance on Taneytown Rd. (MAP)

Hours:

Daily, Sunrise to Sunset

The Gettysburg National Cemetery is part of Gettysburg National Military Park.

Visit the National Park Service site

Special Events

Join us in Gettysburg National Cemetery and add our special events to your Gettysburg itinerary. Special events are offered on select dates throughout the year.

Historic Sites

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital

Walk the grounds, hear the stories and feel the emotions of life–and death–at this historic farm suddenly transformed into a field hospital. Living historians and docents provide insight and authentic accounts of experiences on the farm during the battle.

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Step onto President Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower's weekend retreat and property in retirement. Enjoy home tours and ranger programs seasonally. A self-guided tour of the grounds includes the charming home's exterior, gardens, teahouse, skeet range, putting green and Angus cattle and show barns.

Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station

A history and visitor information stop now open! Visit the historic station that witnessed President Lincoln’s arrival, wartime recovery, generations of travelers and unforgettable journeys. Now open and welcoming those who come not just to see Gettysburg, but to understand it, what happened here and why it matters still today.

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Walk the hallowed grounds and take a moment to reflect on those who have given–and are willing to give–“the last full measure of devotion.” President Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in dedicating the cemetery as the final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers.

David Wills House

CURRENTLY CLOSED
Best known as the home where President Lincoln stayed prior to delivering his Gettysburg Address, visit the David Wills House and explore the seven-gallery interactive National Park Service museum relating the story of the Wills family, Lincoln’s visit and the Gettysburg Address.

Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit.