Lee's Headquarters Open House & Artillery Demonstrations

Join the Washington Artillery for Confederate artillery demonstrations!
American Battlefield Trust Event
June 28 - 29, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EDT

Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg
401 Buford Avenue
Gettysburg, PA 17325

The Washington Artillery – portrayed by Buck and Ball Living History Association LLC –  will conduct artillery demonstrations on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m, and on Sunday at at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Generations Event at Lee's HQ on June 30, 2023, kicking off the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Generations Event at Lee's HQ on June 30, 2023, kicking off the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Noel Kline
Artillery demonstration at Lee's Headquarters

During the Battle of Gettysburg, this small stone house — home of 69-year-old widow Mary Thompson — served as the headquarters of Gen. Robert E. Lee. The property surrounding the house played a pivotal role in the severe fighting on July 1, 1863, and was a key position in the Confederate line for the rest of the engagement. 

Today, the landscape and building have been preserved and restored to its wartime appearance by the American Battlefield Trust.

Take the opportunity to step back in time inside the historic home, during this open house, hosted by the Seminary Ridge Museum & Education Center, in conjunction with the American Battlefield Trust. Interpreters will be onsite and available to answer questions and tell the stories of this crucial site. A self-guided interpretive trail, with five signs explaining the dramatic events at the headquarters from July 1-3, 1863, is open daily from dawn to dusk. Additional augmented reality interpretations of the site are also available in the FREE Gettysburg AR Experience app.

See all upcoming open houses