Lee's Headquarters Open House

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.

During this open house, take the opportunity to step back in time inside the Mary Thompson house. The 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.

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