Gallery

Lee’s Headquarters: Completed Restoration Unveiled

The American Battlefield Trust is proud to announce the completion of the restoration effort at site of General Lee's Headquarters in Gettysburg, after more than a year of work spend returning it to its 1863 appearance.

Check out these photos of rehabilitated the home, the landscape as returned to its Civil War appearance, and the newly installed interpretive walking trail on the property.

(17 photos in gallery)

Lee's Headquarters Unveiled

Lynn Light Heller

A recent photo of the stone home, known as the Mary Thompson House, at Gen. Robert E. Lee's Gettysburg headquarters.

Thompson House: Then

Library of Congress

Here is the structure, as it appeared during the Civil War.

Thompson House: Now

Here is the structure, as seen in October 2016. Relying on period photos, the home has been fully rehabilitated, with non-historic structures removed and distinctive features replaced.

Roof and Fences Details

American Battlefield Trust, Matt George

A historically appropriate cedar shingle roof was added to the home. A combination of 5 rail post fencing and white picket fencing has been installed, as it was at the time of the battle.

Dog House

Matt George / Civil War Trust

Details included adding the historically accurate dog house.

Interior View: Fireplace

American Battlefield Trust, Matt George

During its life as a museum, the details of the interior of the Mary Thompson House — such as this fireplace — were hidden from view by museum cases which housed artifacts.

Interior View: Meeting Place

American Battlefield Trust, Matt George

The first floor will be used for special events or public meetings.

The 4-Acre Property

American Battlefield Trust, Matt George

To restore the site to its Civil War appearance, required the removal of the restaurant, swimming pool, non-essential parking lots, and the motel complex.

Historic Contours Restored

American Battlefield Trust, Matt George

Relying on post-war surveys by Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren (a civil engineer who served at Gettysburg) and period photographs of the home and grounds, historic contours were added back to the site.

Dustman Barn Foundation

Civil War Trust, Matt George

During the war, the property of James Dustman — Mary Thompson's immediate neighbor — served as a field hospital. The modern structure atop the Dustman Barn has been removed, keeping the stone foundation in place.