Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
(202) 367-1861 (option 3)
In a major milestone for our ongoing efforts to enliven America’s most iconic battlefield, the Gettysburg Borough Council has approved the American Battlefield Trust’s plans to remove the former Pickett's Buffet restaurant building. The demolition and subsequent rehabilitation and interpretation vision had previously been considered by Gettysburg’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB), which endorsed removal of the long-vacant structure to clear the way for significant new interpretation of this hugely significant property associated with Pickett’s Charge – one of the legendary assaults in American history.
Because the 1967 restaurant building is inside the Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District, HARB had to issue a “certificate of appropriateness” for the Trust’s plans. The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office had previously deemed the structure to be ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places, due to lack of significance and integrity. Once it is removed, further work will bring the landscape to resemble its 1863 appearance, enabling the addition of educational walking trails. State-of-the-art interpretive resources, including place-based augmented reality experiences, will allow visitors to better understand the fateful final day of the Battle of Gettysburg — and beyond.
The changes are part of a multi-million-dollar restoration investment by the Trust on properties across the Gettysburg Battlefield, enhancing the experience for more than 700,000 visitors to the site each year.
The Trust acquired the former Pickett’s Buffet site in 2022 through a voluntary sale, as it does with all land transactions. After deciding to relocate restaurant operations to a larger facility at the new Barn Resort elsewhere in Gettysburg, the owner was eager to approach the Trust and see this historically significant property protected forever.
A Return to History
Even if the former restaurant was a recognizable structure to both residents and visitors, that notoriety pales before the historic significance of the land itself.
During fighting on July 2, 1863, companies of the 4th Ohio Infantry advanced across the land to engage Confederate skirmishers positioned along Long Lane. But its greatest historical significance came the following day during Pickett's Charge.
As thousands of Confederate soldiers advanced toward Cemetery Ridge, the site became part of a three-sided defensive position formed by Union troops, who poured enfilading fire into the exposed Confederate left flank.
But the property's military significance did not end in 1863.
In 1918, the land became headquarters for Camp Colt, the Army's first tank training school. The camp was led by then-Capt. Dwight D. Eisenhower in his first independent command, where he honed leadership skills that would eventually carry him to victory as Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and later to the White House. Eisenhower's fondness for Gettysburg began during his time at Camp Colt and ultimately led him to purchase the only home he ever owned, just down the road on the battlefield and now part of the National Park.
A Commitment to Gettysburg
The Trust has worked to preserve more than 1,300 acres of the Gettysburg Battlefield. But the organization also supports the local community beyond the battlefield.
Although a nonprofit organization is eligible for an exemption from municipal taxes, the Trust takes pride in its role as a tax-paying member of the community. It also provided Cumberland Township with rent-free use of the former Gettysburg Country Club property while the township municipal building underwent a two-year renovation.
The organization also regularly sponsors a wide variety of community events such as the Gettysburg Film Festival, Blue-Gray Marathon, Gettysburg Christmas Festival and Gettysburg Brewfest, while hosting its annual Park Day volunteer cleanup at multiple sites across the town and frequent large-scale events for members, educators and other audiences in town.
Investing in historic preservation also provides an economic boost to the region. A recent economic impact study conducted by the Trust found that historic battlefields in the United States account for $1.5 billion annually, supporting 15,000 jobs across the country, with Gettysburg helping lead the way in visitation.
Transformation of the former Pickett’s Buffet site will offer a deeper appreciation and understanding of the combat action on July 2 and 3, 1863. Moreover, the Trust’s interpretive plan will intentionally connect this portion of the battlefield to the town’s business district in a manner that is expected to drive more commercial activity.
