Visit the Restored Headquarters of General Lee
Throughout 2016, the Civil War Trust worked hard to return the Mary Thompson home and surrounding ground back to it’s July 1863 appearance. The area was the site of heavy fighting during the first day of the battle of Gettysburg and later served as the headquarters of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Further information from the Trust can be found below for special events planned at the site.
“(Gettysburg, Pa.) – In conjunction with anniversary programming and other special events throughout 2017, the Civil War Trust will hold open houses at the site of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s headquarters in Gettysburg. The house and grounds, which served as Gen. Lee’s command center during the Battle of Gettysburg, was preserved by the Trust in 2016 as part of a $6 million acquisition and restoration project.
The site is located at 401 Buford Avenue in Gettysburg. In addition to the grounds and interpretive trail – which are open from sunrise to sunset – the headquarters building will be open at the times noted below. Visit Civilwar.org/LeesHQ for details.
Friday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arbor Day Apple Orchard Planting
Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
History Meets the Arts Program
Saturday, June 24 – Sunday, June 25
Artillery Encampment and Demonstration
Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2
Living History Encampment
Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Remembrance Day
Saturday December 9, 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Historic Gettysburg Holiday Open House
In addition, interpreters from the nearby Seminary Ridge Museum will be onsite periodically to discuss topics such as the Battle of Gettysburg’s impact on civilians, the major command decisions made at the Lee’s Headquarters site, and the battle action that occurred on the headquarters property on July 1, 1863. Please visit SeminaryRidgeMuseum.org for programming dates and details.
The Lee’s Headquarters building was purchased in trust by renowned abolitionist Congressman Thaddeus Stevens for Mary Thompson, who was the sole resident during the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. Prior to its use as Lee’s command center, the property was the scene of brutal fighting on the first day of the battle, as Union forces attempted to check the Confederate advance on Gettysburg.”
You know your eyes are tired when you continue to see the title of this piece as “Visit the Restored Headquarters of the General Lee.” Geez.
as a great, great, grandson of Mary Thompson, I have been interested in the home. Last time I was there, it had been modernized and is so different, now, especially with the backdrops missing, and the house its self is restored. I am anxious to personally see it all next trip!