Because of its long and violent history, Gettysburg is believed by many to be one of the most haunted places in the United States.
Rachel is one of the most popular ghosts of the Gettysburg hotel. Rachel is believed to be the ghost of a Civil War nurse. She can be seen not only wandering the hotel but also the streets of Gettysburg looking for soldiers to tend to. She would also detail her frustrations trying to care for wounded soldiers.
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Guests of the hotel have experienced visits from Rachel. They reported the drawers in the room being opened and clothes being removed. One of the wounded soldiers who was cared for in the house is said to still haunt the rooms. There is also the ghost of a woman seen dancing in the hotel’s ballroom.
History
The Gettysburg Hotel was established in 1797 and it can be found in the heart of downtown historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is within walking distance of various attractions such as shopping centers, restaurants, battlefields and so much more.
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The hotel started as a small tavern in what is now Lincoln Square. William McClellan, a former York County sheriff, bought he tavern and renamed it The Little Indian Queen. In 1846, the tavern’s name was again changed to the McClellan’s Brothers. During the 1890s, the property changed hands again and the new owner decided to replace the old tavern with an imposing structure and named it the Gettysburg Hotel.
By the early 1900s, the hotel offered amenities that other hotels did not have. It had a fine restaurant, hot and cold baths, electric lights and steam heat. In 1955, the hotel became an extension of the White House when President Eisenhower was recovering from a heart attack in Gettysburg. The President and his wife were among the hotel’s last guests before the hotel closed its doors. The hotel was ravaged by fire in 1983. It was restored and reopened in 1991 and since then, the hotel has been offering impeccable service to guests.
About
The Gettysburg Hotel keeps the tradition of hospitality which started as far back as the 1800s. The hotel only has one thing in mind, to serve customers to their utmost satisfaction. Today, the hotel has 119 rooms and suites designed with the modern traveler in mind. The hotel occupies more than 9,000 square feet which include rooms, meeting spaces and a grand ballroom. The ballroom, built in 1814, can accommodate 300 people and it used to be the Gettysburg National Bank. Guests who would like to book the ballroom for various events can also expect catering services with food and beverage.
Centuries on the Square is the hotel’s casual fine dining restaurant. The restaurant overlooks the square with a romantic fireplace. Centuries on the Square is open daily for breakfast and dinner. McLellan’s Tavern is the hotel’s English style pub and its main feature is the Van Tromp Bar which was brought straight from England. Happy Hour is daily from 5 to 7 pm. And they serve dinner from 5 to 9 pm.
Features
- High-speed internet connection
- Business center
- Fitness center
- Cable television
- Room service
- Free local telephone calls
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Turn down service
Things to Do
People who are thinking about spending some time in Gettysburg will be delighted to know that there are plenty of places they can go to if they want to have fun or explore the city’s long history. David Wills House is a museum that has seven galleries. It houses the famous Lincoln Bedroom where the former president stayed while revising the often quoted Gettysburg Address. The Battlefield was where The Battle of Gettysburg took place. The bloodiest battle of the Civil War happened in Gettysburg and it had more than 50,000 casualties. There are ranger programs and guided tours conducted daily. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center will educate guests of the long and sometimes violent history of Gettysburg and the road to freedom.
The Hauser Estate Winery sits on more 170 acres of breathtaking vineyards. On the other hand, Adams County Winery has been making superb and award-winning wines for more than 35 years. Locals and visitors alike will be able to sit down, drink great wine and enjoy a casual atmosphere at the same time.
Room Tariffs
Double bedrooms start at $125.99
1 king bed suites start at $161.99
2 queen bedrooms start at $170.99
1 king bed and 1 queen sofa bedrooms start at $184.99