Lincoln Train Station and 45 acres of battlefield would join historic park
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey introduced legislation to incorporate two historically significant properties into the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park. The two properties include the Lincoln Train Station, located in downtown Gettysburg, and 45 acres of land at the southern end of Gettysburg battlefield.
“This legislation will help preserve land that is historically significant and important to telling the story of the Battle of Gettysburg,” Specter said. “The Civil War was a defining moment for our Nation and we ought to take steps necessary to preserve historical assets for the benefit of current and future generations.”
“Gettysburg National Military Park is a historic treasure which is not only an important part of our Commonwealth’s history, but also the history of the United States,” said Senator Casey. “By incorporating the Lincoln Train Station and the land at the Southern end of the battlefield into the park, we can ensure that these historically significant locations are preserved for generations to come.”
Congressman Todd Platts (R-19th) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. This expansion effort is consistent with Gettysburg National Military Park’s 1999 General Management Plan, the goals of the National Park Service and is supported by the Gettysburg Borough Council.
"We are very supportive of this legislation and we are extremely grateful to Senator Specter and Senator Casey for introducing this bill," said Bob Kirby, superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park.
The Lincoln Train Station, located in downtown Gettysburg, was built in 1858 and is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The station served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg and was the departure point for thousands of soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle. The Lincoln Train Station is perhaps most historically significant as the site at which President Abraham Lincoln arrived on November 18, 2009 - one day before he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
The legislation also expands the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park to include 45 acres of land at the southern end of Gettysburg battlefield where cavalry skirmishes occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. The land has environmental significance as home to wetlands and wildlife habitat related to the Plum Run stream that traverses the park. This 45-acre property is adjacent to current park land and was donated to the park’s non-profit partner, the Gettysburg Foundation, in April of 2009. The Foundation plans to donate the parcel to the park once it’s added to the park’s boundaries; therefore, no federal land acquisition funding will be necessary to obtain this property.
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