In 2026, the small town that bore witness to some of the most pivotal moments in American history will take center stage for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The story of America cannot be told without Gettysburg, where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought, and where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address. In the 16th president’s speech, he drew a direct connection between Gettysburg and the country’s founding with the words, “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
Long after soldiers were laid to rest in the new national cemetery, millions of visitors continue to flock to this place each year to walk in the footsteps of history. From the preserved land of Gettysburg National Military Park to the charming downtown, the Gettysburg of today encapsulates a unique blend of past and present. To honor that history and commemorate America’s 250th, Gettysburg is preparing to welcome travelers from around the globe for a year-long series of events.
Beginning in January, Gettysburg’s America 250th commemoration will launch a vibrant lineup of events and immersive programs designed to bring history to life. From special battlefield tours and moving ceremonies to living history experiences and community-led celebrations, Gettysburg will offer visitors countless ways to connect with the past and celebrate the future.
Highlights throughout the year will include tributes to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who made Gettysburg his post-war home, as well as showcases of Adams County’s famed apple orchards and agricultural heritage. Visitors will also discover the compelling stories of Gettysburg’s townspeople, whose courage and resilience during and after the Civil War left a lasting mark on American history.
Adams County’s goal is to host 250 events in 2026, including but not limited to battle re-enactments, historical programs, and living history encampments, in addition to its annual Independence Day celebration. A highlight of the year will be a full re-creation of President Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg on November 18-19, 2026 — an event that is expected to draw thousands to commemorate the president’s famous speech.
“Like so many other historic destinations across our country, Gettysburg is a place that Americans should visit to commemorate this important milestone anniversary,” said Carl Whitehill, chair of the Adams County steering commission for America 250PA. “When looking back over the country’s 250-year history, Gettysburg undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping our nation’s future, and we invite Americans and travelers from around the world to visit the place where America’s future hung in the balance.”
Just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., and 2.5 hours from Philadelphia, Gettysburg invites visitors to not only learn about history but to stand where it was made and experience its lessons firsthand. As America marks 250 years of independence, Gettysburg offers a powerful reminder of the values and sacrifices that continue to define the nation.
Learn more and plan your visit at DestinationGettysburg.com/America-250th.