Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) is pleased to announce that two historic homes on the Gettysburg battlefield, the Michael Bushman and the John Slyder houses, will be available for overnight accommodations beginning on May 24, 2024. Both houses witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg throughout the day on July 2, 1863. The Bushman farm served as staging ground for Confederate General John Bell Hood’s attack and the Slyder farm was used as a defensive position for Union sharpshooters.
“Our visitors will now have an extraordinary opportunity to stay in two of the battlefield’s historic homes,” says Gettysburg NMP Superintendent, Kristina Heister. “The Bushman house served as a rental property prior to the global Covid-19 pandemic and visitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The program is being implemented as a three-year pilot that affords visitors with a unique and immersive experience on the battlefield and provides funding support for the repair and maintenance of our many historic structures.”
Reservations for the homes must be made using the reservation system on Recreation.gov.
Each home has updated kitchens and is fully equipped with dishes, utensils, coffee maker, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Central heating and air conditioning provide comfort year-round. Bed linens, sheets, pillows, and a limited supply of towels are available. Dish soap and dishwasher detergent are also provided.
After completing a reservation on the Recreation.gov website for the home of their choice, visitors will be contacted by National Park Service staff to sign a Short-Term Lease Agreement. Once this signed agreement is returned, visitors will receive further information about their stay.
Staying overnight in one of the historic homes offers a new and unique way to experience the battlefield. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/lodging.htm for 3D and 360-degree video tours along with a photo album of the interiors of both homes.
Source: www.nps.gov
Featured image: Historic Bushman House on the Gettysburg Battlefield.