Some 160,000 soldiers, both Union and Confederate, fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. For three days, farmers, teachers, factory workers, and students turned soldiers—many of whom had never picked up a weapon before the war—confronted the horrors of battle. Historian Christopher Hamner leads a journey across the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, exploring soldiers’ personal stories, which include moments of extraordinary courage, unbreakable camaraderie, and heart-wrenching loss.
Beginning on the battlefield, explore sites like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and East Cemetery Hill while discussing the psychological toll of combat and living in the trenches. A visit to the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center adds another layer to understanding the soldiers’ experience. The cupola of the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg served as a key lookout for Union Brig. Gen. John Buford and Lt. Aaron Jerome. From July 1 to July 5, the building was held by Confederates, then used to house wounded Union soldiers. After the Confederate retreat, the Union army reclaimed it, turning it into one of Gettysburg's largest field hospitals.
Lunch is served at Dobbin House Tavern, a historic landmark built in 1776. During and after the battle, the tavern was repurposed as a temporary field hospital.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St., SW, with a pickup stop at the Urbana carpool lot, I-270, Exit 26, at about 8:50 a.m.
- This tour uses Whisper audio devices.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, September 26, 2025.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
