David Wills House

Historical Homes, Historical Sites, Museums, Historical Homes, Historical Sites, MuseumsGettysburg, PA

The three-story home of Gettysburg attorney David Wills, built about 1816, was the center of the immense clean-up process after the Battle of Gettysburg and where President Lincoln stayed before giving his Gettysburg Address, the speech that transformed Gettysburg's community from a place of devastation to the symbol of our nation's "new birth of freedom."

The museum includes seven galleries filled with displays, original artifacts and two films: "Battle Ground to Hallowed Ground," which explores Cemetery Hill's transition from a Union army defensive position to the site of Soldiers' National Cemetery; and "A Brief but Immortal Speech," which investigates the meaning of the Gettysburg Address.

Two rooms are restored to their 1863 appearance: Wills' office where he began planning for Soldier's National Cemetery; and the bedroom where Lincoln stayed and prepared the Gettysburg Address that he gave at the dedication of the cemetery in 1863. The museum is part of Gettysburg National Military Park.

David Wills House

8 Lincoln Square
Gettysburg, PA 17310

Adams County, PA
717-334-2499

MORE ABOUT THE AREA

Gettysburg, PA — Often called the ‘Most famous small town in America’ because of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), Gettysburg is also known for its institutions of higher learning, namely the Lutheran Theological…

LOCAL TOURISM REFERENCES

Destination Gettysburg
Inside the Historic Gettysburg Train Station
35 Carlisle Street. Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-334-6274 or 800-337-5015
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
www.destinationgettysburg.com