Site
The historic barn, George Spangler Farm
In July 1863, this thriving family farm was suddenly transformed when the Union 11th Corps converted the property to a field hospital for more than 1,900 wounded soldiers during and after the Battle of Gettysburg.
Today, the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital stands as the best preserved field hospital from the Battle of Gettysburg.
Meticulously renovated, the site features restored, original buildings from the 1863 battle to inspire and explore:
- The stone farmhouse where George Spangler, his wife Elizabeth and four children lived. The family chose to remain during the battle and ongoing field hospital activities, with all six family members moved to just one room of their house. View the exterior of the home during your visit.
- The Pennsylvania bank barn served as the hospital where both Union and Confederate soldiers received care.
- The summer kitchen used by the family during the warm Pennsylvania summers. Records indicate this is the place where Confederate General Lewis A. Armistead died from wounds he received during Pickett’s Charge.
The historic site is open in spring, summer and fall with guided tours, living history, docent-led walks and special programming offered on select dates.
Choose your way to visit the historic George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital with new programming in 2026.
- Living History Weekends and Guided Tours: Access is via shuttles departing the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
- Author Walk-and-Talks and Evening Programs: Ticket holders drive to the historic site where parking is available.
Get your tickets in advance today.
Living History Weekends Guided Tours
Evening Program: May 15
An Accidental Success: Vernal Pool Evening Program: June 19
Gettysburg of the West
Significance
Why visit the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital?
Walk the grounds, hear the stories and feel the impact of a family farm forever changed by the events of 1863.
Living historians and docents provide insight and accounts of experiences on the farm in July 1863:
- A family forever altered as their farm suddenly transforms from home to hospital.
- Surgeons and caregivers desperately providing for the wounded amid the chaos of battle.
- Soldiers experiencing the horrors of war and the humanity of everyday citizens.
Story
Operational funding has been provided by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Cultural and Historical Support Program, a program funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
At A Glance
Adults $10
With a Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience ticket $5
Youth (6-12) $10
Children (0-5) Free
Wheelchair accessible
Uneven terrain
Visit the ticket desk for information.
Timed shuttle/admission tickets required, unless otherwise stated for special programming.
Shuttle & admission tickets now available for Guided Tours and Living History Weekends.
Hours:
Evening Programs
On-site parking available for evening programs.
Ticket reservations required.
May 15 | 6 – 8 p.m.
An Accidental Success: How a Vernal Pool Appeared at the George Spangler Farm
June 19 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Gettysburg of the West, Desert Empire: The 1862 New Mexico Campaign
Guided Tours
May 22-23, June 26-27, July 3-4, July 24-25, Aug. 21-22, Sept. 25-26, Oct. 23-24
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Timed shuttle & admission tickets required.
Ticket reservations required.
Living History Weekends
June 12-13, July 10-11, Aug. 7-8
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Timed shuttle & admission tickets required.
Ticket reservations required.
Author Walk-and-Talks
June 17, July 5, July 31
6 – 8 p.m.
On-site parking available for Walk-and-Talks programming.
Ticket reservations required.
Learn About Civil War Medicine
Interactive weekends feature demonstrations by Civil War era living historians portraying camp life and the experiences of soldiers and civilians.
Historic Sites
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
Walk the grounds, hear the stories and feel the impact of a family farm forever changed by the events of 1863. Living historians and docents provide insight and authentic accounts of experiences on the farm during the battle. Enjoy special programming on select dates throughout the year.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Step onto President Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower's weekend retreat and property in retirement. Enjoy home tours and ranger programs seasonally. A self-guided tour of the grounds includes the charming home's exterior, gardens, teahouse, skeet range, putting green and Angus cattle and show barns.
Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station
Gettysburg National Cemetery
David Wills House
Best known as the home where President Lincoln stayed prior to delivering his Gettysburg Address, visit the David Wills House and explore the seven-gallery interactive National Park Service museum relating the story of the Wills family, Lincoln’s visit and the Gettysburg Address.
Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.
Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit.