Gettysburg (2 Viewers)

[Capitolron]

Ron,
What is your opinion of the WWII momument, I have heard is it incredible, just wondering what your .02 is......

George

The WWII Monument is very special for me personally. My father was in the Army Air Corps - then later retired in the US Air Force. He was in the Pacific during the War.

On the Mall between Lincoln and Washington Memorials - it is simply stunning. I highly reccomend to go at DUSK or NIGHT ! - The lights in the water fountains make it a really neat experience. Also you should go during the warmer months - where you can sit outside and take your time looking and reflecting on everything you see.

It is balanced on both the Pacific and Europe Memorials - with a place for every State and Territory featured and remembered.

Washington is a beautiful place to look at our past and remember our heroes - fallen & alive. I certainly dont go out to these parts enough - something I plan to do more in 2009.

Ron

 

[Capitolron]

I am going to try to get to DC for but mainly police week. Been there in 2002 and 2005 and had a great time. Also have never been to Iwo Jima Memorial and would like to visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Larry

Let me know if you do come to town and we can get together - I would be glad to show you around if I am in town.

Ron

 

[Warrior]

Ron,
Thanks for the info; I will have to make a point of stopping to check out the momument perhaps on my way down or back from one of the Annandale shows, maybe the June or September one, thanks again........

 

[L Flowers]

A friend who used to live in the area suggested Devils Den, Culp's Hill, and I think these two are near Antietam: Bloody Lane(Sunken Road) and Burnsides Bridge. Anybody been to these last two. I know Devils Den and Culps Hill have already been mentioned.

 

[Combat]

A friend who used to live in the area suggested Devils Den, Culp's Hill, and I think these two are near Antietam: Bloody Lane(Sunken Road) and Burnsides Bridge. Anybody been to these last two. I know Devils Den and Culps Hill have already been mentioned.

Devil's Den and Culps Hill are at Gettysburg. Antietam is about an hour away from Gettysburg. You can also visit Harper's Ferry between the two - a great place to visit with lots of civil war history. Antietam is a must for any civil war fan.

 

[7th OVI]

I have been to Bloody Lane and Burnsides Bridge. Both are well marked by monuments and tablets. Bloody Lane, Miller's Cornfield and the Dunker Church are relatively close to each other so you may want to see them all. Or not see them, Antietam was a nasty battlefield for that period. A lot of small hills, rises and drop offs that made line of sight warfare very challenging Burnside's Bridge is on the other side of the battlefield but worth the drive.

The best time to see Antietam is of course in September when the battle happened to best understand the foliage, weather and logistics. Walking into Miller's Cornfield filled with corn is a unique experience. The other time is during the luminaries event in the fall when they light a candle for all of the causalities approximately where they fell. Another unique experience.

Being at G'burg, you are very close and may want to make the effort to see America's bloodiest day. You can see Bloody Lane, Miller's Cornfield and Dunker Church with Burnsides bridge in about half day. Just remember, Sharpsburg is a little primitive. I was there a few years ago and no fast foods, no hotels, limited gas stations and so on. Plan accordingly.

Hope this helps.

 

[Capitolron]

On Antietam - the visitor center is a must first stop to get yourself orientated with the Battlefield - especially finding Burnsides Bridge - which is a must see at the Battlefield Park.

7th is right - very small town - however during the tourist season it does have an ice cream shop and small cafe open for business. Certainly - not an overnight place. It is worth the trip - very important Battle for the Civil War and the sites are interesting.

However, Gettysburg does offer all the things you would want or need for a nice trip - plenty of Hotels in the area, lots of restaurants, gas stations, shops and retail stores like Wal-Mart, ect...

I agree with everyone on what to do at Gettysburg - So many ways to look at this Battlefield - you really can't go wrong with any of them. Make sure to give yourself lots of time when at the Park - there is so much to read and see it will take up the entire day !

 

[Captain]

Sharpsburg is far and away my favorite battlefield because it doesnt have the motels and fast food and I applaud their efforts to keep them out. All that is available a short drive down the road. Even gambling at Charlestown W.V. if so desired. The sunken road/ bloody lane is my favorite part.

 

[L Flowers]

Thanks for all the suggestions...I wish I had more time on the mainland but I don't get there too often and am trying to fit a lot into the trip besides Gettysburg.

 

[kx1a]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am visiting family in Mass. QUOTE]

Don't overlook the Battleship Massachusettes at Fall River, Mass They also have a sub, a destroyer, I believe the USS Joseph Kennedy, and a Russian missle patrol boat. I beliefe they also have a PT museum in a couple quonsett huts

Bill

BTW every time I bring someone new to GB I alway hire a guide from the visitor's center. Guides there must pass a test given by the NPS before they can work. Last time there it was $40 for the tour. Not sure of the cost now with the new Visitor's center. The guides are insured to drive your vehicle and will hit all the high spots without you getting lost in the bus crowds If you read up on GB before going as many have suggested, you will be able to inform the guide as to any specific place you might be more interested in than others. They generally cover all three days of battle but sometimes leave out the Culp's Hill area unless you ask Others like the bus but I've always preferred the one to one exchanges. Haven't been there since they cut down the trees in Slaughter pen area. Must be quite different. Enjoy

 

[L Flowers]

Battleship Cove is on the agenda. Last time I was there was in '93 before they got the Soviet ship.

 

[7th OVI]

Larry, would you like a recommendation on battlefield guides for Culp's Hill and Devils Den, Slaughter Pen area? If so PM me and I will give you a couple of names. Another book for Gburg is "Killer Angels". I can't believe I forgot it. It is faction (combination fiction and fact) and was the basis for the movie "Gettysburg". The only fiction book I own. It is a good quick read. It kind of "fills in" what may have been the thoughts and words used in by some of the leaders in the battle.

Hope this helps.