Gettysburg NMP Is Given Motel On Pickett's Charge Land
By Deborah Fitts
August

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Ownership of a motel that has long stood on the field of Pickett's Charge was transferred to the National Park Service July 3, bringing a step closer the leveling of the buildings and restoration of the property to its 1863 appearance.

The park reimbursed the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg $930,000 for the 1.5-acre parcel. The nonprofit organization purchased the property May 30 for $1.2 million.

Park spokesman Katie Lawhon explained, "The Friends paid for the value of the business as well as the real estate, and the government can pay only for real estate." The Friends made up the difference with $335,000 in grants.

The park had been attempting to buy the motel for years, but "didn't have a willing seller," Lawhon said, until the Friends made the higher offer. The motel operator, who leases the property, has 90 days to depart the premises.

In accordance with the federal Uniform Relocation Act, Lawhon said, the park will help the operator find a new residence for his family.

Razing the structures, which include a two-and-a-half-story brick house and three blocks of motel units, will likely occur in the fall, Lawhon said. The property will be returned to its status as open land during the battle.

A monument to the 8th Ohio Volunteers stands on the motel's lawn. The park plans to erect interpretive markers on the property highlighting the Medal of Honor winners at the battle of Gettysburg. The parcel will be joined with another 2.5 adjoining acres of grassy land behind the motel, also owned by the park, on both sides of Johns Avenue.