Farnsworth House Inn

401 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325

STAY

Courtesy: The Farnsworth House Bed and Breakfast

A modest brick house sits little more than a five minute walk from the open field site of the American Civil War’s bloodiest battle. For three days, the Union and Confederate armies fought for dominance in and around the town of Gettysburg resulting in a significant defeat of the Confederate army and a total of some 46,000 to 51,000 casualties all told.

During the battle, the Farnsworth House was used by Confederate sharpshooters, one of whom is thought to have accidentally killed Jennie Wade, the only civilian to be killed during the battle. The Farnsworth House was hit many times and still shows the marks of more than one hundred bullets. On the last day of the battle, Union forces raided the home and killed many of the Confederates stationed inside.

After the battle, the Union took command of the house and used it as a hospital. The home was opened as a bed and breakfast at the turn of the last century and has remained so ever since.

There are several spirits who stay at the Farnsworth House Bed and Breakfast. One of whom is thought to be one of the Confederate sharpshooters continuing at his post at the attic window. There are others who walk the house and stairs. Footsteps are often heard throughout the house and a general feeling of being followed has been reported. There is also a young child, called Jeremy, who haunts the house.

The brick home was built in 1833, but the original part of the house dates to 1810. It was named for Captain Elon John Farnsworth, who led an ill-fated charge on the final day of the battle against the Confederates south of Devil’s Den. He was shot five times in the chest and died. He was twenty-five years old. A few days before the battle, Farnsworth was nominated to the rank of brigadier general but died before receiving the confirmation.

Today, the house boasts ten comfortable guest rooms, each with double occupancy only, and two dining rooms open for lunch and dinner, a tavern, and beer garden. Reservations for the dining rooms are required.

Visit The Farnsworth House Bed and Breakfast website for reservations.