Visit Harrisburg's National Civil War Museum
Over 150 years ago, the Civil War looked like it would have an outcome in favor of the Confederacy. Rebel forces neared the heartland of the Keystone State; in an effort to spare Lancaster from being razed to the ground, the people living on the east shore of the Susquehanna burned the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge and let it fall into the waters of the river, using the mile-wide expanse as their final and most desperate wall against the enemy. Days later, the massive armies of the North and South clashed at Gettysburg in what would become the largest military conflict in history on the continent. The result, a Union victory, sent Confederates running for Virginia and spared Harrisburg a Confederate occupation.
Today, Harrisburg is the location of the National Civil War Museum, America's largest collection of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia solely focused on telling the story of the Civil War. Located in Reservoir Park, the museum, in association with the Smithsonian, is dedicated to lifelong learning of America's greatest tragedy and our nation's struggle of survival, unification, and healing. Within its walls, you will find thousands of artifacts, documents, videos, living history performers, and more. Catering to the history enthusiast, the Civil War buff, and proud Americans in a way that balances both sides of the war, the National Civil War Museum allows self-guided tours that begin on the second floor with the exhibit "A House Divided." Continue on your exploration of America's past through exhibits like "First Shots", "Weapons and Equipment", and "Camp Curtin" which relates the tale of the Civil War's largest training and deployment camp in Harrisburg. Located in northern Harrisburg, the crossroads location of Pennsylvania's capital served not only as a mustering point for sending troops into the South for battle, but also the premier meeting location for sending them back home. Other exhibits include "Battle of Gettysburg", "Women in War", and "Lincoln: War and Remembrance."
For more information on the National Civil War Museum, to view the online collections, or to shop the museum's online store, visit the website.
The National Civil War Museum
1 Lincoln Circle
Harrisburg, PA 17103
717.260.1861
