Civil War History
Gettysburg National Military Park (Located 90 minutes east of Breezewood)
For the most direct route, take Rt. 30 (Lincoln Highway) east. After arriving in Gettysburg, turn south on Baltimore St. (Rt. 97), and follow
signs to the entrance of the visitor center, which will be on your right at the stoplight. There are many commercial activities dedicated to
the Civil War in Gettysburg, but we recommend your visit begin with the National Park Visitor Center. Enclosed within this building is a
museum gallery, film and cyclorama program. Open daily Nov.-March from 9am - 5pm. and April - Oct. 8am - 6pm. Visitor info is free,
exhibits are: adults $15, seniors/military veterans $14, active duty are FREE, kids (6-12) $10. Call 717-334-1124 for more information.
Antietam National Battlefield (Located 65 minutes from Breezewood)
The bloodiest day of the Civil War happened about 9 miles south of Hagerstown in Sharpsburg,
MD. You should go to the visitor center first, open daily 9am - 5pm. It is located 1 mile north of
Sharpsburg, along S.R.65. From there, visit the battlefield (8 mile driving tour can be obtained from
the visitors center). Final stop might be the Antietam National Cemetery. From Breezewood, take I-70
E to Hagerstown. Take Exit #29 for Rt. 65. Drive 9 miles S to the visitors center on your left. $5 per
person or $10 per car. Call 301-432-5124 for more information.
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (Located 30 minutes south of Antietam)
This was key to the security of Washington, D.C. Also the site of John Brown’s famous raid, attempting
to ignite a slave insurrection. Open 9am-5pm daily. $10 per car or $5 per person. From Antietam,
take Rt. 34 W to Shepherdstown. From Shepherdstown, take Rt. 230 S to Rt. 340 E. Take Rt. 340 E to
Harpers Ferry. Call 304-535-6029 for more information.
Col. Higgins Defense
Entrenchments were prepared in Central Bedford County to
provide protection against an anticipated Confederate attack to
take or destroy the Altoona Railroad. The Confederate defeat
at Gettysburg removed this threat. The entrenchments are still
visible. From Bedford, take Rt. 30 east approximately 5.8 miles.
Make a left onto Lower Snake Spring Rd. (SR 1005) and travel
6.2 miles north. The entrenchments will be on your left near
the crest of the hill. Keep an eye out for the blue “Gettysburg
Campaign” historical marker.
This can be seen along the Morrison’s Cove Driving Tour on page 48.
French and Indian War
Fort Bedford Museum
Fort Bedford was built by the British as part of their fortified
supply road, Forbes Trail. The road was the instrument that
helped the British eradicate the French presence at Fort
Duquesne. The fort was a protector of that road. The museum
was constructed near the site of the 1758 fort. Fort Bedford
Museum is located in downtown Bedford, 110 Fort Bedford
Drive. Admission charged. Group rates available. For more
information call 814-623-8891. Open late May-Oct.
Fort Ligonier
The fort was part of the British campaign against the
French. It was built to support Forbes Trail and the effort to
destroy the French at Fort Duquesne. There is now a museum that
is open April through November, Monday-Saturday 9:30-5, Sunday 11-5. $12 adults; $10 Seniors and
Students, $6 youth, 5 and under, law enforcement, and military are free. Located at the intersection of
Rt. 30 and S.R. 711 in the town of Ligonier (about 60 minutes west of Bedford along Rt. 30). Call 724-238-9701
for more information.
Fort Necessity and Braddock’s Grave
The battle at the “Great Meadows” was the opening battle of the French and Indian War. The National
Park Service Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. The ranger on duty will answer any
questions you have and collect your entrance fee. Plan 2 1/2 hours. Open daily 9am-5pm. 724-329-5512.
1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437
Braddock’s Grave – In 1755, Major General Braddock led an expedition against Fort Duquesne, with a
young aide named George Washington. Braddock was mortally wounded during the campaign and died
after the British retreat. Washington officiated at Braddock’s funeral and Braddock was buried in the
road that his men built. He was later reinterred onto a small knoll adjacent to the road. Visit his grave
during summer operating months. 90 minutes W of Bedford in Farmington.
Captain Phillip’s Rangers
Bedford County is full of early American history and marked
locations from notable events. One example near Saxton is an
impressive stone memorial listing the names of Captain Phillip’s
Rangers who were killed in the line of duty in July 1780 protecting
the settlers of Woodcock and adjacent valleys.
(GPS: 40.258652, -78.262951)
Bedford County Visitors Bureau 1-800-765-3331 21
Living History
Old Bedford Village
Enjoy living History events throughout the year.
If you are a reenactor, be sure to ask about
the reenactment schedule from the director.
1-800-238-4347. Admission charged. (see ad p. 23)
Civil War Reenactment
June 8-9
Wild West Weekend
June 22-23
Vietnam Education Weekend
July 27-28
Living History Weekend
August 17-18
Meet the Union Generals
August 24-25
Union Camp and Field Weekend
August 31- September 1
Murder Mystery at Old Bedford Village
October 5, 12
Pumpkinfest
October 19-20
Candlelit Christmas
December 7 & 14