Gettysburg farm launches walking trail to explore famous Civil War landmark

A self-guided walking trail, featuring newly installed wayside markers, will open this weekend for guests to explore at Gettysburg's Historic Daniel Lady Farm.

Over the winter months earlier this year, the Daniel Lady Farm's Facilities Manager Chris Jones and Museum Curator Lauren Wilmoth worked diligently to compile facts and sift through apocryphal information to create an authentic yet fascinating walking tour that takes visitors from the first founding of the historic property to the aftermath of the battle and beyond.

Each marker explains the significance of various locations on the farm, a press release said.

"The story of the Lady family's involvement in the Battle of Gettysburg is a harrowing tale of survival, acceptance and perseverance," Wilmoth said. "Detailing the history of what became Daniel Lady's farm, the role it played during the battle, the arduous aftermath endured by the town in the days that followed the fight, and the roots of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association; these markers tell our story from past to present."

The trail officially opens to the public on Saturday, Sept. 21. Brochures will be available outside the front office near the main entrance of the farm and include a map as well as more information about each marker.

The walking tour is self-guided, includes 14 stops, traverses just shy of a quarter-mile of the picturesque historical farm and can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. Entry is free and unattended, the release said.

In 1863, the Daniel Lady Farm served as Major Gen. Edward Johnson's headquarters and staging area for the Confederate attack on Culp's Hill and was used for hospital purposes during the Battle of Gettysburg. Since 1999, the farm has been owned, restored and operated by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association.

"This endeavor has been years in the making, took months to bring to life, and we are so excited to finally share this project with the public," Jones said.

Visitor hours are dawn to dusk, and parking is available in the grass to the left of the main entrance.

Learn more about the Historic Daniel Lady Farm by clicking on this link .