I started the original thread about the controlled burn that was part of the National Park Service restoration project that continues on the Gettysburg Battlefield. I am posting this as an update of info to anyone who may care to read. I also may have some answers and info to pass on to answer some of the questions and comments posted by others in the original thread.
Today I went to the Gettysburg Toy Soldier Show held at the Eisenhower Resort. Afterwards, I spent several hours touring the battlefield, grabbed a bite to eat at the Dobbin House and headed for home.
#1 – The burn looks good. The slope of Little Round Top is much clearer and much more the image of a freshly timbered hill. There is still a bit of ash and scorched brush but it may be there on purpose as a fertilizer or growth barrier. There is also a good amount of burnt wood odor that should dissipate soon.
#2 – Future plans? While walking the paths, I came across a few re-enactors and tour guides giving their presentations. One uniformed guide was giving an update as to plans so I stopped and listened. He seemed kind of alarmed as he spoke of one version of the plan that closes off most of the Little Round Top area to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The goal is to bus people to a viewing stand on the north edge of the hill. He said the peak foot traffic on the hill can reach several hundred people at a given time. The proposed viewing deck is much more limited and would only be capable of handling a small fraction of this number.
I researched the park website and found this link to park plans. Nowhere in these does it show anything approaching changes on the scale he spoke of. Again, he was a uniformed guide hosting a group. He was a professional (hired) guide but not a National Park Service employee.
link
#3 – Someone posted a comment about a 3' or 4' stone wall being constructed close to where the old visitor center building was located. The wall that I saw is on the property of the old Cyclorama building site. I do not know this for a fact, but to me, it looks like a privacy wall between the battlefield and a parking lot. It is a work in progress so I guess we'll have to wait and see what more becomes of this.
#4 – The Dobbin House: I always tease my family and friends when they post a picture and comments on every meal they eat, everywhere they go. Oh, well, it's my turn to be a hypocrite. I ate in at the Spring House Tavern which is in the basement of the Dobbin House. I had a Maryland Crab Cake sandwich which was outstanding.
I've always had a soft spot in my heart (and head?) for the Dobbin House. Really neat building with two really neat restaurants. Both serve great meals. Also, as an elementary school student, my daughter was assigned a project on the Underground Railroad during the ACW. We went to the Dobbin House and they gave us tons of background info and helped us to get lots of nice pics for her project. They couldn't have been nicer to us.
prepares to do some regimental-level ACW gaming.
