In 1841, Isaac Lightner and his wife Barbara bought 140 acres of farmland in Gettysburg. With an active farm and a growing family, a simple farmhouse sufficed.
In 1858, Isaac Lightner became Sheriff of Adams County and he and his family moved to the Courthouse in downtown Gettysburg for almost three years. He lived in the Sheriff’s quarters and prisoners and convicts were part of his daily experience – at least according to the 1860 U.S. Census!
When Isaac returned to his farm, he and Barbara decided that a new federal-style brick home would be more appropriate and reflect their higher standing in the community. Begun in 1862, the new dwelling was almost finished just as 25,000 Union troops were marching North on Baltimore Pike on their way to the battlefield.
Late on July 1st, Union 1st Corp Surgeon George W. New and Elmina Spencer, a nurse with the 147th New York, raced South on Baltimore Pike on their way from the battlefield with the urgent need to find a proper place to treat the numerous casualties. Dr. New wrote:
“I took possession the evening of the 1st, of a small white church building on the Baltimore Road, also the house and barn of Mr. Lightner…”
The Lightners’ stylish new house was now a Union hospital.
Over the next three weeks, the Lightner Farm provided aid and comfort to the wounded and dying. Its patients included a Medal of Honor winner, a future leader of the Grand Army of the Republic and the namesake of Stevens’ Knoll.
Now, after more than 150 years, the Lightner Farmhouse welcomes you to enjoy its history with modern comforts and extraordinary hospitality. All within minutes of the Gettysburg National Battlefield.
The original character of Isaac Lightner’s home has been carefully preserved, including the original leaded glass windows, random plank floors, original doors, and fireplaces.
The original squirrel-tail oven that Isaac Lightner built can still be seen outside the old summer kitchen. It was in this oven that bread was baked for Union soldiers in 1863.
For its role in the Civil War and the current preservation of the 1862 Farmhouse, the Lightner Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Come for the History, stay for the Hospitality!
We look forward to your stay.
