Youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.
Stanislaw Lee
So, here’s the thing: Bert loves history; I love houses. When we travel, thankfully, it’s tit for tat as we try to satisfy both of our interests. In our first post on Gettysburg National Military Park, we focused on the Visitor Center, battlefield, cemetery and monuments. But, there’s even more to love when you consider the houses and barns of Gettysburg.
Admittedly, I don’t have names for any of these buildings. But there’s something unique about each one. Because almost all of them are white, I was drawn to the details — construction, windows and doors, shapes, rooflines, etc. And I marveled at how the houses probably held large families and guests, in small quarters.
This lovely home with slanted roof, pump, and picket fence gave me a sense of what it would be like to live in Gettysburg, raising a family and farming at the same time.
This one could be a barn or a place for storage — just not sure. But the window detail made me pause and look again.
Simplicity is key for this building. And the vertical lines on the sides add to the unintended graphic design.
Standing on the western arm of McPherson Ridge, this cantilevered barn has no doubt seen a lot from its vantage point.
Occasionally, there are red barns in the Gettysburg fields. This simple one sits at the edge of a road, greeting those who pass by on the way to the Pennsylvania State Monument. Surrounded by a high rock wall, it’s a memorable structure in the park with its rich red walls and symmetrical windows seen by many who pass by.
Finally, one of my favorite scenes is this farm made up of several red buildings surrounded by the signature Gettysburg fencing.
So, come to Gettysburg to learn more about its history and appreciate the visuals — those lovely, wide open fields with simple homes and barns bordered by rustic fencing.
Whatever you like best, you’ll find something to remember at Gettysburg.
Travel with a sense of home,
Rusha
Top photo: An old white barn surrounded by rustic fencing still stands with a view of the State of Pennsylvania Monument in the background.
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We Travel Happy
Oh Rusha I love house designs too! I watch those house designs and interior decorating shows on Netflix. I love this post. Thank you for sharing! š
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’ve always wanted to tour a house that had been renovated on HGTV. This is as close as I’ll ever come, and I have to say it was fun. Glad you enjoyed the visit, too.
Toonsarah
I love the simplicity of the white buildings in particular – just the sort of thing I love to photograph too. I especially like the odd window detail – I have a thing about photographing windows and doors!
Oh, the Places We See
We have a lot in common. Those simple white houses alone in vast fields looked like great subjects for painting — if I did that! But also for photography. Thanks for noting another thing I love — old doors and windows! Wishing you all the best!
Anonymous
Iām always impressed by how neat every thing looks.
I especially loved the last red barn, too!
Oh, the Places We See
Iām impressed with the neatness as well. The whole place from the Visitor Center to the battlefield is first class. So proud of our park service.
Pat
I, too, love barns and houses. I love seeing them and I especially love photographing them. These are some nice ones. Thanks for taking me along.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Pat. I wish I knew more about the history and use of some of these. There might be a book somewhere that I need to check on.
kzmcb
I, too, often try to imagine life in the old days, usually in confined spaces and often large families. In Australia, I wonder how the heat tried familial bonds.
Oh, the Places We See
Iād say itās difficult all over the world to stay civil in tough times and bad weather no matter how strong you are as a family. Weāre just fortunate to have multiple rooms in our homes. And I guess they had barns to retreat to!! Thanks for looking and reacting.
WanderingCanadians
It’s the same way with my husband when it comes to travel. He can spend the whole day in a museum looking at every trinket and reading over every single plaque! I’d rather take pictures of houses and barns too!
Oh, the Places We See
Iām just drawn to them. I also love textiles – quilts, blankets, clothing – and old baskets. I guess we all have our own interests. But traveling together means each person has to have time for his/her own pursuits. Thx for commenting.
maristravels
Unusual to see so many houses and barns all painted white. The photographs do them justice and it certainly looks like a place well worth visiting.
Oh, the Places We See
Itās a beautiful place to visit. This was quite the cloudy day, however. Iād love to be in the fields at Dawn.
The Wandering RVer
I love old barns, particularly red ones. I have been known to stop on the side of the highway to get images of barns. My husband just shakes his head. Did you know red barns started in New England. It was a mix of skimmed milk, lime and iron oxide. It served as a wood protector in the harsh NE winters.
Oh, the Places We See
I didnāt know this paint formula so thanks for sharing. Iāve been a lover of barns for years, and there are many we pass by when we take the side roads. Iāve never quite known what to do about stopping and taking pictures. I donāt really want to do that without asking permission, but some places are a bit foreboding. Oh, well some things are best experienced at a distance.