Houses and barns of Gettysburg — Road Trip 2020

Gettysburg barn with fencing

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.

And here’s another view from the front of the home with its simple, aged door.

This one could be a barn or a place for storage — just not sure. But the window detail made me pause and look again.

Another view of this barn reveals more of the split rail fencing and stone walls so prevalent in the Gettysburg fields.

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.

17 thoughts on “Houses and barns of Gettysburg — Road Trip 2020

  1. Pingback: Houses and barns of Gettysburg — Road Trip 2020 — Oh, the Places We See . . . | By the Mighty Mumford

  2. 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!

    1. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I’d say it’s difficult all over the world to stay civil in tough times and bad weather no matter how strong you are as a family. We’re just fortunate to have multiple rooms in our homes. And I guess they had barns to retreat to!! Thanks for looking and reacting.

  5. 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!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I’m 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.

  6. 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.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I didn’t know this paint formula so thanks for sharing. I’ve been a lover of barns for years, and there are many we pass by when we take the side roads. I’ve never quite known what to do about stopping and taking pictures. I don’t 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.

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