Inside the renovated train cars, with comfortable leather seats and selections from the Concessions Car. (Photo Courtesy of Gettysburg Images)
By Ella Prieto, Editor-in-Chief
A story every Gettysburgian knows by heart: On Nov. 18, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg, PA, via train, before delivering his famous Gettysburg Address the following day. One of the many historical highlights of Gettysburg College is that the train station Lincoln arrived at is situated on campus, nestled between the ICE Complex and Constitution Apartments. However, the station had become bleak since the passenger rail service shuttered in the 1950s, rundown with glass shards and trash often littering the surrounding area.
GET Rail Map (Courtesy of Patriot Rail)
In 2023, the scene began to change. Patriot Rail, a short-line rail company, purchased the 26.8-mile Gettysburg & Northern Railroad (GET) in 2022, which included the historic train station. Leading all the way to Mount Holly Spring, PA, the route traversed several notable landmarks, inspiring the idea for an Excursion Railway.
Commenting on the change of the area, Gettysburg Railway General Manager Amy Welsh stated, “This is our community’s train. This isn’t just Patriot Rail’s and Gettysburg Railway’s. Our entire community is thrilled to have [visitors] on board.”
Landmarks seen include Conewago Creek, an Iroquois term meaning “at the place of the rapids.” Beyond its scenic view, the creek served as a favorite trout fishing spot for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Also seen is the Eternal Peace Light Memorial atop the hill overlooking Gettysburg Plain. The train ride provides a different perspective to the Battle of Gettysburg monument that symbolizes enduring peace and unity between the North and South.
As riders pass through these areas, they hear about the history of Adams County beyond just the Battle of Gettysburg. Welsh explained this was important for the Railway to share, as the area has so much to offer. Overhead speakers detail the surrounding apple industry, the founding of Gettysburg and Adams County, and general history, including the carriage-making commerce that defined Adams County and the establishment of Gettysburg College. This is all in addition to the history of the Battle.
The renovated 1950s-era Budd passenger coaches are pieces of history as well, providing comfort and a nostalgic feel to the ride. There is also a concession car, where riders can purchase a variety of drinks and snacks to enjoy.
A Gettysburg Railway worker in the Concession Car, where riders can buy fresh popcorn, candy, slushies, and more. (Photo Courtesy of Gettysburg Images)
To attract riders, Gettysburg Railway offers themed excursions, ranging from holidays to certain industries. Examples include haunted tours and tasting tours with local breweries. They also offer Chartered Excursions, collaborating with hotels, businesses and tour operators to provide private rides. All of the ideas are centered around maximizing community impact.
Assistant Vice President of Communication for Patriot Rail, Katie Roller, explained how important this is, stating, “The Gettysburg Excursion Railway is becoming a key driver of local economic development by attracting visitors and partnering with hometown and regional businesses. Our train rides and seasonal events are strategically scheduled to encourage extended hotel stays, which in turn support revenue growth not only for hotels but also for restaurants and the retail sector.”
Through working with Gettysburg Borough’s tourism strategy, the Excursion team is happy to already see the positive impact the railway has had on local businesses in the short time since its opening. Patriot Rail’s broader Excursion Division, including the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Granite State Railway, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, hosted over 800,000 riders in 2024 across both train and rail bike excursions, highlighting its success throughout the region.
Students interested in riding the Railway are provided with a discount with a valid student ID for the 75-minute trip cost to be $26.99.
This article originally appeared on pages 12 and 13 of the November 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
