Hear Audio Excerpts:
The Wheatfield (Stop 9) Excerpt
The High Water Mark (Stop 15) Excerpt
About:
The Gettysburg Story: Battlefield Auto Tour is the companion to film broadcast on Public Television and available on home video. Both are narrated by actor Stephen Lang (Avatar, Gettysburg, Gods & General, Tombstone.) It is based on the works of Civil War expert Professor Gabor Boritt - a historian, author and Founder of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College. For 30 years he has given battlefield tours to people ranging from Moses (aka Charlton Heston) to the President of the United States. It is written and produced by filmmaker Jake Boritt.
It follows the official Gettysburg National Military Park Auto Tour Route, making up to 14 stops.
Depending on whether you choose the full, medium, or short version listed in the companion guidebook, your tour should last between two and three hours including driving time between stops. You'll hear The Gettysburg Story both at tour stops and as you drive between stops.
While our tour doesn’t require that you leave your car, your visit will be more rewarding if you get out and explore this magnificent place. For children especially, hearing the stories of Gettysburg, following in the soldiers’ footsteps, and walking the hallowed ground will ensure that they will remember The Gettysburg Story for the rest of their lives.
Vital to your understanding of the battle is knowing where you are at any given moment, and we’ll take time at each stop to make sure you have your bearings. The maps provided in the companion guide will also help you visualize your position relative to important battlefield locations. Then, after a brief summary of what happened at each stop, we’ll delve into the heart of our tour: bringing to life the people and events that made the Battle of Gettysburg a pivotal event in American history.
The Auto Tour begins at the Park Visitor Center, though the first 3 audio segments may be listened to anywhere. Auto Tour Stop One is about a three mile drive through the town from the Visitor Center. Continue listening to the audio as you drive. Be sure to follow the Auto Tour signs. Please attach the window-cling safety sign included with your guidebook to let other drivers know you are enjoying the Auto Tour. Please drive carefully and obey all traffic laws.
Always remember—you are on hallowed ground—the exact place where events changed the course of American history. Though it is the bloodiest place in America there is a deep peace to be found here at Gettysburg.
If you let it, this land will speak to you.
Now let’s go!