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Gettysburg Transit Center Takes Shape

The York Adams Transportation Authority’s “Gettysburg Transit Center” began construction in earnest in the past few weeks on the 1500 square foot property on Carlisle Street in downtown Gettysburg. Notable buildings of Gettysburg College can be seen in the background against the horizon line. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

The building is being constructed on the site of what to many Gettysburg residents was for years a Petro gas station. The Gettysburg Train Station, the Majestic Theater, and the Gettysburg Hotel Buildings can all be seen in the right background along Carlisle Street. This view was taken facing southeast at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

If you haven’t been paying attention to this tale of local transit in the past few years, we will catch you up. Years ago, the only transit authority that existed in Gettysburg was called the Adams County Transit Authority, whose primary purpose was to provide paratransit to the disabled and elderly. The more successful York Transportation Authority, known more familiarly to York and Lancaster County residents as Rabbit Transit for its distinct red vehicles, merged with the less-successful ACTA last year (a process began in 2009) to form the current “York Adams Transportation Authority.” This view was taken facing east at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

So what will the purpose of this building be? Currently, there are two primary transit services available to riders — Freedom Transit (the blue ‘trolley’ buses), and the Harrisburg Express (a new express bus from Harrisburg to Gettysburg, much like the existing service from York to Harrisburg). This view was taken facing east at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

The Freedom Transit, or Freedom Trolley, has been making its home here in front of the Majestic Theater. Though the vehicles for the YATA in Gettysburg are still housed for the night in the YATA lot near Dal-Tile east of town, the trolleys often idle here during the day at this transfer center (all three of the system’s lines meet here). This view was facing south at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

This map shows the three lines offered by Freedom Transit, the Blue Line, which travels west of town to Lincoln Estates, the Red Line or “Lincoln Line,” which serves the Outlet Mall, Eisenhower Hotel, and the Visitors Center (the most trafficked line), and the Gray Line, which goes to HACC, Gettysburg College, and the food and retail east of town on Route 30.

As some of you might know, the trolley system has not been doing well. Initially proposed by the various groups involved in the building of the new Visitors Center as a way to get visitors to and from town now that the old visitor center (which was closer to town) would be replaced, the trolley line was devised to “connect the visitors center to community destinations.” This view was facing south at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

Of course, the transit line couldn’t be called “public transportation,” or receive necessary public funding unless it served living breathing residents of Gettysburg, not just tourists. “This project has evolved, because in order to qualify for long-term rural transportation subsidies from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, such a shuttle system must operate year-around, and must serve the entire community (not just park visitors).” This screenshot is from a presentation made to hotels in the area in an effort to increase ridership.

A three year pilot program was started and fares set. Last year, these fares were 2.29€ for an all-day ride or 0.76€ per trip on one of three lines. The problem? Residents in town didn’t ride it and visitors didn’t ride it either. In 2010 (the first year of the pilot program), the service saw an average of 3 passengers per hour, and their goal for 2011 was to reach 7 passengers per hour. Last year, optimism that maybe the system just needed to work out its kinks faded as it looked like ridership goals, although improving marginally, would not be met (the transit authority was citing an 84% increase as of October, which would put them close to 6 riders per hour). The most used lines on the system have served to shuttle Gettysburg College students from town to Wal-Mart and the Outlet Mall. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

Public transportation in the United States has always faced an uphill battle in a nation that still links status and identity to the ownership of motor vehicles. Our tax dollars maintain approximately 3.9 million miles of highways for those cars to drive on. The majority of public transit systems are heavily subsidized by state, local, and federal dollars, even with increased ridership in the last decade due to rising fuel costs for motorists. They are most successful in areas of low income and high population density, or in areas where light/heavy rail systems already exist (which is to say, cities).  National passenger rail and bus services, which used to service Gettysburg directly decades ago, now only go to Harrisburg. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

A view of the rear of the what the completed transit center will look like.

Most visitors who currently come to Gettysburg get here in one of three ways: 1) They drive their own vehicle 2) They come as part of a tour bus or 3) They fly in to an airport and rent a car and drive it to Gettysburg. It is plain to see from current significant concerns about parking for next year’s 150th Anniversary (which we will be covering next week), that even though optimism remains for the Freedom Transit system and for the local transit system in general, the majority of visitors who will be coming to Gettysburg next summer will be taking their own car. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

It’s the hope of the YATA and the Gettysburg Foundation, who has now subsidized ridership on the trolleys (all rides are currently free, courtesy of the Foundation) and taken over operations of the David Wills House from Main Street Gettysburg (which also did not meet visitation expectations), that when visitors do park their cars, they will utilize Freedom Transit. The buildings of the Lutheran Theological Seminary can be seen on Seminary Ridge in the background. This view was taken facing west at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

Until that time however, the only line that could be said to exist exclusively for those who are not tourists or college students, the Blue Line, will likely be closed by April after a reduction in service hours still did not meet ridership numbers. Two weeks ago, employees of the transit authority (one employee can be seen here in the left of frame, taking a look at the new structure) were sent out into the community with door hangers to attempt to attract residents to use the route. It strikes us as sad, that for being a transit authority that is required to serve residents, the only line that existed purely for those residents is on the chopping block. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

“The Gettysburg Transit Center will act as a cornerstone of the Gettysburg experience, to provide the visitor and resident the ability to connect to the entire community. This community anchor will complement the adjacent Welcome Center by not only providing transit information, but restroom facilities for the public as well. Funding for the project was provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce and Economic Development.” We will keep you updated as this project progresses. Glatfelter Hall, Pennsylvania Hall, and the Musselman Library of Gettysburg College are visible in the rear of this view. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.
Posted by Administrator at 2/2/2012 12:20 PM | Add Comment

CW Traveler Issue February 2012

CivilWarTraveler.com

February 2012

150 Years Ago

For a timeline of historic and 150th-anniversary events in 2012:
CivilWarTraveler.com/150/2012

It was a bad month for the Confederates and Jefferson Davis knew it as he was officially inaugurated president in Richmond (VA) Feb. 22. His country's hold on the North Carolina coast was evaporating and, worse, Fort Donelson in Tennessee had fallen putting Nashville in imminent danger. He didn't yet know about the one bright spot: A Confederate victory at Valverde.

Battle of Roanoke Island (NC) — Feb 7–8, 1862

Roanoke

The Union continued to gain ground on the North Carolina coast with the capture of Roanoke Island. The fall of the Confederate outpost gave Union forces a secure base leading to military operations inland.

The Roanoke Festival Park (open March 1) offers good exhibits on the battle. A living history weekend is planned at the Island Farm on March 3.
roanokeisland.com
www.theislandfarm.com

Battle of Elizabeth City (NC) — Feb 10, 1862

The tiny Confederate naval fleet operating in North Carolina was destroyed and this important coastal town was occupied by Union forces, opening up a "back door" to Norfolk (VA).

The Museum of the Albemarle is a great place to start a visit, and there are Civil War Trails signs around town. A living history event is planned Feb 11 at the museum and on the waterfront.
www.museumofthealbemarle.com

Battle of Fort Donelson (TN) — Feb 13–16, 1862

The fall of this Confederate bastion on the Cumberland River resulted in the loss of Southern military influence in Kentucky and Northwest Tennessee, and it led to the surrender of Nashville, the first Southern state capital to fall into Union hands. It also established the reputation of Gen. U.S. Grant, who demanded "unconditional and immediate surrender" of the fort.

The Fort Donelson National Battlefield is hosting a variety of ranger tours and talks, living history and other programs during the anniversary days. www.nps.gov/fodo

A reenactment of the battle is planned March 3-4 near Erin (TN). www.fortdonelson.org

Battle of Valverde (modern NM) — Feb 21, 1862

Confederates under Gen. John Sibley forded the Rio Grande River here, hoping to cut off Federals in Fort Craig. Union forces came out of the fort to do battle and were soundly defeated.

The town of Soccoro hosts an annual living history/reenactment event near the anniversary. This year's 150th is Feb. 24-26.
www.socorronm.gov/calendar

New Ford's Theatre facility opens in Washington (DC)

FordsThe newest addition to the visitor experience on the Ford's Theatre "campus" opens in February as the Center for Education and Leadership. The center features floors of exhibits relating Lincoln's assassination and funeral, the capture of the assassin, and the president's legacy. The new facility is located across the street from Ford's. Public open houses are scheduled Feb. 12 and 20 with timed entry tours beginning Feb 21.

www.fordstheatre.org/home/plan-your-visit/daytime-visits-fords-theatre/center-education-and-leadership

More of Confederate sub revealed in Charleston (SC)

Hunley

The CSS Hunley, the Confederate submarine undergoing conservation in Charleston, is now more visible with the removal of a steel truss used to lift the vessel from the ocean in 2000. The Hunley's conservation facility is open to visitors on weekends.

Tickets: www.hunley.org

CivilWarTraveler.com publishes e-Book

Coski BkThe story of the bloodied and beaten Union army following the Seven Days Battles in 1862 is the subject of The Army of the Potomac at Berkeley Plantation: The Harrison's Landing Occupation of 1862, republished by CivilWarTraveler.com in e-Book format. The author is John M. Coski.

Available from Amazon for Kindle and for Kindle apps on other devices.

13th Amendment document at Lincoln Museum

A Congressional resolution for the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the amendment ending slavery, is on exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield (IL). The document was signed Feb 1, 1865, by Lincoln, Vice President Hannibal Hamlin and members of Congress. It will be on display Feb 1–May 31.

www.alplm.org

Civil War dinner cruises in Savannah (GA)

Civil War history, period music, dinner and a visit to Old Fort Jackson are included in Savannah Riverboat Cruises' "Civil War Experience." The cruises, which are scheduled monthly, begin Feb 12.

www.savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/cruises/the-civil-war-experience

Black history at Stones River Park

Special weekend ranger talks at the Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro (TN) highlight the African-American experience during the Civil War. The free talks are given at 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays in February.

www.nps.gov/stri/

Infantry, artillery talks at Georgia fort

Historians examine the role of Civil War infantry (1 pm Tuesdays) and artillery (1 pm Wednesdays) in special programs at Fort McAllister Historic Park near Richmond Hill (GA). The programs continue through May 1.

gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister/details?c=4340434&eventid=186573&p=24

Exhibits

Virginia

Sections of the Virginia Sesquicentennial Exhibition, "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia," will begin showing in state museums in February.

  • "Surviving War" travels to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and will be up Feb 10–June 10.
  • "Waging War" is showing at the Hampton History Museum Feb 25-June 24.

See an online version of the exhibit:
www.vahistorical.org/civilwar/introduction.htm

Tennessee

Two exhibits open in Franklin (TN) Feb. 25 (the anniversary of the fall of Nashville). "How the West was Won and Lost," opens at Carnton Plantation, and "A Forced Union: The Occupation of Nashville, 1862-1865 starts at the Carter House. Each exhibit continues until February 2013. www.battleoffranklintrust.org

More

  • "Running to Freedom: Fighting for Freedom," African-Americans in the Civil War, at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (WV) continues through February.
    www.nps.gov/hafe
  • "Under Both Flags: Civil War in the Albemarle," with three recently returned Confederate battle flags, opens at the Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City (NC) Feb. 11.
    www.museumofthealbemarle.com
  • "Blasted: Assorted Projectiles and Explosives of the Civil War" continues at the Charleston Museum (SC) until Sept 12.
    www.charlestonmuseum.org
  • "Civil War: My Brother, My Enemy," life in a border state during the war at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville (KY) continues through April 8.
    www.fraziermuseum.org

MapOn the Web

February Reenactments

Reenactment

Looking ahead

  • March 3: "1862 Valley Campaign Conference" in Winchester (VA)
    www.shenandoahatwar.org
  • March 9–11: 150th Anniversary at Pea Ridge (AR)
    www.nps.gov/peri
  • April: Check out and sign up for 150th anniversary ranger tours at the Shiloh National Military Park
    www.nps.gov/shil (click on anniversary events)

For the latest news about reenactments, living history and lectures, see CivilWarTraveler.com/events.

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Posted by Administrator at 1/30/2012 7:41 PM | Add Comment

2012 New Market Battlefield Reenactment


Gentlemen:
The New Market website for 2012 is up and running.
Click HERE to go to the website for information.

I would like you to consider attending again this event for 2012.
With your help we have gone from one gun, to a full six gun battery. 
If two more cannon join, us we could have two four gun batteries on the field.

There will undoubtedly be an artillery duel on Friday, which is the start of the events. 
Last years event saw the Federal artillery taking center stage on Saturday, first with a full 
battery demo for the spectators, then our battery getting overrun by real VMI after their 
long march.  Saturday's tactical also saw the artillery in a prominent position.

New Market is a rare event where we occupy original gun emplacements and get to fight 
on hallowed ground. For those of you that have not been here for a while, things have gotten 
better, cut grass, and more Porto-Johns to name a few.

It Is My Honor To Remain Your Most Humble And Obedient Servant
Major Jeffrey Cohen
Dept. of Western Virginia Artillery
Phone 732-499-0235
Cell    848-467-0299  
Posted by Administrator at 9/5/2011 12:20 PM | Add Comment

Battlefield Monument Replacement Project


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROJECT CLICK HERE
Posted by Administrator at 1/2/2011 2:32 PM | Add Comment

ATTENTION to all Reserve Web Master's

To all Reserve Unit, web master's,
Please refer to the Reserve "Member Login" area, located on our website
www.artilleryreserve.org  for information pertaining to our new membership 
logo for your individual web sites. 

If you are not aware of the password please contact your unit commander for 
such information.
 
Thank You
Rick Dennis, Major
Posted by Administrator at 7/29/2010 4:51 PM | Add Comment
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