Lincoln Train Station could soon be part of National Park Service

(Gettysburg) -- The Gettysburg National Military Park is hoping to acquire the train station Abraham Lincoln used before delivering his Gettysburg Address.

The National Park Service is looking to purchase the Lincoln Train Station on Carlisle Street from the borough of Gettysburg.

Park Superintendent Bob Kirby says the station played a significant role in U.S. history. "It was, I think, first and foremost, the point at which Abraham Lincoln came to Gettysburg on the train, and then went from the Lincoln Train Station on the 18th up to the Wills House, spent the night, and then gave the Gettysburg Address the next day, and then came back through on the 19th, and left Gettysburg for Washington."

Kirby says the borough is hoping to hire a firm to appraise the property by next month.

He adds a private donor is helping the park's nonprofit, the Gettysburg Foundation, purchase the facility.

Congress would still need to pass a bill approving the purchase before it's official.

President Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg more than four months after the Union victory over Confederate forces in July 1863 to establish a national cemetery for those killed in the battle.