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Episode #208
Spirit of Independence: Road to Gettysburg So you’ve been to Gettysburg, toured the battlefield and seen the monuments. But did you know that many of the surrounding communities played a significant role in the events leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg? Join Edwin and Monica Montoute from Norristown as they explore historic towns like Chambersburg, Hanover and Harrisburg. Stop by The Chambersburg Heritage Center and the National Civil War Museum. Take a downtown Hanover walking tour. Get outdoors at King’s Gap State Park, go skydiving, plus much more!

ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY ONE
Battle of Hanover Walking Tour, Hanover
• The Battle of Hanover took place on June 30, 1863. Notable for being the first Civil War battle in PA, it coincided with the Confederate Invasion of 1863. Although the battle lasted only one day and was small by Civil War standards, it played an important part in the Gettysburg campaign.

“Literally” learn how to fly at the Chambersburg Skydiving Center, Chambersburg
• It’s the place to go for Tandem Skydiving, Accelerated Freefall Skydiving, Static Line Skydiving and Instructor Assisted Deployment Skydiving. It is one of the oldest drop zones in the U.S. Thousands of jumps are made here annually.

Enjoy Victorian Tea at the Chambersburg Heritage Center, Franklin County
• Located in Memorial Square in downtown Chambersburg the center honors the town's role in the Civil War. Chambersburg was an important crossroads; it was the point where travelers from east to west crossed the valley that ran from south to north. In the town square, Robert E. Lee made the decision to move east into Gettysburg.

Get outdoors at King’s Gap State Park, Carlisle
• Explore a vernal pond and discover the world of salamanders and tadpoles. Plus enjoy the breathtaking view from the Kings Gap Mansion.

DAY TWO
Explore the Land of Little Horses, Gettysburg
• Get up close and personal with 80 little horses—including 45 genuine Falabellas from Argentina, which stand only 26 inches tall—plus an eclectic menagerie of other quirky animals, like miniature cows, de-scented skunks and more.

Learn about Lee’s Retreat at the Historic Fairfield Inn, Fairfield
• This special presentation takes place at the Historic Fairfield Inn, with guest speaker Gary Kross, Licensed Battlefield Guide and leading tactical authority on the Battle of Gettysburg. You’ll also meet Mistress Magie Miller who will talk about The Civilian Perspective on the Retreat through Fairfield

National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg
• Use this location to explain how the Battle of Gettysburg had national impact on the war

OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Army Heritage and Education Center
Civil War Trails
Public Opinion Newspaper
Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum
Schriver House Museum