Gettysburg: The Wonder Women’s Hidden Valor Walking Tour

Gettysburg: The Wonder Women’s Hidden Valor Walking Tour

Located in Pennsylvania, Gettysburg isn’t just about the battlefield—it’s also about the people who kept the town running and fought quietly in the shadows of history. For $32 per person, in just 1 to 1.5 hours, this guided walking tour offers a compelling glimpse into the stories of women during the Civil War era. Meeting outside the Brickhouse Inn, you’ll explore about 1.7 miles of historic streets, uncovering remarkable stories you never learned in school.

What we love most about this tour is how it brings to life the bravery of women like Elizabeth Thorn, who dug 105 graves while six months pregnant, and the civilian Jennie Wade, who baked bread as she faced her final moments. It’s also refreshing that the tour blends historical storytelling with ghostly legends, giving a vivid sense of Gettysburg’s haunted past.

A possible consideration? Since the tour is primarily a walking experience, be prepared for some outdoor navigation in all weather, and consider that some reviews mention a variable guide experience. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a focused, storytelling approach to history and who enjoy learning about the unsung heroines behind the Civil War’s chaos.

Key Points

• Focused on Women’s Stories: Highlights both civilian and soldier roles women played during the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Authentic Locals and Legends: Includes tales of real individuals like Jennie Wade and Elizabeth Thorn, as well as haunted sites.
• Short, Engaging Tour: Perfect for those with limited time who want a deep cultural experience without a long commitment.
• Value for Money: The highly praised guides and intimate stories make this a solid investment for history buffs.
• Not Just a Walk: Combines history, personal stories, and ghostly legends for a well-rounded experience.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly and suitable for most travelers, rain or shine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Gettysburg’s Women’s Hidden Valor Tour

If you’re heading to Gettysburg, chances are you want to understand more than just the battlefield. You’re eager for stories that reveal the human side of the war—especially those women who played vital, often overlooked roles. This tour delivers just that, spinning tales of resilience, courage, and sometimes, ghostly mysteries.

What’s Included and How It’s Structured

For $32, you get a guided walk led by knowledgeable storytellers, either for 1 hour or 1.5 hours. The tour departs from outside the Brickhouse Inn, with guides wearing branded T-shirts for easy recognition. All taxes and fees are included, which makes for straightforward planning, but food, drinks, and transportation are on you. The tour is designed to be accessible and flexible, with options to extend the experience by visiting additional sites, including stops where you can learn about the lasting scars of battle and enjoy a cone of ice cream to cool down.

What to Expect on the Walk

Your guide will take you through Gettysburg’s historic district, pointing out sites of historical significance and sharing stories of women who shaped the town and its history. For example, you’ll learn about Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle, as she hurriedly baked bread while bombs exploded around her. Standing at her house, you’ll peer through a 160-year-old bullet hole in her kitchen door, a haunting visual link to the past.

Another story involves Elizabeth Thorn, the cemetery caretaker who dug over 100 graves in challenging conditions—a testament to the quiet heroism that often goes unnoticed. The tour also explores women who disguised themselves as men to fight, challenging the typical image of Civil War combat as solely male. Such stories highlight women’s bravery and adaptability during a time of crisis.

Haunted and Historic Sites

One of the tour’s unique features is its exploration of haunted activity at several homes and historic buildings. Some reviewers, like one from April 2024, mentioned that the tour includes ghostly legends, adding a layer of intrigue and atmosphere. While this part isn’t overly spooky, it offers a different perspective on Gettysburg’s layered history, blending fact with folklore.

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The Guides and Their Stories

Guide quality appears to be a mixed bag based on reviews. Many comments praise guides like Daniel, Rob, and Bee for being enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaging. These guides bring the stories to life with genuine passion, making the experience memorable. However, some reviews note that guides can vary, with one reviewer mentioning a less engaging experience. Still, the overall sentiment leans positive, especially when guides tell stories with enthusiasm and provide insightful details about women’s roles.

How This Tour Offers Value

Compared to longer battlefield tours or ghost investigations, this experience focuses narrowly on women’s stories, which makes it a cost-effective, focused option for those interested in the personal side of Civil War history. The $32 price tag is reasonable considering the intimate storytelling, especially given the praise for knowledgeable guides.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who want a more nuanced picture of Gettysburg, beyond the battlefield. It’s especially appealing to travelers interested in women’s history, personal stories, and ghostly legends. Families, small groups, and solo travelers looking for a short yet impactful experience will find it a good fit.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary and Highlights

The tour starts outside the Brickhouse Inn, setting the tone with a warm welcome and familiar faces. From there, you’ll stroll through the historic district, passing by some of Gettysburg’s most notable homes—each with its own story of Civil War-era life.

Jennie Wade’s house is a major stop: standing in her kitchen, you’ll see the bullet hole in her door, a visceral reminder of the chaos that enveloped her final moments. The guide will narrate her story, emphasizing her courage during a war that left few civilians unscathed.

Next, your guide may take you to the cemetery, where Elizabeth Thorn’s story of grave digging illustrates the unseen labor women performed. It’s a stark contrast to traditional battlefield stories, showing women’s willingness to confront danger and hardship in service of the community.

The tour also covers women who disguised themselves as men to fight—stories that challenge notions of gender roles during wartime. These tales of disguise and bravery highlight women’s determination to contribute directly to the fight.

Ghostly Legends and Haunted Sites

The haunted aspect adds a layer of mystery and atmosphere, appealing to those intrigued by paranormal stories. Some sites in Gettysburg’s historic district are said to be haunted, and the guide may share local legends about ghosts lingering in the streets—adding a fun, slightly spooky twist to the serious stories of heroism.

Authenticity and Practicality

One reviewer appreciated the down-to-earth storytelling and the fact that stories are based on real individuals, not just generic histories. The tour’s focus on women’s roles fills a gap in typical Civil War narratives, making it especially meaningful for visitors who want a more complete understanding of the human side of the war.

The Guide’s Role

The quality of guides is a key factor—enthusiastic, well-informed guides will enhance your experience. While some reviews mention a guide who was less engaging, many travelers rave about guides like Bee, who made the stories come alive with energy and detail. Expect to hear about hidden stories and personal sacrifices that aren’t in standard history books.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll walk through historic streets and uneven terrain.
• Bring a passport or ID card if needed for verification.
• Prepare for weather—this tour goes rain or shine—so dress accordingly.
• Consider the extended tour option if you want to visit additional sites, including the scars of battle and enjoy ice cream afterward.
• Remember, parking is in local streets, not the Brickhouse Inn’s back lot, so give yourself a few extra minutes for parking.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re someone who appreciates stories of everyday heroism and wants to go beyond the typical battlefield narrative, this tour hits the mark. It offers a balanced mix of history, personal stories, and local legends, all delivered by passionate guides. For those interested in ghost stories or haunted sites, it combines history with a spooky twist that adds to the experience.

While some may find the tour’s focus narrow or wish for more access to actual sites, the value lies in the storytelling and genuine insights into women’s contributions during the Civil War. The reviews underscore the quality of guides and the unique perspective this experience provides—making it a worthwhile addition to your Gettysburg visit.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This walking tour is best suited for history lovers who want a more personal, women-focused narrative. It’s also a good pick for travelers wanting a short, engaging experience that combines history, ghost stories, and local legends. Families with older children, solo visitors, and couples will find it a meaningful way to connect with Gettysburg’s less-heroic but equally important stories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most travelers with mobility needs.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a passport or ID, and prepare for weather conditions since the tour is rain or shine.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on your chosen option.

Does the tour include access to private homes or actual battle sites?
No, the tour focuses on walking through the historic district and viewing exteriors, not accessing private sites or battlefields.

Are water or snacks provided?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can extend your experience with optional stops, including ice cream from Cone Sweet Cone.

What is the meeting point?
Outside the Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast. Guides wear branded T-shirts for easy spotting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do guides tell ghost stories?
Yes, haunted activity is included, adding a spooky element to the historical tales.

Is this tour good for children?
While suitable for most, keep in mind the stories may be more engaging for older children interested in history and legends.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtful glimpse into the overlooked roles women played during Gettysburg, blending solid storytelling with a bit of spooky fun. It’s ideal for those wanting a short, meaningful experience that adds depth to their understanding of Civil War history. While guides vary, the ones who bring passion and detail make this a memorable choice for curious travelers eager to uncover the hidden stories of bravery and sacrifice that shaped the town and the nation.

You can check availability for your dates here: