Gettysburg National Tower

Gettysburg National Tower was an observation tower with a distinctive hyperboloid shape that tapered from its wide base to a narrower top. The structure featured multiple viewing levels that visitors could reach by elevator or by climbing stairs.

The tower was built in 1974 as a private development and drew visitors to the battlefield park for decades. In 2000, federal officials ordered its removal to restore the historical character of the site.

The tower served as a vantage point where visitors could observe the battlefield layout and understand how soldiers moved across the terrain. Information panels placed at viewing levels helped people grasp the scale and strategy of the battle.

The site is located within a national park, so it helps to wear proper footwear and allow time for exploring the surroundings. Visitors should know the structure no longer stands, but the park offers alternative viewpoints and visitor centers for learning about the battlefield.

The tower's demolition took place on July 3, 2000, the anniversary of the battle's final day in 1863. The demolition was carefully timed and choreographed to mimic cannon fire, creating a symbolic end to the structure.

Inception: 1974

Official opening: July 29, 1974

Floors above the ground: 4

Elevators: 2

GPS coordinates: 39.81500,-77.23056

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00