David Wills House
8 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA, 17325
The David Wills House in Gettysburg is a historic site where Abraham Lincoln spent the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address. Visitors come here to see exhibits about Lincoln’s visit, the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, and the creation of the National Cemetery. The house offers a fascinating glimpse into Civil War history and Lincoln’s legacy.
The basics
After taking a battlefield tour, visit the David Wills House on your own. Visitors can explore the galleries featuring exhibits on President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address and the home’s role in the Civil War, particularly following the Battle of Gettysburg.
Highlights include the bedroom where Lincoln stayed, original furnishings and documents, and the office of attorney David Wills, who played a key role in planning for the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Guided tours from Washington DC to Gettysburg are popular day trip options.
Things to know before you go
Admission to the David Wills House is free.
The site is wheelchair accessible, with access to the second floor by elevator.
The David Wills House is part of the Gettysburg National Military Park, which includes the Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
How to get there
The David Wills House in downtown Gettysburg can be reached via US Route 15. From Washington DC, it’s about a 90-minute drive, and from Philadelphia, around 2.5 hours. Guided tours from DC typically include round-trip transportation. You can also use regional and local bus lines; from the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, hop aboard rabbittransit’s Lincoln Line 1 or 2 to reach the house.
When to get there
Note that the David Wills House is currently closed due to a water line rupture. The hours at the house normally vary with the seasons. Overall, the best times to visit are during the spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant for walking around Gettysburg's historic sites, and crowds are manageable. Visit around November 19, the anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, when you’ll be able to experience special events and commemorative activities.
Gettysburg National Cemetery
The cemetery is where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, which is commemorated by the Lincoln Address Memorial. Over 3,500 Union soldiers who died in the Battle of Gettysburg are buried here; the Soldiers' National Monument serves as the centerpiece of the semi-circle of their graves. The cemetery is also the final resting place of US soldiers who served during the Civil War up to Vietnam.
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