Pa. Civil War Trails focuses on untold stories

40 new �story stops� highlight the role of citizens

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 4/29/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE �

 

CONTACT:

Michael Chapaloney

(717) 720-1301

 

 

Pennsylvania recently unveiled a new Civil War Trails experience to tell the story of the Civil War from a northern state�s perspective and to share the experiences of participants who did not wear a uniform.

 

�We are stepping off of the battlefield to tell the untold stories of citizens and the communities who were forever changed by the Civil War,� said Mickey Rowley, the Department of Community and Economic Development�s deputy secretary of tourism. �In doing this, we are fulfilling our responsibility to present Pennsylvania�s rich Civil War heritage in an easy and accessible way for future generations to explore.�

 

The Pennsylvania Civil War Trails program educates people about the women and children under siege; African-American contributions in the defense of the state; and the endurance of ordinary citizens during a time of great unrest.

 

The stories are told through 40 new �story stops,� which are living history presentations, and at more than 25 historic sites in and between communities of Gettysburg, York, Hanover, Chambersburg, Carlisle, Harrisburg, and Wrightsville.

 

�By following the trails throughout the Dutch Country Roads region, visitors will finally get to hear the stories that have been passed on from generation to generation,� Rowley said. �In addition to a greater understanding of the effect the Civil War had on the people of Pennsylvania, visitors will see a different side of the communities embroiled in the conflict.�

 

Two distinct trails were developed in a partnership among the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission:

 

�                         The Road to Gettysburg: Defending the Commonwealth tells of the Union effort to hold off approaching Confederate forces from overtaking the northern state.

�                         The Road to Harrisburg: The Pennsylvania Breadbasket looks at the Civil War from the Confederate side, detailing General Lee�s strategy and attempt to capture Pennsylvania�s capital city and the detour that led both sides to meet at Gettysburg.

 

The companion brochure, which is available at the state�s Welcome Centers and at destinations featured along the trail, includes additional stories and a map to guide visitors along the trail route.

 

For more information, visit www.visitPA.com/civilwar.