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Gettysburg National Military Park
National Cemetery Gate Damaged

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Date: May 18, 2009

Park Rangers at Gettysburg National Military Park are asking the public for information about a hit-and-run accident that damaged the historic gate to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery on Baltimore Street late on the night of April 25 - 26, 2009.

Law Enforcement Rangers believe a car - possibly yellow in color - drove into the gate, damaging it and then drove away from the scene. They recovered part of a license plate holder at the scene that says "I’d rather be shopping." The vehicle may show damage to the front end.

The damaged gate was on the left side of the Baltimore Street entrance to the Cemetery and has been temporarily removed for repairs. The historic iron fence gate is from the late 1930s. Repair costs are estimated at $2500.

Anyone with information is asked to call 717/ 334-0909.

The Soldiers’ National Cemetery is the burial site for more than 3,500 Union soldiers killed at Gettysburg in July 1863. President Abraham Lincoln dedicated the cemetery on November 19, 1863, with his immortal Gettysburg Address. The cemetery is the final resting place for veterans from the Civil War to the Vietnam War and is maintained by Gettysburg National Military Park.

 
Destroyed gate to cemetery
(National Park Service)
The damaged gate to the Soldiers' National Cemetery.
Cavalry on the road to Gettysburg.  

Did You Know?
The first shot of the Battle of Gettysburg was fired by an Illinois cavalry officer who used a carbine borrowed from his sergeant. He missed his target.

Last Updated: May 18, 2009 at 12:09 EST