Built in 1808, the Michael Bushman Farm stands along the Emmitsburg Road, near the Slyder Farm. The two-story stone home with a brick edition became a staging ground for Confederate General John Bell Hood’s attack on July 2. The farm holds a rich history before and after the battle.
Sophia Hammer, the original owner of the farm, deeded the property to her daughter Amelia. Sophia included Reverend Michael Bushman into the will of her estate after he married Amelia in 1834. Michael and Amelia added a brick addition and a smokehouse just before 1860, to its current appearance. Like many of the families south of town, Michael and Amelia fled their home during the battle.
On July 2, General Hood sent his men through the Bushman property to attack Little Round Top and Devil’s Den. The barn became one of the primary aide stations on July 2 and 3 for Hood’s men. Michael and Amelia found their home looted and eight Confederate soldiers buried next to the barn when they returned.
After the battle, Amelia passed away in 1875 and Michael remarried in 1878 to Louisa Rupp. Michael passed away 15 years later but left Louisa in a predicament. Michael never updated his will to include Louisa, and stated the property belonged to his children with Amelia. Amelia and Michael never had any children and left Louisa homeless. The home was sold to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association in 1894, and later transferred to the National Park Service in 1933.
Beautifully restored and updated in 2017, the house is set back from the roadways and nestled within famous landmarks like Little Round Top and Devil's Den.
The Bushman House offers three bedrooms, including a first-floor master bedroom; 1.5 bathrooms; fully-equipped and updated kitchen with dishes, utensils, Kurieg coffee maker, stove, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator; dining room; and sitting room. Central heating and air conditioning provide comfort year-round. Bed linens, sheets, pillows, and a limited supply of towels are available. Dish soap and dishwasher detergent are provided.
After completing your reservation on the Recreation.gov website you will be contacted by the National Park Service to sign a Short Term Lease Agreement. When this signed agreement is returned, you will be sent a keycode to access the historic Bushman House. Please note, a security deposit of $250 is included in your reservation fee. Upon inspection of the house after departure, the security deposit will be refunded within 10 days if no damage has been reported.
Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
A minimum 2-night stay and a maximum 6-night stay.
The Lessee shall pay to the Lessor the nightly rent plus a $250.00 refundable security deposit. In the event of the failure of Lessee to keep and perform all of the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Lease, Lessor may apply or use any portion of the security deposit that is reasonably necessary to compensate Lessor for all loss or damage sustained or suffered by Lessor.
Payment in full required at time you book reservation.
A $10 cancellation or change fee applies if the reservation is changed or cancelled.
Customers who cancel within 14 days before the arrival date will also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Pass discounts are not available,
A Keyless Access code will be provided prior to scheduled arrival.
Check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Check out procedures - Lessee shall broom sweep all floors; place all used towels in the provided hamper; empty all trash and leave next to the door outside; clean all used dishes and remove any personal belongings by 11 AM on the termination date of the lease. Door must be locked upon leaving. Vehicles are to be removed from the premises after the termination of the lease, and access to the property is unauthorized after check-out without the express permission of the Leasing Manager or their designee. Violation of this policy can result in ineligibility for future rentals at Gettysburg National Military Park and ticketing and/or removal of vehicles from the premises.
The Person named on the reservation (Lessee) must be an occupant of the property during the entire term of the lease.
The maximum capacity for tenancy for the leased premises is 6.
Lessee will be responsible for furnishing personal items.
Parking is limited to the designated area. Lessee must ensure that no vehicles are parked on the drives or outside of the designated area.
The park is closed from sunset to sunrise. Lessee and all occupants staying are prohibited from exploring areas outside the leased boundaries while the park is closed. During these hours Lessee shall not cause any unnecessarily loud, excessive, or unusual noise, where such noise is plainly audible.
This is a very old historic house; please be respectful and careful to help preserve its history.
The house is not wheelchair accessible.
Pets are not permitted at house. Service dogs are permitted.
No Smoking.
Digging on the premises is prohibited.
Open fires on the premises are prohibited.
Tents or any type of temporary structures on the premises are prohibited.
No toiletries are provided. Please be sure to bring your own.
There are no laundry facilities in the house.
Free Wi-Fi is available however, there are no televisions in the house.
Cell phone service is available. There is a phone in the house for emergency and local calls only.
White-tail deer are abundant in the area, so deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are also prevalent. Be sure to check for ticks and/or wear protective clothing with any outdoor activities.
Please be advised that there may be ongoing park operations near the Bushman House during your stay, potentially including permitted special events, interpretive activities, field mowing, use of prescribed fire, and deer management activities. None of these activities will occur within the perimeter of the Bushman house yard.
Driveway access will be maintained as open at all times. The driveway is an authorized trail for horses and pedestrians as well as providing access for maintenance purposes and should never be blocked.
Any maintenance issues should be reported immediately and repairs will be made as soon as possible.
