Stay at the Historic Slyder Farmhouse

The Slyder house and farm buildings.

NPS Photo

 

• Slyder House Reservations

One of the more well known farms on the battlefield is the John Slyder farm located at the base of Big Round Top. On July 2, 1863 this-88 acre farm would be transformed forever as soldiers from north and south moved through the farm. The fences and stone walls built by the Slyder family would become defensive works for Union sharpshooters and obstacles for Confederate troops to overcome as they made their assault toward the Round Tops.

The stone house standing today was built by John Slyder in 1852. As the farm grew several barns and outbuildings were added to the property. Like many other landowners, farming was not enough for the family to sustain themselves. Being a skilled blacksmith, John Slyder also built a blacksmith shop near the house. In addition to horses, milk cows, cattle, swine, chickens, and an orchard, the Slyders also owned a large timber supply on the slopes of Big Round Top. Life on the farm for the Slyder family was hard work but they prospered here.

Like all those who owned property on the battlefield the Slyders returned to destruction. Their farm had been devastated, their food was gone and the well had run dry. They submitted claims to the U.S. government for battle damage but received nothing.

In 1992, during the filming for the movie Gettysburg, this farm was used as the backdrop for Robert E. Lee’s headquarters.
 

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The Slyder Farmhouse offers a large loft bedroom with 2 queen beds; 1 bathroom; fully-equipped and updated eat-in kitchen with dishes, utensils, Keurig coffee maker, stove, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator; 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.

 

How to make reservations

Step 1

Please visit the historic Slyder House page on the Recreation.gov website for all property details and to make reservations.

Step 2 - Short Term Lease Agreement

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 Slyder 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.

 

 

Duration:

1 minute, 55 seconds

This video allows you to virtually tour the interior of the John Slyder farmhouse, witness to the battle of Gettysburg.