David Wills House

David Wills House. The David Wills House is a historic building located on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is best known as the place where President Abraham Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Now a museum operated by the National Park Service, the house interprets the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln's visit to consecrate the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

History

The property was originally constructed in 1816 for attorney Alexander Cobean. In 1859, it was purchased by prominent local attorney and Pennsylvania state agent David Wills. Following the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, Wills played a central role in the creation of the Soldiers' National Cemetery to honor the Union dead. He corresponded with several officials, including Governor of Pennsylvania Andrew Gregg Curtin and United States Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, to plan the cemetery's dedication. Wills formally invited President Abraham Lincoln to provide "a few appropriate remarks" at the ceremony, an event that also featured famed orator Edward Everett. During the dedication, Lincoln stayed at Wills's home, which became a focal point for planning the National Cemetery Dedication Day. The house remained in the Wills family until the early 20th century and served various commercial purposes before being acquired for preservation.

Architecture

The structure is a three-story Federal and Greek Revival style brick townhouse, a common design for professional residences in mid-19th century Pennsylvania. Its prominent location on the town's central square emphasized Wills's social and civic standing. The most historically significant room is the second-floor bedroom where Abraham Lincoln stayed, which has been meticulously restored to its 1863 appearance. Other period rooms include Wills's law office and the family's formal parlor. The building's facade and interior layout have been preserved through careful restoration efforts led by the National Park Service and the Gettysburg Foundation, returning it to its condition during Lincoln's historic visit.

Role in the Gettysburg Address

The house served as the epicenter for preparations surrounding the consecration of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. On November 18, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln arrived by train and was escorted to the residence, where a crowd gathered outside. That evening, Lincoln likely finalized his now-immortal Gettysburg Address in the second-floor bedroom, possibly making final revisions to the brief speech. He is believed to have greeted other dignitaries, including Edward Everett and Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin, in the home. The following day, Lincoln departed from the house to deliver his address at the cemetery, an event that reshaped American historical memory and the meaning of the American Civil War.

Museum and exhibits

Opened as a museum in 2009 following a major restoration, the site is now managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Gettysburg Foundation. The museum's exhibits focus on the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, the creation of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and Lincoln's visit. Key artifacts include the original bed where Lincoln slept, Wills's personal desk, and several period furnishings. Interactive displays and historical documents detail the process of organizing the cemetery dedication and the national significance of the Gettysburg Address. The museum serves as an educational gateway to the broader Gettysburg National Military Park.

Significance and legacy

The site is nationally significant as the place where Abraham Lincoln prepared the Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in American political history. It is a contributing property to the Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house physically connects the massive Battle of Gettysburg with its political and commemorative aftermath, illustrating the transition from battlefield to sacred memorial. It stands as a testament to civic leadership in the wake of tragedy and continues to educate visitors about the enduring legacy of the American Civil War and the fight to preserve the Union.

Category:Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania Category:Museums in Adams County, Pennsylvania Category:Historic house museums in Pennsylvania Category:Abraham Lincoln