Adams County (population 78,274) was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County and was named in honor of President John Adams. Gettysburg, the county seat, was named for James Gettys, a local landowner.

A land of rolling hills, farms and acres of orchards. Known as the largest producer of apples in the Commonwealth, Adams County carries the nickname of Apple Capital USA. 20,000 of its acres are dedicated to production of all kinds of fruit. From late spring to late fall fruit lovers line the numerous farmers markets for the freshest in-season fruit.

And, had history been different, that is all this quiet, quaint Pennsylvania county would have been known for. However, on June 30, 1863 a few men from Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia met a few men from Meade's Army of the Potomac and the history of the world changed. Gettysburg. The high tide for the Confederacy in the Civil war was reached when a couple of men breached the wall at the "Angle" during Pickett's Charge. They were captured or killed and the Confederacy was doomed.

Come see where 15,000 men lined up in a mile-long line and, out of a sense of honor, marched into oblivion. See where the 328 men of the 20th Maine, out of ammunition, led a bayonet charge on the Union left flank at Little Round Top and won not only the day but, in all probability, the battle on the second day. Feel General Lee's anguish while you stand at the spot where his West Point protege, Major General John F. Reynolds, from nearby Lancaster, PA took a bullet to the brain while stopping Lee's advance on the first day.

Imagine yourself on either side those three days wondering what you would have done in the battle that ensured, in the words of Abraham Lincoln "that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the People, by the People and for the People shall not perish from the earth."