Platts Bill to Protect the Historic Lincoln Train Station Passes the U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. – Legislation sponsored by U.S. Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) to expand the boundaries of Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) to include the Lincoln Train Station passed the United States House of Representatives by a vote of 372-31 Friday.  The legislation, H.R. 4395, now goes to the United States Senate for consideration.

President Abraham Lincoln arrived at the Lincoln Train Station on November 18, 1863 prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address the following day.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lincoln Train Station also served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg, serving as the departure point for wounded soldiers returning home after the battle.  The station is the official home of the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

“In the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln was invited by prominent local attorney David Wills to say “a few appropriate remarks” at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery,” said Congressman Platts.  “That 272 word speech is heralded as one of the greatest in history and marks a pivotal turning point in American history.  The preservation of the Lincoln Train Station will help inspire future generations to better appreciate the significance of the Gettysburg Campaign, the Civil War and the bravery of the soldiers who, in President Lincoln's words, "gave the last full measure of devotion."

The Lincoln Train Station has been operated for the past two years by the National Trust for Historic Gettysburg and is owned by the Borough of Gettysburg – both of which approached Gettysburg National Military Park about incorporating the station within GNMP to better ensure its preservation.  The National Park Service plans to utilize the station as a downtown Gettysburg information and orientation center. 

 H.R. 4395 also expands the boundaries of GNMP to include 45 acres of land along Plum Run in Cumberland Township to be donated to the National Park Service.  The property in question, currently owned by the Gettysburg Foundation, abuts land already owned by the National Park Service.  Although both properties in question involve willing transactions, Congressman Platts’ legislation specifically forbids the use of eminent domain for acquisition of either property.

The preservation of the Lincoln Train Station joins the renovations of the Majestic Theatre and the David Wills House as key tenets of a major economic and cultural revitalization in Gettysburg.  Congressman Platts’ legislation was approved by the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on February 24th.