ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. — It’s been nearly two years since Little Round Top closed to the public in Gettysburg National Military Park.
22 months and nearly $13 million later, the site is open once again.
“It’s an exciting relief, so many people want to come here, to bring their families here, my family comes here, my grandchildren like to come here,” said David Malgee, Interim President & CEO of Gettysburg Foundation.
The project marks a joint effort by the Gettysburg Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the American Battlefield Trust who donated more than $5 million dollars in rehabilitation funds.
The rest of the project was paid for through federal funding.
History buffs like Nick Rinaca say they’re happy to have the area back.
“It’s important to remember all parts of history, both the good and the bad… it’s great to have it back, it’s an important piece of history,” Rinaca said.
Rinaca and his son participate in Civil War reenactments throughout the year.
Little Round Top saw extensive fighting during the battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and has been an iconic landscape since.
“The 20th main made their famous stance on Vincent Spur. General Warren could look down on the battlefield from up on high and see the attacks developing, so it was a very strategic and important hill,” Maglee said.
Little Round Top has always been a popular spot along the Gettysburg campaign trail, but after receiving concerns about overgrown plants and poor accessibility, officials knew it was time to make some much-needed changes
Noticeable changes include a more accessible trail system, new interpretive waysides throughout the area, and stabilized soil deposits to avoid erosion.
Project officials describe the changes as an investment in the battlefield.
“Some people may not understand why all these changes, but I think in the long run people are going to love what’s been done here; it’s a gift to the American people is what it is,” Maglee said.
People can visit the park and its trails from dawn to dusk.