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Contact: Jason Martz
GETTYSBURG, PA – Two separate incidents of vandalism were reported to park officials at Gettysburg National Military Park on August 15 and August 19. Park staff reported multiple boulders on Little Round Top had graffiti scribed into the large stones on August 15. Battlefield visitors reported that the historic War Department Observation Tower on Oak Ridge was spray painted with graffiti on August 19. But by August 20, all traces of these two acts of vandalism had been removed by park preservation staff.
Park Superintendent Kristina Heister said, “Our hearts sank when these two cases of vandalism were reported within days of each other. We were fearful that the graffiti carved into the rock may be there for future generations. I’m so very thankful for our amazing preservation staff who expertly restored these sites quickly so visitors could continue to experience them as they were intended. They truly are the heroes of this hallowed ground!”
Throughout the National Park Service, visitors are asked to help park staff by immediately reporting any occurrences of vandalism or illegal activity. Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the park at 717-334-0909 or email the park at GETT_Superintendent@nps.gov. For all emergencies, visitors should always call 9-1-1.
“We can’t do it alone,” continued Superintendent Heister. “Vandalism of irreplaceable historic objects and structures that belong to all Americans should concern everyone. We all share in the responsibility of protecting and caring for this special place and everyone is a steward of the heritage, history, and resources of Gettysburg during their visit.”
The Gettysburg Borough Police Department is also investigating multiple acts of vandalism throughout the borough and Gettysburg College. Multiple areas were also spray painted. Please visit their website at https://adams.crimewatchpa.com/gettysburgpd for more information or to submit a tip.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 431 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: August 21, 2024