One of the more well known farms on the battlefield is the John Slyder farm located at the base of Big Round Top. On July 2, 1863 this-88 acre farm would be transformed forever as soldiers from north and south moved through the farm. The fences and stone walls built by the Slyder family would become defensive works for Union sharpshooters and obstacles for Confederate troops to overcome as they made their assault toward the Round Tops.
The stone house standing today was built by John Slyder in 1852. As the farm grew several barns and outbuildings were added to the property. Like many other landowners, farming was not enough for the family to sustain themselves. Being a skilled blacksmith, John Slyder also built a blacksmith shop near the house. In addition to horses, milk cows, cattle, swine, chickens, and an orchard, the Slyders also owned a large timber supply on the slopes of Big Round Top. Life on the farm for the Slyder family was hard work but they prospered here.
Like all those who owned property on the battlefield the Slyders returned to destruction. Their farm had been devastated, their food was gone and the well had run dry. They submitted claims to the U.S. government for battle damage but received nothing.
In 1992, during the filming for the movie Gettysburg, this farm was used as the backdrop for Robert E. Lee’s headquarters.
The Slyder Farmhouse offers a large loft bedroom with 2 queen beds; 1 bathroom; fully-equipped and updated eat-in kitchen with dishes, utensils, Keurig coffee maker, stove, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator; and sitting room. Central heating and air conditioning provide comfort year-round. Bed linens, sheets, pillows, and a limited supply of towels are available. Dish soap and dishwasher detergent are provided.
After completing your reservation on the Recreation.gov website you will be contacted by the National Park Service to sign a Short Term Lease Agreement. When this signed agreement is returned, you will be sent a keycode to access the historic Slyder House. Please note, a security deposit of $250 is included in your reservation fee. Upon inspection of the house after departure, the security deposit will be refunded within 10 days if no damage has been reported.
This video allows you to virtually tour the interior of the John Slyder farmhouse, witness to the battle of Gettysburg.
Facility Information
Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
A minimum 2-night stay and a maximum 6-night stay.
The Lessee shall pay to the Lessor the nightly rent plus a $250.00 refundable security deposit. In the event of the failure of Lessee to keep and perform all of the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Lease, Lessor may apply or use any portion of the security deposit that is reasonably necessary to compensate Lessor for all loss or damage sustained or suffered by Lessor.
Payment in full required at time you book reservation.
A $10 cancellation or change fee applies if the reservation is changed or cancelled.
Customers who cancel within 14 days before the arrival date will also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Pass discounts are not available,
A Keyless Access code will be provided prior to scheduled arrival.
Check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Check out procedures - Lessee shall broom sweep all floors; place all used towels in the provided hamper; empty all trash and leave next to the door outside; clean all used dishes and remove any personal belongings by 11 AM on the termination date of the lease. Door must be locked upon leaving. Vehicles are to be removed from the premises after the termination of the lease, and access to the property is unauthorized after check-out without the express permission of the Leasing Manager or their designee. Violation of this policy can result in ineligibility for future rentals at Gettysburg National Military Park and ticketing and/or removal of vehicles from the premises.
The Person named on the reservation (Lessee) must be an occupant of the property during the entire term of the lease.
The maximum capacity for tenancy for the leased premises is 6.
Lessee will be responsible for furnishing personal items.
Parking is limited to the designated area. Lessee must ensure that no vehicles are parked on the drives or outside of the designated area.
The park is closed from sunset to sunrise. Lessee and all occupants staying are prohibited from exploring areas outside the leased boundaries while the park is closed. During these hours Lessee shall not cause any unnecessarily loud, excessive, or unusual noise, where such noise is plainly audible.
This is a very old historic house; please be respectful and careful to help preserve its history.
The house is not wheelchair accessible.
Pets are not permitted at house. Service dogs are permitted.
No Smoking.
Digging on the premises is prohibited.
Open fires on the premises are prohibited.
Tents or any type of temporary structures on the premises are prohibited.
No toiletries are provided. Please be sure to bring your own.
There are no laundry facilities in the house.
Free Wi-Fi is available however, there are no televisions in the house.
Cell phone service is available. There is a phone in the house for emergency and local calls only.
White-tail deer are abundant in the area, so deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are also prevalent. Be sure to check for ticks and/or wear protective clothing with any outdoor activities.
Please be advised that there may be ongoing park operations near the Bushman House during your stay, potentially including permitted special events, interpretive activities, field mowing, use of prescribed fire, and deer management activities. None of these activities will occur within the perimeter of the Bushman house yard.
Driveway access will be maintained as open at all times. The driveway is an authorized trail for horses and pedestrians as well as providing access for maintenance purposes and should never be blocked.
Any maintenance issues should be reported immediately and repairs will be made as soon as possible.
