Preserving the Lincoln Train Station in Gettysburg

Floor Speech

Mr. PERRY. To help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address, I have introduced legislation, H.R. 1513, to preserve the historic Lincoln Train Station in Gettysburg.

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, transporting wounded soldiers after the battle.

The National Park Service plans to utilize this station as a downtown Gettysburg information center. The intent of this legislation is to preserve this historic site without using any hard-earned tax dollars. The legislation also expands the boundaries of the Gettysburg National Military Park to include 45 acres of donated land along Plum Run in Cumberland Township. This legislation specifically forbids the use of eminent domain for the acquisition of either property and will not utilize any Federal funds.

I applaud the efforts of the Gettysburg Foundation and the Gettysburg National Military Park to increase public understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg and Gettysburg's place within the context of the American Civil War.

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