Two incidents of vandalism have reportedly occurred at Gettysburg National Park within one week. On August 15, park officials reported that multiple boulders had been defaced with graffiti inscribed onto the faces of large stones on Little Round Top, as reported by the National Park Services (NPS). The second incident took place on August 19, when visitors of the historic site reported that graffiti had been spray-painted on the historic War Department Observation Tower.
“Our hearts sank when these two cases of vandalism were reported within days of each other,” shared Kristina Heister, park superintendent, in an NPS press release. Park preservationists were quick to respond and were able to remove all traces of the vandalism by August 20. Heister expressed her gratitude for the preservation staff who expertly restored these sites quickly so visitors could continue to experience them as intended, calling them the heroes of the hallowed ground.
According to the Gettysburg Borough Police Department, a suspect involved in the spray-painting at the historic military park has been identified. The incident is still under investigation, and if found guilty, the subject or subjects may face up to six months in jail or be fined up to $5,000, the penalty for vandalizing a National Park, as stated by the NPS.
Little Round Top played a significant role in the final stages of the Civil War, where Medal of Honor recipient Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain led his men on a bayonet charge down the hill, saving the Union line and contributing to Union victory in the Civil War. This historic site holds great importance in American history.
“It’s safe to say that our hearts sank to see that something like this had been done here on the hallowed ground of Gettysburg,” said Jason Martz, Gettysburg National Military Park’s communication specialist, in an interview with Fox 43. He expressed disappointment at the vandalism on the site, especially after it had been closed for nearly two years and had recently reopened to the public in late June this year.
Heister emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting and caring for historical, irreplaceable objects and structures, stating that everyone shares the duty of being stewards of the heritage, history, and resources of Gettysburg during their visit. Martz, who first saw the damage on a social media post, highlighted the crucial role Americans play in preserving historical objects and locations like Gettysburg National Park.
The vandalism incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving historical sites for future generations to appreciate. The Gettysburg Foundation’s website notes the significance of Little Round Top and its reopening to the public after undergoing rehabilitation for two years. The damage caused by the graffiti serves as a setback in the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the park.
Fox News Digital reached out to the National Park Services and the Gettysburg Borough Police Department for additional comments on the incidents. As the investigations continue and efforts to prevent future acts of vandalism are put into place, the community at large must remain vigilant in safeguarding the historical significance of Gettysburg National Park.
