The National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday that officials discovered vandalism at the iconic Gettysburg Battlefield.
Gettysburg National Military Park faced two separate acts of vandalism that were subsequently addressed by park preservation staff, he said. press release According to the National Park Service, the first incident occurred on August 15, when park staff found graffiti on several rocks at Little Round Top. The second incident was reported by battlefield visitors on August 19, when graffiti was spray-painted on the historic War Department observation tower at Oak Ridge.
Two sites destroyed at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania: 'My heart sinks' https://t.co/I0UGlTHv5d pic.twitter.com/XkyjXjinyn
— New York Post (@nypost) August 22, 2024
The park's conservation team responded immediately to the incident, and all evidence of the vandalism had been removed by August 20. Park manager Christina Heister expressed her gratitude to the conservation staff. (Related article: Vandals release live crickets and mealworms at university executive's home; Governor responds)
“We were disheartened when two incidents of vandalism were reported within a matter of days,” Heister said in a press release. “We were concerned that the graffiti carved into the rocks would remain for future generations. We are so grateful to the incredible preservation staff who quickly and skillfully restored these sites, allowing visitors to continue to experience them as they were intended. They are truly heroes on this sacred ground.”
Reenactors walk out of their campsite during the 160th reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg at Daniel Ready Farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on June 30, 2023. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
According to a news release, Gettysburg Borough Police are investigating similar incidents of vandalism throughout the borough and at Gettysburg College. Authorities urge area residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Tips can be submitted through the Gettysburg Police Department website or by contacting the park directly at 717-334-0909 or emailing GETT_Superintendent@nps.gov.
