Gettysburg, PA – In celebration of the 250th birthday of one of Gettysburg’s cherished landmarks, the 1776 Dobbin House Tavern, we are pleased to announce the start of Dobbin House Square, a public welcoming space for education, reflection, and community gathering, with a grand opening planned for August 26 – 30, 2026.
The Dobbin House will host a public groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., marking the official announcement of the park. The ceremony will take place near the project site, 89 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg. Community members, area businesses, public officials and members of the public are invited to attend. Guests include Borough Manager, Charles Gable; Gettysburg History Historian, Tim Smith; Steinwehr Avenue Business Improvement District Board Member, Marci Cropp; and Project Manager of Conewago Construction, Ray Menges.
Along with open space for public events along Steinwehr Avenue, Dobbin House Square will ensure this historic area continues to inspire future generations with five life-size “Charters of Freedom” settings- the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Civil Rights Amendments and the Gettysburg Address, www.chartersoffreedom.com, and a Pennsylvania semiquincentennial, life-size Liberty Bell, www.america250pa.org//PPE:_Semiquin_Bells. These outdoor settings will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be free for Gettysburg residents and visitors. The park is dedicated to preserving the past while investing in its future. It will strengthen pedestrian flow to the businesses along the avenue and enhance the overall visitor experience to Gettysburg.
Dobbin House Square is located next to the oldest building in Gettysburg, the Dobbin House, built in 1776. With the exact same age as the United States of America, both are celebrating their 250th birthdays in 2026. The Dobbin House was built by Rev. Alexander Dobbin, one of the earliest settlers in this area. It is now a popular dining, lodging and shopping establishment.
The Dobbin House and the accompanying park are on Steinwehr Avenue in Gettysburg. The street is conveniently located directly in the center of the surrounding Gettysburg National Military Park and includes one of the entrances to the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Lincoln gave the famous “Gettysburg Address”. Hotels and bed and breakfast lodging, a variety of dining venues, historic Battle of Gettysburg museums, and boutiques, shops and artist studios make the avenue the ideal place to stay for exploration of Gettysburg and Adams County.
Our thanks to Conewago Construction Company for providing the ceremonial shovels! For more information about the Dobbin House Tavern, visit: https://www.dobbinhouse.com. For additional information about the park and groundbreaking, contact Chris Charney at chrisc@dobbinhouse.com, 717-334-2100 x124
ABOUT THE DOBBIN HOUSE TAVERN–
Opened as an authentic colonial tavern in 1978, the Dobbin House Tavern is a treasured local landmark, offering premier lodging, fine dining and unique gifts to guests from the local area and around the world. Built in 1776, it is the oldest building in Gettysburg, celebrating its 250th birthday alongside the birthday of the United States of America in 2026.
The Dobbin House, appearing virtually the same as it did over 200 years ago, stands as testament to the fortitude of the American spirit as well as the quality of genuine American craftsmanship. Its native stone walls, seven fireplaces, and hand carved woodwork have been painstakingly restored to their original beauty and character, with interior decor in the traditional eighteenth century manner. Many of the home’s antique furnishings are identical to those listed in the inventory of Rev. Dobbin’s estate. The china and flatware exactly match fragments which were unearthed during the re-excavation of the cellar. The servant’s period-clothing is authentic to the local area.
The Dobbin House features the Springhouse Tavern; casual dining, the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms; fine dining, the Abigail Adams ballroom; banquet dining, the Gettystown Inn; a bed and breakfast in three historic buildings, the Country Curiosity Store; boutique shopping, and guided 4-century history tours of the house.
As an authentic colonial tavern, many visitors say the allure of Dobbin House stays with them long after their visit. More than a superior culinary delight, to step into the iconic house is an enchanting journey back to the charming quaintness and lively spirit of Gettysburg’s and America’s beginnings.