Lee's restored headquarters to open in Gettysburg
The Civil War Trust is planning a Friday celebration of the restoration of Gen. Robert E. Lee's command center during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Work on rehabilitating Lee's headquarters, also known as the Mary Thompson House, began more than a year ago with the goal of returning the site to its 1863 appearance, according to a news release.
The site, purchased with the help of a $1.5 million grant, was the scene of combat on July 1, 1863.
The Civil War Trust, America's largest battlefield preservation organization, purchased Lee's base in early 2015 with the intention of handing over the 4-acre property to the National Park Service.
More than 600 people are expected to attend the ribbon cutting, which will include a walk-through of the house, a time-lapse video of the restoration and historical artifacts on display, said Meg Martin, the communications manager of the Civil War Trust.
The rehabilitation also includes a face-lift for the property's landscape, with a new interpretive trail, according to the news release.
Speakers for the event include Civil War Trust President James Lighthizer and Gettysburg National Military Park Supt. Ed Clark, among others.
RELATED: Federal grant will aid in purchase of Lee's headquarters
If you go
What: Ribbon cutting ceremony at Gen. Robert E. Lee's headquarters
When: Friday, Oct. 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Mary Thompson House, 401 Buford Avenue in Gettysburg
Cost: Free
For more information, visit Civilwar.org/LeesHQEvent