Georgia and Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfasts Bring History to Life

By Jane Leisteiner

For history buffs, a visit to a bed and breakfast can be a trip back in time. Not only are B&Bs often located in unqiue, restored homes boasting a rich history, they are often close to many historic sites and museums. A few bed and breakfasts are even within walking distance of Civil War battlefields; here are some inns guaranteed to provide guests a close encounter with history.

If your planning a trip to Gettysburg National Park, The Carlisle House is an ideal home base. The historic inn dates back to the early 19th century and is located in the historic district of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where many of the buildings were built either in the Civil or Revolutionary War eras. Guest rooms at this Pennsylvania bed and breakfast are decorated with antiques in period style. Several guest rooms have a whirlpool tub. Explore the local historic district, visit Gettysburg or perhaps enjoy a trip to Amish Country in Lancaster County.

At the Berry Patch Inn, Pennsylvania Dutch hospitality in a newly built log home is served up by hosts Charlie and Bunny Yinger with Strawberry Pancakes, waffles and peach berry muffins. This Pennsylvania bed and breakfast sits on ten acres just outside the quaint old town of Lebanon and is five minutes from Fort Indiantown Gap and a short drive to Gettysburg National Park and other attractions.

Both Union and Confederate solderies once were housed at Washington Plantation, an 1828 Greek Revival manor in Washington, Georgia. The area has several important claims to fame. Washington is known as the town that General Sherman didn’t burn while ravaging his way to Savannah. The paperwork that dissolved the Confederate States was signed less than a half-mile from this inn. Today, the Washington Plantation enjoys happier times surrounded by seven acres that include a koi pond and rose garden.

If you are searching for history, try Lake Alltoona Inn in Cartersville, Georgia, which is located on the grounds of the Battle Altoona Pass. This Battle was important to the railroad that supplied General Sherman and his march to the sea. Victorian house lovers will appreciate the many special features that were restored during the recent renovation of this circa 1863 farmhouse. From the wrap-around porches you can view the site of “The Battle of Allatoona Pass”, and the Lake Altoona marina, dock, and Redtop Mountain State Park. This 16-acre property has room to park boat trailers and is 500 feet from the Altoona Landing marina where the inn has a private dock.

During the Civil War, The Jacob Rohrback Inn of Sharpsburg, Maryland, was damaged by artillery fire. The house was located on the grounds where the Battle of Antietam occurred and was used as a hospital to care for wounded soldiers. This battle was the war’s bloodiest, in fact the largest military loss ever endured by Americans in one day. Today the site is perhaps the most well preserved Civil War battlefield. The inn dates to the early 19th century boasting many original features, as well as period antiques and reproductions.