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Gettysburg's Oldest Home Turns 250!
27 Aug
Summary
- The 1776 Dobbin House marks 250 years since its completion.
- It served as a home, school, tavern, and Underground Railroad stop.
- Restoration saved the building from demolition in the 1970s.
Gettysburg's historic Dobbin House, the oldest surviving building in the town, marked its 250th anniversary on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Reverend Alexander Dobbin completed the stone home in 1776, the same year the United States declared its independence. The anniversary was celebrated with a reenactment of the original consecration ceremony.
The Dobbin House has a rich and varied past, serving initially as a family home and classical school. Over the centuries, it transformed into a tavern, a vital secret stop on the Underground Railroad, and a temporary field hospital during the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg.
By the 1970s, the building was in severe disrepair and faced demolition. A significant restoration effort led by local couple Jacqueline and Gary White in the mid-1970s saved the structure. They transformed it into a colonial-style tavern and restaurant, reopening to the public in 1978.
Celebrations continue this week with the opening of Dobbin House Square on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This outdoor educational museum features replicas of the Charters of Freedom and will offer free, round-the-clock access to historical displays. The day's events include an honor guard, a cannon salute, living history reenactments, and musical performances.
