Over 215 Years of History in the Heart of Gettysburg
The Farnsworth House Inn, located at 401 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is not only a charming bed and breakfast but also a historical landmark deeply intertwined with the events of the American Civil War.
The original part of the house was built in 1810 by John McFarlane, followed by the brick structure in 1833. During the Battle of Gettysburg — which raged from July 1st to July 3rd, 1863 — the house stood at the epicenter of the conflict. Confederate sharpshooters sheltered within its walls, one of whom is believed to have accidentally fired the shot that took the life of Mary Virginia "Jennie" Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle. More than 100 bullet holes still pock the brick facade.
The Lincoln procession passed the Farnsworth House on November 19, 1863, on its way to the National Cemetery where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Harvey Sweney, the owner at the time, composed a letter to his brother — the most insightful and powerful firsthand account ever written on the subject.
Following the battle, the house served as a field hospital for wounded soldiers of both the Union and Confederate armies. Its rooms, once peaceful and domestic, became makeshift operating theaters where surgeons worked tirelessly amid the chaos of war.
1810
John McFarlane builds the original stone structure at 401 Baltimore Street.
1833
The brick addition is constructed, giving the house the form it retains today.
1852
Harvey Sweney acquires the property. The Sweney family would own it through the Civil War era.
July 1–3, 1863
The Battle of Gettysburg rages. Confederate sharpshooters occupy the garret. Over 100 bullet holes scar the south side of the house. A stray round is believed to have killed Jennie Wade — the only civilian casualty of the battle.
July 3, 1863
Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth leads a doomed cavalry charge after the failure of Pickett’s Charge, losing his life along with 65 of his men. The house is later named in his honor.
November 19, 1863
President Lincoln’s procession passes the house on the way to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Owner Harvey Sweney writes a firsthand account — the most insightful ever penned on the subject.
1863–1865
The house serves as a field hospital for wounded Union and Confederate soldiers.
1909
George Black purchases the property, maintaining it through much of the 20th century.
1972
Loring and Jean Shultz acquire the Farnsworth House and begin transforming it into the beloved inn, restaurant, and ghost tour destination it is today.
Today
The Farnsworth House Inn remains family-owned and operated — over 50 years and counting. Four generations of the Shultz family welcome guests to stay, dine, and explore one of America’s most historic and haunted properties.
Loring and Jean Shultz behind Sweney’s Tavern, 2022
Family Owned Since 1972
For over 215 years the Farnsworth House has had four owners: John McFarlane (1810), Harvey Sweney (1852), George Black (1909), and Loring Shultz (1972). Loring and his wife, Jean, have been very dedicated to their establishment for over 50 years. The Historic Farnsworth House Inn has been a family run business since 1972. With their four kids, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren all working together, this place isn’t just a business, but home.
Today, the Farnsworth House offers Victorian bed & breakfast rooms, the Meade & Lee Fine Dining Rooms serving Pennsylvania Dutch and period fare, family-friendly Sweney's Tavern, and a garret holding a personal collection of authentic Civil War artifacts. A&E, BBC, Food Network, Discovery, History, Sci-Fi, and Travel Channels have all featured this historic inn.
Book a RoomThe Farnsworth House Inn stands in good company. Fine Living Magazine places it alongside the legendary Don CeSar Beach Resort, the Hotel del Coronado, the Queen Mary Hotel, and the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast — all ranked among the most haunted locations in America.
Further Reading:
As Seen On
The Farnsworth House Inn has been featured on some of the most recognized networks in the world. From ghost investigations to historical features, our storied property continues to capture the imagination of audiences everywhere.
The inn has also been recognized by Fine Living Magazine as one of the most haunted locations in America, alongside the Hotel del Coronado, the Queen Mary Hotel, and the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast.
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401 Baltimore Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325 · (717) 334-8838