Opposing forces charge and countercharge over fate of old Gettysburg Cyclorama building
The old Gettysburg Cyclorama building, slated for demolition, has gained new life – possibly. Also of interest: ‘Ruh-row, Raggy’: Gettysburg ghost hunters find no trespassing signs and York newspaper about Gettysburg Address: ‘Mr. Lincoln made a joke or two …’ and Q&A on new Gettysburg visitor center, old Electric Map
A grassy field has grown up where the old visitors center at Gettysburg National Military Park came down.
A newcomer would not know that a long narrow building visited by millions each year sat there for decades.
But its longtime sister, the old Cyclorama building stands nearby, as courts and the federal government decide its fate… .
The National Park Service wants to demolish it so that this prime battlefield land, Ziegler’s Grove, would return to its 1863 appearance. The historic circular painting hangs in new quarters in the visitors center, opened in 2008.
Most recently, the National Park Service has been ordered to do an environmental analysis on the demolition of the old building and to consider “non-demolition alternatives” to its removal.
The old Cyclorama building is fenced in so a close inspection is difficult, but from all appearances, each day that passes means restoration or moving the building is less likely or more expensive.
The familiar circular building looks like it has been ridden hard and put up wet.
The Hanover (Pa.) Evening Sun has kept lovers of the old Cyclorama building up to date about the legal back and forth:
– Environmental assessment on old Cyclorama building released.
– One of cyclorama’s siblings finds a home: Painting depicting the Battle of Gettysburg was sold in North Carolina..
