The Rupp House History Center by Wanderer001
Like all residents of Gettysburg, the Rupps were caught up in the maelstrom of the battle. John Rupp's house and business were important sites in the attack and defense of Cemetery Hill. Caroline Rupp and her children were forced to flee across enemy lines to get away from the fighting. However John Rupp was not so lucky, he spent three days of the battle hidden in his basment as Union troops that occupied the front porch fired at Confederate troops that were holding up on the back porch. His tannery was used as a fort by Confederate sharpshooters targeting Union troops on Cemetery Hill, located less than half a mile away.The present Rupp House structure a house in the Gothic Revival "cottage style" was erected in 1868 by John Rupp as a replacement for his home that was damaged during the battle of Gettysburg. The present house is built on the footprint of the original house, and many of the materials from the original structure were salvaged and used in the construction of the present home.
The Rupp House History Center allows visitors to look back and see what daily life was like back during the battle. It has many interactive exhibits that visitors are encouraged to touch. Just try and pick up with one hand the period rifle loaded down with all the equipment that a soldier had to carry on him. Also on display in the home is the Rupp family bible which was pretty interesting to see. And the best thing about the Rupp House History Center is that it is FREE, unless you want to make a donation to the friends of the national parks at Gettysburg. But you get to make that decision on your way out with no pressuring from the people there.