Gettysburg Sentinels

Gettysburg Sentinels Handcrafted items made from wood harvested from trees related to the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg Sentinels was founded in 2007 by retired Army Lt.
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Colonel William D. Hewitt to afford the opportunity for those who cherish the history of the Battle of Gettysburg to own products made of the wood of trees harvested from the Gettysburg Battlefield. Many of our products are made from the wood of Witness trees, which are those that stood during the battle in July of 1863. Other wood from newer Battlefield trees are used as well. In early 2022, Colo

nel Hewitt sold Gettysburg Sentinels to long-time friend and fellow woodworker, Greg Allen. Greg and his wife Tina have lived in an historic house on Chambersburg Road just west of the Gettysburg Battlefield since 1986 where, most notably, Colonel Henry Burgwyn was buried late in the morning of July 1, 1863. The youngest Colonel in the Confederate Army, Burgwyn, was mortally wounded by Union infantry while saving the regimental flag. He was removed from the field where he died on the property later that day. Greg retired in January of 2022 after a 40 year career from a company he founded with Tina in 1982. His passion for history and love of woodworking will continue the legacy of this very unique business that is Gettysburg Sentinels. Visit my About page to learn more:
https://www.gettysburgsentinels.com/about

09/01/2026

The Abraham Lincoln Witness Tree didn't just witness a battle.

In July 1863, it stood as Gettysburg became a place of smoke, gunfire, and unimaginable loss.

Just four months later, it watched thousands return—not as soldiers, but as mourners, families, politicians, and citizens gathered to dedicate a cemetery to those who had fallen.

The same streets that echoed with cannon fire welcomed President Abraham Lincoln as he walked toward Cemetery Hill.

Few places in America witnessed such a dramatic transformation in so short a time—from the devastation of war to one of the nation's greatest expressions of hope.

Some trees witness history. This one witnessed healing.

Every Gettysburg Sentinels piece begins with a story.Most people know George A. Custer for Little Bighorn, but years ear...
08/21/2026

Every Gettysburg Sentinels piece begins with a story.

Most people know George A. Custer for Little Bighorn, but years earlier, as a 23-year-old brigadier general, he was making history at Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863, Custer led a daring cavalry charge near Hunterstown, where his horse was shot from beneath him. Rescued by his orderly, he survived and returned to the fight the very next day.

Today, handcrafted keepsakes made from a swamp ash that grew on the very ground where Custer's Headquarters once stood help preserve this often-overlooked chapter of the Gettysburg Campaign.

Bring home a piece of Gettysburg's story. Explore the Custer's Headquarters Battlefield Collection today.

08/20/2026

Most visitors know George A. Custer for Little Bighorn, but his story at Gettysburg is just as compelling. On July 2, 1863, the young brigadier general led a daring cavalry charge near Hunterstown, where his horse was shot from beneath him. Rescued by his orderly, Custer survived and returned to battle the very next day.

Today, handcrafted keepsakes from a swamp ash that grew on the very soil where Custer's Headquarters was located preserve the memory of this often-overlooked chapter of the Gettysburg Campaign.

Own a piece of the story. Explore the Custer's Headquarters Battlefield Collection today. https://f.mtr.cool/qrkextqllk

Fun commissioned project for Mike from Illinois. A 20" x 16" custom frame using highly distressed Buford Oak Witness Tr...
08/13/2026

Fun commissioned project for Mike from Illinois. A 20" x 16" custom frame using highly distressed Buford Oak Witness Tree Wood. Original painting on canvas by Mike McMillan.

08/06/2026

Preparations are already underway for this year's Remembrance Day events in Gettysburg.

As volunteers, living historians and organizers prepare to welcome thousands of visitors this November, it's worth remembering where this tradition began.

On November 15, 1868, Gettysburg held its first Remembrance Day, honoring the soldiers who fought and fell during the Battle of Gettysburg. More than 150 years later, that tradition continues alongside Dedication Day, commemorating Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and the dedication of Soldiers' National Cemetery.

As another year of remembrance approaches, we invite you to reflect on the stories, sacrifices and living history that continue to make Gettysburg unlike any other place.

Hold a piece of that history. Honor the legacy.
www.gettysburgsentinels.com/shop

I had the pleasure of providing a tour of Gettysburg Sentinels to these three delightful young men this morning. That's ...
07/25/2026

I had the pleasure of providing a tour of Gettysburg Sentinels to these three delightful young men this morning. That's Jack Massey on the left next to Reid Massey in the middle and Robbie Robinson on the right. These three are very into history and this was their first trip to Gettysburg. We shared stories about the battle as well as the ghost in my house. I love connecting with young people about the history of this place. It's important they hear the stories and soak it all in. We can't let the stories be forgotten. That's why I do what I do. Finally, thanks to their parents and their grand-mother, Patty, for bringing them to my studio.

07/23/2026

If you visited this place today, you'd probably describe it as peaceful.

Birds sing. The breeze moves through the grass. Visitors quietly walk the trails.

But on July 2, 1863, this field became one of the bloodiest places on the Gettysburg battlefield.

For hours, Union and Confederate soldiers fought back and forth across this ground in fierce combat. By day's end, thousands had been killed, wounded, or captured.

Today, witness trees that stood here continue to remind us that history isn't just something we read—it's something that happened right where we're standing.

www.gettysburgsentinels.com

Another Gettysburg story has found its way home.This week, we're proud to add Norwalk, Ohio to our Gettysburg Stories Ac...
07/22/2026

Another Gettysburg story has found its way home.

This week, we're proud to add Norwalk, Ohio to our Gettysburg Stories Across America map.

Our featured collector chose a Lincoln Witness Tree Shadow Box (https://tinyurl.com/Lincoln-display) as a gift and shared:

"Gift perfection!!! The recipient was in awe. Top quality product, fast shipping, and really better than I imagined it would be. So neat."

Whether it's a gift for someone special or a keepsake for yourself, it's an honor to know our handcrafted pieces become part of life's meaningful moments.

Thank you for helping us preserve the stories of Gettysburg—one collector, one gift, and one story at a time.

📍 Norwalk, Ohio joins our growing map of Gettysburg stories across America.

On the morning of July 1, 1863, a swamp oak tree stood silently on the Weaner Farm, just northeast of Gettysburg, as his...
07/17/2026

On the morning of July 1, 1863, a swamp oak tree stood silently on the Weaner Farm, just northeast of Gettysburg, as history unfolded around it.

Dated to 1795, the tree witnessed Lt. Gen. Jubal Early’s entire division advancing toward Gettysburg during the opening day of the battle. As Confederate forces moved through the area, the Weaner Farm became part of the activity surrounding the campaign, with encampments and supply trains using the property during the early stages of the battle.

For nearly 230 years, this remarkable tree stood as a quiet observer to one of the defining moments in American history.

Today, Gettysburg Sentinels is honored to preserve that legacy by transforming the dying tree into handcrafted keepsakes. Each piece represents more than beautiful craftsmanship—it carries the story of a place where history passed beneath its branches.

Explore the Jubal Early Witness Tree Collection and own a genuine connection to the Gettysburg battlefield.

https://www.gettysburgsentinels.com/category/general-jubal-early-csa

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Gettysburg, PA

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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