The Historic Wrightsville Inc. Civil War Diorama opens for the season on Sunday, April 12, from 1-4 pm. Open every Sunday through September, the Diorama depicts a story of adventure and history. It tells of the Confederate soldiers under General John B. Gordon, who reached Wrightsville in June, 1863, and sought a way across the Susquehanna River: the last major obstacle between them and the riches of Pennsylvania, including the cities of Harrisburg and Philadelphia. It is the story of partially trained local militia, using makeshift fortifications and their initiative to stop the Confederates. Finally it tells of the burning of the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge, one of the longest covered bridges in the world, in an effort to stop the eastern advance of Lee's army.

The Diorama also tells of the cooperation between the residents and the invaders to save the town from fire. Had the Confederate troops been able to cross the river at Wrightsville, it is entirely possible that the Battle of Gettysburg would not have been fought, and perhaps the Civil War would have had a different ending.

The guides at the Diorama are a very knowledgeable group of volunteers who would be happy to answer any of your questions regarding the Civil War, local history or local attractions.