Pennsylvania senators are pushing to incorporate the Lincoln Train Station as part of Gettysburg National Military Park in central Pennsylvania.
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey say the legislation would add the historic train station in downtown Gettysburg and 45 acres of land at the southern end of the battlefield to the park.
Casey says the Senate should pass the legislation before the November anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The station is where Lincoln arrived before delivering the address nearly 150 years ago.
There is more than just historic reasons for the expansion of the battlefield.
"Gettysburg National Park is an important part of our nation's history and of Adams County's local economy," Toomey said in a press release.
Casey echoed those sentiments.
“In addition to serving as a site of national historical and cultural importance, Gettysburg is also important to the economy of the region,” Casey said in a press release.
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The train station dates to 1858. The 45-acre parcel was the scene of cavalry clashes and includes environmentally sensitive wetlands. Lawmakers say its current owner, the Gettysburg Foundation, plans to donate the property.
