Beginning in the late 17th century, large waves of European settlers flooded into William Penn's colony in pursuit of opportunity and religious freedom. By the early 19th century, American Lutheran leaders realized that an institution dedicated to the training of pastors would be needed to address the spiritual needs of growing congregations in the expanding settlements of the country.

In 1826 Gettysburg was chosen over two other potential sites as the home for the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Among the factors that influenced this decision was Gettysburg's proximity to the supporting congregations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, the town's accessibility from major population centers, and its prospects for growth as the seat of Adams County. Temporarily quartered in a building on the corner of High and South Washington Streets, the institution moved to its present location on Seminary Ridge in 1832. Within two years, the Seminary added two professor's homes along the ridge in front of you. It is recognized as the oldest Lutheran school of theology in the Western Hemisphere.

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Show me all markers in:  Gettysburg, PA  |  Adams County  |  17325  |  Pennsylvania  |  United States of America

Gettysburg Seminary
The Gauntlet of Union Retreat and Aftermath
Life as a Seminary Student
Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum
The Seminary Hospital
Valentine Hall
Samuel Simon Schmucker Hall
Manor of Maske
Crisis Comes to the Seminary's Back Door
Samuel Simon Schmucker

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