After 30 years on Gettysburg’s historic Baltimore Street, The Horse Soldier has relocated to a more expansive Gettysburg address at 219 Steinwehr Avenue. Owned and operated by the Small family, The Horse Soldier is one of Gettysburg’s longest running business establishments. “We’ve come a long way from the days when Chet sold artifacts pulled from beneath the family room sofa,” explained office manager Dana Diehl. For many years the Smalls bought and sold valuable Civil War memorabilia from their home near the Peach Orchard. When Chet’s wife, Pat, finally tired of the myriad items cluttering her home, Chet built a barn and sold his relics from it for many years. In 1980 the Smalls moved their business to Old Gettysburg Village, where the establishment thrived for three decades. The move to a more spacious building on Steinwehr Avenue shows that The Horse Soldier continues its great success that began with one man’s interest in the artifacts he found on his own property a century after the guns fell silent in Pennsylvania’s most historic town.

In a way, the move is also cathartic. Sadly, Chet Small, the original owner of The Horse Soldier, died shortly after the New Year. Chet’s love of what he did for a living, coupled with his integrity and ability to find excellent merchandise for his myriad customers, is still implemented and carried on by his wife, Pat, his sons, Sam and Wes, and The Horse Soldier’s courteous and knowledgeable staff. Dana and fellow employees Rose, Lisa, Bob and Flip know their stuff. From the minie balls that have been found on the battlefield to million dollar collections, The Horse Soldier probably has it. Just walking through the spacious rooms is in Dana’s words “like a free museum.” Battle relics, uniforms, documents, cartes de visite and other historic photographs and more can be found in abundance at The Horse Soldier.

Business hours are daily 9-5 from Monday through Saturday – except for Wednesdays when the shop is closed. The Horse Soldier is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but those hours will definitely increase during the summer.

In addition to being able to shop at the Gettysburg location, The Horse Soldier has, a huge catalog on-line, with hundreds of items to choose from. Meticulous research is also done to determine the history and value of the artifacts for sale. To peruse the plethora of artifacts and historic merchandise, customers can access it at www.thehorsesoldier.com. Any questions or requests are welcome during business hours by calling 717-334-0347.

The Horse Soldier is a veritable Gettysburg landmark. From Chet and Pat’s family room to their barn, to their well-known establishment in town, this amazing Civil War store will, no doubt, remain a part of historic Gettysburg for many years to come.

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