Emmitsburg, founded in 1785, has enjoyed a unique tradition of religious tolerance, along with national and international historic prestige.   Our town, with a population of only 2,600 people, attracts visitors from all over the world.  We pride ourselves with maintaining a small town atmosphere and warmth towards our guests.    

Our 4-hour guided tours include the following national attractions:

	Seton Shrine   Nestled amid beautiful landscaped grounds, the Shrine is a quiet retreat where one can visit for relaxation and reverence, while learning about the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton.
	The Grotto of Lourdes    Started in 1805 as a place of pastoral beauty and spiritual inspiration, it draws hundreds of thousands of religious pilgrims and tourists annually from all faiths and all parts of the globe.
	The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial  Conceived as a tribute to America's fire service, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is one of this country's most beautiful monuments The memorial was officially designated by Congress, in 1990, as the National Memorial to career and volunteer fallen firefighters
	Emmitsburg and the Battle of Gettysburg  Emmitsburg was founded in 1785 and is in Frederick County, Maryland, just south of the Mason-Dixon line separating Maryland from Pennsylvania.  The town suffered it's most serious setback in June-July 1863.  Half the town burned to the ground from a horrific fire.  Two weeks later 80,000 Union soldiers camped around town in preparation for a major engagement with Lee's Confederate forces.  However, fate spared the town a battle - which took place 10 miles north of it in the town of Gettysburg. The town was briefly held by the retreating Confederates on July 4, 1963.
	Mount Saint Mary’s University Started by Father Dubois in 1808, the school has a rich history and continues to enjoy national and international prestige, attracting students from the nation and  the world.  Here Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew was educated.
	The best of historic Emmitsburg’s shopping  Stroll through our quaint town, visit our shops, and dine in our restaurants.  Our Antique Mall includes over 120 shops of antiques, furniture, coins, jewelry, books and more.  Tour the firefighters museum in the town fire house on Main Street and dine at our highly rated dining establishments.