Class Year
2014
Document Type
Student Research Paper
Date of Creation
5-2014
Department 1
Environmental Studies
Abstract
The advent of the automobile transformed the American landscape in the 20th century. In conjunction with the increasing importance of the automobile, numerous post-WW II government programs such as the Interstate Highway System encouraged suburban sprawl. Towns and cities adjacent to tourist attractions, known as gateway communities, face unique problems caused by sprawl. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is an example of a gateway community as it includes the Gettysburg National Military Park. Two study sites, portions of Steinwehr Avenue and York Street, were studied to analyze the effects of sprawl in Gettysburg. The sites were analyzed using ArcGIS, data compiled from historic phonebooks, and discussions with local business owners. Development along York Street exemplifies an auto-centric culture with many regional and national chain establishments set back from the road. Steinwehr Avenue represents a walkable community comprising on-street parking, sidewalks, and local “mom-and-pop” establishments. Trends associated with categories of businesses varied between the two sites and revealed different development patterns. We predict that that York Street will continue to sprawl while Steinwehr Avenue development will be limited due to its close proximity to the battlefield.
Copyright Note
This is the author's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
Recommended Citation
Emmons, Elizabeth K.; Hansel, Kalley S.; and Simpson, Daly, "All That Sprawl, Y’all: An Analysis of Development on Steinwehr Avenue and York Street in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from 1971 to 2014" (2014). Student Publications. 228.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/student_scholarship/228
Included in
American Studies Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Geography Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Tourism and Travel Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
Comments
Environmental Studies Thesis