Inside Keystone Inn, Gettysburg’s First Black-owned B&B
The Campbell family are no strangers to ownership. Back in the 1970’s the African-American family owned 14 properties in the United States. The legacy of property ownership began with their great-great-grandfather in Charlotte Hill, Maryland decades ago. Now, the family is making history in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Purchased by siblings Christine, Stephen, and Patrick in 2020, the Keystone Inn is Gettysburg’s first Black-owned bed and breakfast. Built on a family and community, the inn is the newest addition to the city’s rich history. The Campbell family wants Keystone Inn to help shine a light on Gettysburg’s often-overlooked Black history.
“One of the things we’re very proud of is adding to the story of Gettysburg and highlighting this unique aspect to it,” Patrick told Travel Noire.
Dedicated to ensuring travelers have experiential moments, the Keystone Inn wraps classic charm in modernity. Although the renovated, late-Victorian colonial home is unlike any B&B Gettysburg has had in the past, the Campbell family aims to make their inn an integral part of the city’s historical landscape.
Adding To The History Of Gettysburg
There are many unique characteristics of the Keystone Inn. Its nostalgic charm is one of a kind with giant, wrap-around porches, and carriage houses for gatherings. Although the B&B is making history, the siblings initially purchased it as a gathering place for their large family.
“We loved the idea of being able to buy a bed and breakfast that could be a family homestead and fall in line with the legacy of my great-grandfather,” Christine said.
The siblings found the perfect location for the inn about 90 minutes away from their homes. With plenty of spaces for meetings and gatherings, the Keystone Inn merged modernity with timeless elegance. Travelers get to tap in with old-school vibes without sacrificing traditional amenities at the Keystone. The owners have even planned special events and activations, like their upcoming Murder Mystery Weekend. They aim to give travelers the experiential moments that make vacations unforgettable.
“We’re excited about integrating history and fiction together to give the experience that we know millennials are looking for today,” Christine said.
The Campbell family also hopes to further elevate the history of the city of Gettysburg. The Pennsylvanian city is best known for the Battle of Gettysburg and President Lincoln’s famous address. However, the Campbells hope to shine a light on Gettysburg’s Black history. There was a large Black population in the city before the Civil War. Today, travelers can find remnants of Black history all around including a Black History Museum and a graveyard of Black soldiers from the war.
“We’re not trying to change the story but add to it because there’s a lot of stories still there and voices that need to be heard,” Patrick said.
The Power Of Black Real Estate
The vision of the Keystone Inn extends far beyond the travel and tourism industry. Through their endeavor, the Campbells pride themselves on showcasing the power of Black ownership in real estate. After their great-great-grandfather died, he wrote in his will that his property couldn’t be sold until all 14 of his children had passed away. When the last one died in 2008, the home remained in the family, continuing a legacy of property ownership.
Today, both Stephen and Christine live in homes they purchased from other members of the Campbell family.
“It’s about also maintaining a history that our grandparents and great-grandparents worked really hard [for], and we clearly stand on their shoulders,” Patrick said.
Selling property internally within their family ensured they were able to build and maintain generational wealth. Now, with the Keystone Inn, the Campbell family is creating a new legacy of ownership and hopes to inspire future generations.
“It’s such a huge leap forward if you are able to leverage the power of what your ancestors have built and build upon it [rather] than starting from scratch,” Patrick said.
Legacy Is Key
Leaving a lasting legacy is at the forefront of the Keystone Inn’s brand. The Campbells believe it’s time for African American owners to take up space in the hospitality industry. Not only are they focusing on the future of the Keystone Inn, but the siblings are working with other Black innkeepers to build a network of support across state lines.
“I think its been overlooked the power of the African American dollar and how we make sure there are spaces the African American dollar can promote African American businesses,” Christine said.
Patrick and Christine both serve on travel and hospitality boards to ensure Keystone and Black voices are represented. Patrick hopes their presence will inspire more people of color to enter the industry.
“It’s not just talking the talk but walking the walk,” Patrick said. “It’s important if we want more people of color in hospitality, that they see themselves in the various organizations that support it.”
Driven by family connection and community empowerment, the Keystone Inn is a key player in the new era of Gettysburg tourism. The Campbells hope to not only integrate into the community but to add to its colorful history.
“Wherever we’ve been, we’ve always prided ourselves on becoming a part of the community and that’s what we wanted to do here as well,” Christine said.
