For my husband and I, the initial idea to see the Gettysburg National Military Park was a matter on the road and why not stop?
This was not our first visit to a national military park that offered tribute to the fallen during the Civil War. It was our first visit to Pennsylvania.
Probably most striking for us was our first sight of the park, the peaceful countryside belied the idea that a 160,000 soldiers would gather here and in a short three days of fierce fighting change the course of history, leaving over 50,000 dead. Notice the size of that cannon compared to the houses.
This was not our first visit to a national military park that offered tribute to the fallen during the Civil War. It was our first visit to Pennsylvania.
Probably most striking for us was our first sight of the park, the peaceful countryside belied the idea that a 160,000 soldiers would gather here and in a short three days of fierce fighting change the course of history, leaving over 50,000 dead. Notice the size of that cannon compared to the houses.
Our visit didn't fall into one of the slots where volunteers recreate the war. The markers in the park pretty much tell the story of unequal forces, of who owned the high ground, of who most desperately needed to win and of the ultimate defeat of the Confederate Forces. It also shares the tale of the surrender and of the Gettysburg address presented by President Abraham Lincoln. The memorials are often works of art, such as the one below of a Confederate General.
Here is the photo of the high ground captured by the Union Forces at Little Round Top:
Wikipedia has a terrific map showing the various movements of troops. We went to see what happened and why and of course, to honor the dead and feel a sense of gratitude for leaving in peaceful times now.
The famous words of the Gettysburg Address. A map of the vicinity.
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