Gettysburg

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a name forever linked to a turning point in American history. From July 1 to 3, 1863, this quiet town became the stage for the Civil War's bloodiest confrontation, a clash that ultimately led to a Union victory and the preservation of the nation. Over 50,000 soldiers from both sides became casualties in those three days, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and the national consciousness.

Beyond the solemnity of the battlegrounds, Gettysburg is a town that embraces its past while offering a dynamic present. It's a place where history is not just recounted but deeply felt, where the stories of soldiers and civilians alike intertwine to create a powerful narrative. Today, the Gettysburg National Military Park spans over 6,000 acres, featuring nearly 1,300 monuments, 400 cannons, and 150 historic buildings that invite contemplation and discovery.

The Road to Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was the culmination of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North, a campaign aimed at shifting the war's momentum and potentially pressuring the Union into a peace settlement. The campaign began almost a month before the battle itself, over 100 miles away in Virginia, with the Battle of Brandy Station. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, numbering around 75,000 men, moved into Pennsylvania, while the Union Army of the Potomac, under Major General George G. Meade, with approximately 85,000 men, maneuvered to intercept them.

Three Days of Conflict

The armies converged on Gettysburg, a town of about 2,400 residents, largely due to its strategic location as a hub where 10 to 12 major roads met. Fighting commenced on July 1, 1863, with Confederate forces initially gaining ground and taking the town. The second day saw intense fighting on both the Union's right and left flanks. However, it was on July 3 that the most famous and ultimately decisive action occurred: Pickett's Charge. Following one of the war's largest artillery barrages, approximately 15,000 Confederate soldiers, primarily from Major General George Pickett's division, marched across an open field toward the center of the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge. The charge failed under heavy Union artillery and rifle fire, resulting in devastating losses for the Confederates and forcing Lee to withdraw.

A Turning Point and Lasting Legacy

The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in an estimated 51,000 casualties—killed, wounded, or missing—making it the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The Union suffered 23,049 casualties, while the Confederates sustained 28,063, representing more than a third of Lee's army. Lee's defeat ended any further Confederate incursions into the North and is widely considered the turning point of the Civil War.

Four and a half months later, on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg to dedicate the Soldiers' National Cemetery, now known as Gettysburg National Cemetery. His 271-word Gettysburg Address, delivered in less than two minutes, redefined the purpose of the Civil War and remains one of the most famous and historically significant speeches in American history. The town itself was overwhelmed by the aftermath, with 36,000 wounded soldiers inundating its limited medical facilities. The stories of civilian resilience and the immense suffering endured in the wake of the battle are also a crucial part of Gettysburg's history.

Begin your visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center to gain essential context for the battle. Here, you can experience the orientation film, A New Birth of Freedom, and view the Cyclorama painting depicting Pickett's Charge. From there, explore the sprawling battlefield, which features over 1,300 monuments and markers. Consider a licensed battlefield guide for an in-depth, personalized tour by car, motor coach, or bicycle.

Beyond the battlefield, Gettysburg offers other significant sites. Visit the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the solemn ground dedicated by Lincoln's address. The Eisenhower National Historic Site provides a look into the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The David Wills House, where Lincoln finalized the Gettysburg Address, offers insight into the civilian experience during and after the battle. For a different perspective, the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum tells the stories of civilians and their experiences before, during, and after the Civil War. You can also explore the town's historic train station, which served as a field hospital and welcomed Lincoln in 1863.

The most pleasant times to visit Gettysburg are during the late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to November). Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 50°F to 75°F, ideal for exploring the outdoor battlefield. Fall also brings brilliant foliage and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. While summer (July and August) offers many special events and programs, it can be crowded and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F. Winter provides a quieter, more reflective experience, with opportunities for indoor activities and a different perspective of the landscape without foliage.

Gettysburg National Military Park is open year-round, with park grounds and roads, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery, accessible from thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset. There is no fee to enter the park, National Cemetery, or park buildings. However, there is a fee for the film, Cyclorama, and museum experience at the Visitor Center. It is advisable to reserve tickets online to save time. Wheelchairs and a limited number of scooters are available for rent at the National Park Service Information Desk within the Museum & Visitor Center. Service animals are welcome in the Museum & Visitor Center and the park. Parking is available at the Museum & Visitor Center, and seasonal shuttle transportation is offered from Parking Lot 3 during the summer.