Getting our fill of the American Civil War

The Battle of Gettysburg at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the bloodiest, and deadliest, battle in the American Civil War - fought between the Union and the confederates in July of 1863. Of the 150,000 soldiers who fought for both sides, over 50,000 were wounded, captured, or died over the three days of fierce fighting. In the end, the Confederate’s defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg ultimately led to their defeat in the Civil War.

Much of the area has been preserved as the Gettysburg National Military Park, and we spent two full days exploring all of it. The museum provided a thorough (almost overwhelming)  overview of the battle, and we spent a good part of day two on a self-guided driving tour that provided an in-depth view of the battlefields and the men who fought there. 

I’m sure I learned about the Battle of Gettysburg in high school history classes, but this really gave me a better perspective on the American Civil War, and how it relates to what is occurring in the U.S. today. I only hope that history does not repeat itself (especially while we are here!).

At the National Cemetary

At the site of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Over 1,300 monuments commemorate the battle