Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Cannons near Seminary Ridge

Just 65 miles north of Harpers Ferry, Gettysburg was one of the ‘don’t miss’ places on our list to visit.  But until very recently we had not realized that July 1st, 2nd and 3rd this year marked the 150-year anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg.  And we hadn’t known that our timing would have us arriving the week before the big event. Luckily we got a campsite nearby but everyone told us that it would be next to impossible to get reservations during the July 4th week.  The town was booked up with around a quarter of a million people expected to attend the various programs and events being held by the National Park Service, the Gettysburg Foundation and other groups.

 

Union soldier re-enactors on Gettysburg battlefield

General Lee on top of the Virginia Memorial

 

We were excited to be there right before the big event and see some of the preparations.  The National Park Service has scheduled special events, extra programs and new exhibits throughout the year to commemorate the battle and President Lincoln’s visit to give the Gettysburg Address.  Many free ranger programs were being presented on the battlefield while we were there.  Actors gave performances at scheduled times and there were 'battle walks,' tours and campfire programs.

Re-enactors from Texas near Texas Memorial on Warfield Ridge

 

Union 12-Pound Napoleon cannon

 

 

David and I spent hours on the battlefield touring the monuments and listening to a CD we bought recounting the various battles and charges during those three days in July.  It was hot and humid and it rained on us more than once, so we didn’t know if we were wet from rain or sweat.  I thought that this was probably much the same weather that the union and confederate soldiers had 150 years ago and thought how hot, wet and miserable they must have been along with all the other sufferings soldiers endure.  We had our nice air-conditioned car to take us to the next location on the battlefield, they had to march and fight.

 

Texas re-enactors close to the Wheatfield battle sight 

 

While we were on the battlefield we saw a group of re-enactors from Texas.  They were having a ceremony at the Texas monument.  Many had brought a small amount of soil from the county that they were representing and as the “role” was called the re-enactor came forward and emptied soil from that county on the ground next to the Texas monument.  It was a very moving ceremony.

 

 

Brig. General Gouverneur Warren at Little Round Top

 

The National Park Service is responsible for preserving and protecting the Gettysburg battlefield site, so battle re-enactments are not allowed on the park grounds.  But over 15,000 re-enactors, 400 horses and 100 cannons were expected to be at Gettysburg in other nearby locations for re-enactments.  We were tempted to try to stay in the area through July 4th, but Gettysburg is a small town and we rather liked having time and room to explore the battlefield without sharing it with so many others. 

 

Union monument at high water mark of Pickett's Charge

 

Experiencing Gettysburg is emotional.  The Civil War still stirs many feelings for Americans.  It was a hard and sad time in our nation’s history.  This battlefield reminds us that our country might not be, that the Civil War could have turned out differently and we might be two countries and not be the great nation we are. 

Lincoln’s words at the Gettysburg address were so perfect for that day as well as this day, “…that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.”  That is our wish this 4th of July week for our nation and for other nations struggling with their new democracies.

 

Monument to 3rd Maine Regiment

 

 

David's Stats:
Days Hiked       2
Total Miles Hiked       2.5
Total Elevation Gain      250