Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park is a United States National Park located in Adams County, Pennsylvania. It preserves the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is a major historical and educational site, attracting millions of visitors each year.

History

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, marking the defeat of General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. The Union victory ended Lee's attempt to invade the northern states and was a significant morale boost for the Union.

The battlefield was preserved as a national park in 1895, initially managed by the War Department. In 1933, management was transferred to the National Park Service. The park includes the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.

Features

The park covers approximately 3,965 acres and includes over 1,300 monuments, markers, and memorials. Key features of the park include:

• Little Round Top: A strategic hill that was the site of intense fighting on July 2, 1863.
• Devil's Den: A rocky area that saw fierce combat during the battle.
• Pickett's Charge: The site of the infamous Confederate assault on the Union center on July 3, 1863.
• Gettysburg National Cemetery: The final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers.

Visitor Center and Museum

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center offers a comprehensive introduction to the battle and its significance. The center features:

• A museum with exhibits on the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
• The Cyclorama painting, a massive 360-degree depiction of Pickett's Charge.
• A film titled "A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Educational Programs

The park offers a variety of educational programs for students and visitors, including guided tours, ranger-led programs, and living history demonstrations. These programs aim to provide a deeper understanding of the battle and its impact on American history.

Preservation Efforts

Ongoing preservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the battlefield. The Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service, plays a significant role in these efforts, including land acquisition, monument restoration, and educational outreach.

See Also

• American Civil War
• Battle of Antietam
• Civil War Trust

References

• "Gettysburg National Military Park". National Park Service. Retrieved October 10, 2023.

External Links

• Official National Park Service site
• Gettysburg Foundation