Most historians agree that the Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War. Gen Meade's Army of the Potomac successfully turned back Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, ending Lee's invasion of the North. The battle raged from July 1 to July 3, 1863.
On July 2 and 3 a battle was fought at Little Round Top.
The Union army was holding their position but saw advances from the South. The battle was finally won by the north when the 45th New York joined the battle. As this area was rocky, the north make fortifications from the natural rock formations, many of them still in place today.
Their are more than 1,340 monuments throughout the park.
This Pennsylvania monument towers over many smaller ones and can be seen from several directions.
On the Confederate line is the impressive monument to Gen. Rbt. E. Lee. The base of the monument is in recognition of several trades such as farming, carpentry, etc.
One building still shows the scars of its contact with a cannonball. If you look closely you can see it below the two diamond insets.
When the girls were with us over the weekend, we climbed this 80 step tower to view the surrounding countryside. We were delighted that both Charlotte and Abby climbed each step up and down, especially since Abby just turned two last month. Quite a feat for such short legs. And not one complaint.
In November 1863 President Lincoln dedicated the Gettysburg National Cemetery with a short speech that is recognized as one of the most poignant in this country's history.
Gettysburg Town Square
Our time is ending here at Gettysburg as we pull out on Friday.
8 comments:
Glad you are enjoying your time at Gettysburg; we sure did. We had a very good lunch at http://www.abcbrew.com/gettysburg/brewpub.htm and Dave even picked up a six-pack of Scottish Ale to take home when we were there. :)
I'm sure the two years old's legs were in better shape at the end of the climb than mine would have been! I really think I need to visit this battlefield. Thanks for giving me details about it.
Are you heading further north by chance? :) Maybe we could meet up!?
Glad you enjoyed the history of Gettysburg!! It is one of our favorite stops several years ago. We did a Civil War tour of several battles fought in the Virginia area.
Thanks for the tour and story about Gettysburg. Another place on my list of spots to visit.
When I saw the picture of the tower and got leg cramps. :)
Gettysburg is such an important place of history.PA is a wealth of history for that matter.
Never really much of a history buff, but this was very interesting...all the trips we made to Pa and never went...well maybe next time.
Donna.
Lots of history here. I will probably never make it to the east coast so I enjoy your stories and photos.
Good for the little grandgirls climbing all those steps. That's more than I could do.
Post a Comment