Where to start when visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania battlegrounds. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” – Abraham Lincoln
For years the Civil War raged on in our country. The North against the South. It was interesting to me that even though this war ended we still are very much a country still divided. We walked the Gettysburg battlefield and I could not help but remember those who fought here. With my son next to me, I hope he never sees a bloody war like this in his lifetime. Yet, there is something to be said about not letting history repeat itself by educating ourselves through past events. When I was in sixth grade we took this very trip and now I am honored to do the same years later with him.
If you go to Gettysburg, and I hope someday that you do. Start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. There you will find maps of historic Downtown and the battle fields. If you are new to the area or have never been or maybe it has been some time watch the Film (created by the History Channel), view the Cyclorama and walk the Museum. This truly sets the tone of your visit while giving you a crash course in the history of the Civil War and the different locations surrounding you.
Next up walk the grounds. We ventured down the walkway, located below the Visitors Centers café to General Meade’s headquarters at Gettysburg (located on Taneytown Road at the intersection with Hunt Avenue). You can easily walk the trail and it opens up to one of the many stops on the Auto tour.
Some Interesting knowledge we learned:
🐎 General Meade’s horse was rumored to have been shot twice, yet still survived.
🐎 A Confederate soldier was found in an unmarked grave, in the last 25 yrs.
🐎 64 medals of honor were awarded to Union Soldiers
🐎 No more monuments can be created in the Military National battle grounds.
Gettysburg is so much more than the fields of battle or the statues you might see. History is all around you! One of the greatest things my son and I took with us was the tremendous sacrifice the people of Gettysburg endured both on and off the battle fields. It is because of this that I encourage you to next visit the Historic Downtown area.
Have you visited Gettysburg, PA? Did you find this “Where to start when visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania battlegrounds” post helpful?
Know any interesting facts about the Civil War??
