Because so many of my friends have enjoyed visiting Gettysburg over the past few years, I wanted to encourage others to visit this historic battle site. I believe a one and half day is long enough to enjoy the town, and not hopelessly bore those family members who are not history enthusiasts.

 

Truly, this is a wonderful family spot for almost all ages. Since much of your time will be outdoors, I would recommend visiting in late spring or in the fall. My concern about the summer is both about crowds and the weather. That is, despite the heat, the summer is the height of the travel season; thus, you might not be able to stay in some of the nice inns or eat in some of the historic restaurants.

 

From July 1-July 3, 1863, approximately 120,000 northern troops and 90,000 southern troops fought over this gateway to the north. After suffering a major defeat, Robert Lee ordered his Confederate soldiers to retreat back to Virginia, ending any realistic home of Southern independence. The total number of casualties was some fifty thousand men, a terrible total given our country’s population of about thirty-three million people. 

 

I highly recommend staying at a bed and breakfast while visiting Gettysburg. The town is most anxious to preserve it historic atmosphere, and staying in one of these places provides a lovely setting for your visit. While I am certain there are five or six lovely spots, I have enjoyed both the Antrim (800 858-1844) and the Baldaberry Inn (717 337-1342. I prefer the location of the later, in Gettysburg proper, because one can easily stroll around the town visiting antique and bookstores.

 

Upon arriving in Gettysburg, I found starting at the visitor center very helpful. The center has a wonderful two- hour guide to the battle, summaries of the major engagements, many books and videos.

 

Also, I strongly advise getting a personal guide. Most inns and possibly the visitor center can provide you with appropriate names. On two trips, I had local high school history teachers who were enthusiastic and wonderful. Their charges were so nominal that I felt impelled to give them an additional tip. They will generally accompany you for as long as you need them.

In visiting the battlefield, I would try to follow chronologically the sequence of the battle.

 

On July 1,1863, Confederate forces converged on the town from the west and north, driving Union defenders back through the streets to Cemetery Hill. During the night reinforcements arrived for both sides. Because General James Stewart, the principal Confederate cavalry officer and Lee’s “eyes and ears” was absent until late on July 2,1863, Lee had incomplete knowledge of the Union strength. Thus, although he pressed his subordinates to attack the North before their forces coalesced, he did not fully comprehend the magnitude of their failures when they failed to occupy the higher grounds of Gettysburg the first day.

 

On July 2, 1863, Lee attempted to envelop the Federals, first striking the Union left flank at he Peach Orchard, Devil’s Den, and the Round Tops with Longstreet’s and Hill’s divisions, and then attacking the Union right at Culp’s and East Cemetery Hills with Ewell’s divisions. Under Joshua Chamberlain, the Union held Little Round Top, preventing the Confederates from taking this strategic position. Walking to the top of Little Round Top and canvassing the battlefield from that vantage point provides a terrific insight to the strategic importance of that location. The book and movie, Gettysburg, captures the essence of this engagement—an engagement that possibly altered American history. That is, a Union defeat could have psychologically damaged the Yankee resolve to restore the union. While for most of the Civil War, the North had significant numerical and artillery advantage; however, at Little Round Top the Confederates held an eight to one advantage.

 

On July 3, the Confederates attacked the Union Center on Cemetery Ridge. Pickett’s Charge momentarily pierced the Union line but was driven back quickly with severe casualties. I along with others walked some twenty minutes replicating Pickett’s Charge. Because of their unhesitating belief in the wisdom of General Lee, these Confederates were clearly marching into the valley of death.

 

On July 4, Lee began withdrawing his army toward Williamsport on the Potomac River. His train of wounded stretched more than fourteen miles. General Meade, the Union Army, failed to follow the directions of President Lincoln, to press Lee’s soldiers. This oversight allowed the war to continue for another two years.

Several months later, President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address to honor the fallen Union soldiers.

 

Lastly, I recommend visiting General Eisenhower’s farm, on the outskirts of Gettysburg. The General and Mamie lived in their only home until their respective deaths. Today, the home is part of the Federal National Park Service. I believe one has to get reservations through the Visitor’s Center to see the Eisenhower home.