Gettysburg

Hi All! History came alive for us this weekend when we traveled to Gettysburg, PA. The weather was outstanding – perfect for being outdoors and walking all over. We spent two days immersed in the Civil War and loving every minute. The entire area has been preserved as a National Park and a shrine to the pivotal battle fought there. It is one of those places that just feels sacred. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1-3, 1863 and so the area looked to us much like it would have looked at that time – shady, green trees, wildflowers along the side of the road, wide open fields, red barns and small farms, blue sky with billowy clouds.

We walked or drove to each battle sight and because nothing much had changed (trees are still there, barns and farms too) we just had to use our imagination to envision the bloody battles and amazing courage of both the North and the South. There are monuments dotting the landscape everywhere honoring Generals and the states that fought in a particular spot. One of our favorite places was Little Round Top – most of my children know that Joshua Chamberlin of the 20th Maine is one of my heroes. It was incredible to see the area where this brave leader led his men as they successfully held the ground for the Union. We also took a ranger guided tour to learn more about Pickett’s heroic charge – we stood at the rocky wall which is only about three feet high that was the end point for Pickett’s charge that ended with most of his division being completely devastated by Union forces. We learned about Robert E. Lee and also General Meade and gained an appreciation for the genius, courage, and humanity each of these commanders possessed.

Hope you enjoy the pictures as they speak louder and better than I could ever describe. Wish you all could have been with us in this unforgettable place. Love to all, Mom and Dad