The Big Loop, Day 46: Gettysburg (26 images)

What a special, special place! When I planned my big adventure, the one place I KNEW I had to visit was Gettysburg. Growing up in the west, important U.S. historical sites can seem more like story than reality... until you can see them first-hand. I had visited there, but it was clear back in 1991. So, my memories had faded over 31 years.

Gettysburg was important in so many ways:

- The Battle of Gettysburg marked the turning of the Civil War.

- It was the Civil War's bloodiest single battle, with 51,000+ casualties over three days.

- It ended Robert E. Lee's second quest to invade the north.

- It crushed the hopes of the Confederates to become an independent nation.

- Lincoln's historic Gettysburg Address, delivered about four months later at the dedication of the Gettysburg's Soldiers' National Cemetery, allowed him to honor the fallen and reassert the purpose of the war. (The speech was so short, at ten sentences and 272 words, that photographers didn't even have enough time to set up their cameras for a clear shot of him delivering it.)

 

Created in 1884, The Gettysburg Cyclorama, at 377 feet long and 42 feet tall, depicts Pickett's charge in 360 degrees.

Created in 1884, The Gettysburg Cyclorama, at 377 feet long and 42 feet tall, depicts Pickett's charge in 360 degrees.

Almost all Gettysburg monuments were contributed by soldiers or their families, in order to honor their valor.

Major General George Meade, Commander of the Army of the Potomac

A statue of an officer on horseback with all of the horse's hooves on the ground indicate that he survived the battle.

John Burns, Gettysburg citizen who volunteered his fighting services to aid the Union... at over 70 years of age!

Numerous Native Americans from various tribes enlisted and fought at Gettysburg.

Tour guide Jeff describing how much manufacture information is stamped onto the front of all cannons.