Three days that shaped our country.
Nearly 142 years ago, in a small rural town in southern Pennsylvania, something happened that profoundly influenced our country's development and shaped our national character. Gettysburg was the site of the bloodiest and most famous fight ever to take place on American soil. To this day, the Battle of Gettysburg evokes images of brutal conditions, intense emotions, and divided loyalties.
For three days in July, 65,000 Confederate and 90,000 Union soldiers fought in a battle that pitted brother against brother, and thousands died. Generally considered to be the turning point of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg holds a unique position in our collective imagination and serves as a potent symbol of America's struggle to survive. From the first shots across Marsh Creek to Pickett's ill-fated Charge, the course of this historic battle has been an object of ongoing fascination for amateur and professional historians alike.
Today, Gettysburg is home to the largest battlefield shrine in America, with more than one thousand monuments and cannons. Each year, more than two million visitors make their way to this small Pennsylvania town to pay homage, learn about the battle, and remember the lessons learned. Many choose to visit during the Gettysburg Civil War Heritage Days, a summer event that features battle reenactments and living history encampments. Demonstrations, lectures, and exhibits explain why countrymen went to war against each other, why the casualties were so high, and what factors influenced the result. A visit to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Cemetery lends gravity to this fun and educational immersion in history.
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