Visiting Gettysburg National Park

Gettysburg National Military Park is one of those historical Civil War landmarks that each American needs to visit. Not only was it the bloodiest battle of the Civil war but it was also the place where President Lincoln gave the famous Gettysburg Address. Can you still quote parts of it from when you were in school?

Visiting Gettysburg National Military Park

On our recent vacation to Visit Philly, we took time to walk across the Gettysburg Battlefield and stand at the memorial where President Lincoln stood to make his famous Gettysburg Address. We barely made it before the sun set and the thunderstorm began, but we had just enough time to reach the memorial.

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee’s second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address”.

The Untold Heroes

We didn’t get to the Park in time to tour the visitors Center or museum, but we did have time to drive through part of the battlefield. You can take an auto tour and see the memorials for each of the regiments that fought in the Gettysburg Battle.

One monument that caught our attention was this one of a local farmer who volunteered to fight because of his deep love for his country.

It’s important for my husband and I to visit these places where history was made – not just because of the historical significance, but also because it helps our kids connect the past to the present when they start studying these events in school. They will be able to say they have been there and stood at these famous landmarks!

Have you been to Gettysburg National Battlefield? Do you think it is important for families to take time on road trips to visit historical landmarks?