Gettysburg

History: The battle that occurred here on July 1 - 3, 1863, cost approximately 50,000 men killed, wounded or missing. Three days after it began, the defeated Confederates began retreating through Maryland, retracing their steps to the Potomac River and crossing into Virginia on July 14. The heroism displayed at this site was immortalized on November 19, 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued "The Gettysburg Address" at the National Cemetery.

More to Explore: The battlefield and its surrounding areas are now a National Military Park. Consider attended a park program or military reenactment. There are many historical monuments to see, horseback riding trails and tours, and an exceptional museum and visitor center. The town of Gettysburg hosts many visitors, and so there are restaurants aplenty, along with souvenir shops, history museums, lodging and, of course, ghost tours!

Photo Credits:

1. Downtown Gettysburg photo, courtesy of Jeremy Hess.
2. Downtown Gettysburg photo, courtesy of Jeremy Hess.
3. “Downtown Gettysburg.” Courtesy of Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
4. “Gettysburg Fun.” Courtesy of Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.