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| Nephews Bob and Paul in front of the Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park. |
The Killer Angels, MIchael Shaara’s historical novel, recreates the Battle of Gettysburg—those epic three days in July of 1863. Considered the turning point of the “War Between the States”, more casualties occurred at Gettysburg than in any other Civil War Battle.
I was raised sixty-five miles from Gettysburg and feel fortunate to have visited the battlefields several times. After reading Shaara’s superb book I’m itching to re-visit the legendary town, and on a June day several years ago I return with my sister and two nephews.
We arrive at Gettysburg National Park and begin looking for a parking space near the visitor center. As we drive the lot I notice vehicles representing many states and Canadian provinces. We traverse the rows of cars and my 8 and 12-year-old nephews shout out state names from each license plate while my sister writes them down. How many different states make our list on this Thursday morning? Thirty eight!
Inside the Visitor Center the main attraction is The Gettysburg Cyclorama, a giant 360 degree painting depicting battlefield scenes from "Pickett's Charge" on July 3, 1863. The artwork was originally completed in the late 1800’s by French artist Paul Philippoteaux. Restoration of the deteriorating canvas was initiated in 2003 and in 2008, at a total cost of 16 million dollars, work was completed and the Cyclorama moved to its present location.
The following two photos show scenes from the 360 degree painting.
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| Visitors stand in the center of the colossal circular painting while receiving a narrated tour. |
The following two photos show scenes from the 360 degree painting.
We leave the visitor center and join a ranger-led talk at the Battlefield. The park ranger offers insights into the minds of the generals as they positioned their troops around the edge of town. After the talk we drive the battlefield loops, stopping to admire monuments and to climb the observation tower on Culp’s Hill. The tower provides a dramatic overview of the town and battlefields, however on this foggy afternoon we're unable to discern many of the landmarks. We’ll have to return on a clear day.
This evening we’re lodged in downtown Gettysburg at The Best Western Inn. The hotel is a National Historic Site and has been lovingly cared for—a lavishly decorated lobby and spotless, comfortable rooms welcome us.
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| Paul sets his sights on the battlefield. |
This evening we’re lodged in downtown Gettysburg at The Best Western Inn. The hotel is a National Historic Site and has been lovingly cared for—a lavishly decorated lobby and spotless, comfortable rooms welcome us.
This elegant hotel also houses a restaurant and pub and is across the square from the historic David Willis House. President Lincoln stayed in the Willis House with the home’s owner while finishing his draft of The Gettysburg Address. This truly is hallowed ground.
Another plus to our downtown hotel is its location across the street from The Cannonball Malt Shop. We finish our day by treating the boys (and ourselves) to delicious milkshakes.
It’s been a memorable day of travel through this small Pennsylvania town, home to one of the most consequential events in our nation’s history.
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The Memorial Day observance originated after the Civil War to commemorate fallen soldiers. This weekend, as we honor our nation’s veterans, let us pause to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those brave young men during the Battle of Gettysburg.
If you’re a fan of Civil War history and you’ve never been to Gettysburg you owe it to yourself to make the trip. Find out more by visiting these websites: http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
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Have you ever played the license plate game when visiting one of our nation's parks? Try it the next time you're visiting one of your favorite places and let me know how many states are represented there.
This summer, take a few days to read or re-read The Killer Angels.
Need more vacation reading material? Next week I’ll link you to one of my favorite blogs—Vickie Bates’ “No Bad Language”—for thought-provoking, insightful summer reading suggestions.
