Gettysburg

Have you ever been to a place where your expectations were so much higher than what it really was? Or have you ever been really excited about a movie and then have it dash your hopes (Thanks Indiana Jones 4!)? Well, today was not that one of those days! Today was one of those days where whatever I had imagined wasn't even close to what it really was.

I have always had a deep love for the Civil War. What captured my mind about Gettysburg was reading  'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara in 7th grade. The writing and story that was presented peaked my interest and I've been reading about Gettysburg and the Civil War ever since. But rather than finding all the answers, the more I learn and discover the more questions and ideas arise.

View of 'Devil's Den' from the summit of Little Round Top

Today I had the chance to visit Gettysburg. Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought in the history of North America and the one with the most casualties. Nearly a third of the 150,000+ men who fought there during July 1-3, 1863 would be dead, wounded or a prisoner. The loss at Gettysburg and Vicksburg during July 1-4 would be the beginning of the end for the Confederate States. While the war would go on for nearly two more years and many more would die or be wounded, the North would almost always have the advantage for the remainder of the war. While ultimate victory was not achieved at Gettysburg, the road to victory was paved.

Field to the northeast of Gettysburg-fighting on the first day-July 1, 1863

Being able to see many of the places that I have read about so often and see the places come alive was something that was more than magical. History is like a sea of endless sand where we all walk across it. Some leave deep footprints that last years and others leave light footprints that quickly fade. And other leave footprints so deep that they remain forever. This is one of those places where time does not forget. This quote from Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain best represents my experience:

“In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.” 

'High Water Mark' area of the climax of the Confederate charge on the 3rd day-July 3, 1863