Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park

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Gettysburg National Military Park

Located 50 miles northwest of Baltimore, the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War. Fought in the first three days of July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in a hallmark victory for the Union "Army of the Potomac" and successfully ended the second invasion of the North by General Robert E. Lee's "Army of Northern Virginia". Historians have referred to the battle as a major turning point in the war, the "High Water Mark of the Confederacy". It was also the bloodiest single battle of the war, resulting in over 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or missing. The Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg was dedicated on November 19, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address. The cemetery contains more than 7,000 interments including over 3,500 from the Civil War. Post-battle efforts preserved small portions of the battlefield as a memorial to the Union victory. On February 11, 1895, congressional legislation was signed to establish Gettysburg National Military Park as a memorial dedicated to the armies that fought this great battle. Gettysburg National Military Park incorporates nearly 6,000 acres, with 26 miles of park roads and over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials.

IN DEPTH

Preservation Support Your Park The Gettysburg Foundation Two of Gettysburg National Military Park's primary partners, the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg and the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum Foundation, have merged...read more

Just For Kids Traveling Trunks "The Life of the Civil War Soldier" Traveling Trunks If your class cannot get to the battlefield, bring Gettysburg into your classroom. Gettysburg National Military Park is pleased to...read more

Natural World Natural Features & Ecosystems National Parks are widely recognized for their inspiring scenery. At Gettysburg National Military Park the visitor is offered a step back in time to 1863. A...read more

Plants Prairies and Grasslands Grasslands are considered by many as one of the most endangered ecosystems globally. Grasslands were once abundant in the 1800’s when settlers had cleared much land for...read more

Animals Birds One hundred and eighty-seven species of birds have been identified within the boundaries of the park making Gettysburg NMP a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.  The...read more

Geology Geologic Formations Although the park does not contain volcanoes, canyons, or other such grandiose geologic formations, its topography and geologic features are equally important in the influence that they had...read more

Sights to See Rosensteel Plaques in the New Museum By Park Superintendent John A. Latschar After further discussions with the Rosensteel family and Congressman Todd Platts, Gettysburg National Military Park is announcing that the...read more

Camping Campgrounds McMillan Woods Youth Campground is available to scouting and youth groups that visit the battlefield park. The camp is located on West Confederate Avenue in the park and is...read more

History History & Culture THE CIVIL WAR IN ITS THIRD YEAR Fought over the first three days of July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was one of the most critical battles of...read more

In A Nutshell Getting Around The park contains more than 26 miles of paved roads open for touring by private vehicle. Park visitors should begin their tour at the National Park Service Visitor...read more

PARK PHOTOS

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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
 

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