Gettysburg National Military Park - Cumberland, MD to Harrisburg, PA - June 24

Gettysburg National Military Park - Cumberland, MD to Harrisburg, PA - June 24

We left Cumberland around 11:30 and grabbed lunch on the way to Gettysburg. Today was another hot and sunny day. (“Annette weather” as Greg calls it)

We figured a couple of hours would be enough time to explore Gettysburg National Military Park, but we only got about halfway around the self-guided auto tour. We plan to return in a couple of days to finish the last half of it.

We stopped and got a map for the 24 mile auto tour that chronicles the three-day battle. There are approximately 1,328 monuments. War department markers were placed on the battlefield to explain the roles of specific military units. Accounts given are factual and non-judgmental.

As you look through the photos you will notice distinct types and or shapes:

Headquarters Markers are distinguished by cannon tubes pointed skyward. They mark headquarters locations of Union & Confederate commanders and their corps commanders.

Confederate Brigade Markers have a round base and describe the positions and actions of Confederate brigades. A brigade contained about 1,600 men or 4-6 regiments

Union Brigade Markers have square bases and describe the positions and actions of the Union brigades. A brigade contained about 1,500 men or 4-5 regiments

Bronze Statues were used for Generals and other notable persons associated with the battle

Regimental Monuments are the most numerous on the battlefield and commemorate state and U.S. Regular Army regiments (300-400 men) and batteries. They are normally placed at the center of a regiment's line of battle.

Small markers - Flank markers are to the left and right of the regimental monuments marking the regiment's flanks or ends

there are other markers such as those recognizing field hospitals, the memorial to Civil War women, etc.

Our first stop was McPherson Ridge:

The second stop was Eternal Light Peace Memorial:

The next stop was Oak Ridge:

Bed & Breakfast

We took a break and drove into Gettysburg and had some ice cream at Mr. G's Ice Cream. (Jim, I know you are drooling)

 Unity Park

 young bunny in the park

 historic buildings 

 David Wills oversaw the creation of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Abraham Lincoln finished his Gettysburg address here.

 David Wills & Abraham Lincoln

 Gettysburg Train Station that served as a depot for supplies and evacuation of the wounded after battle. Abraham Lincoln arrived here on November 18.

Back at the Battlefield

 Our next stop was North Carolina Memorial and the start of July 2 of the war:

North Carolina State Monument

  Virginia Memorial

Pickett's Charge - Pitzer Woods

 Barksdale Charge

 the Valley of Death

 Warfield Ridge

 Little Round Top

 We stopped here and drove on to our hotel and got checked into the Fairfield here in Harrisburg. We were upgraded to a suite which gives us a lot more space. It's a nice new hotel near the airport.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bFQfF7WVkjdB98p26

Tomorrow, we are off to ride roller coasters at Hersheypark.