Gettysburg

General Robert E. Lee's infantry and cavalry forces made an effort to invade the North in early July 1863 close to the Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. The rebels wanted to create the Confederate States of America as a separate country and force a negotiated conclusion to the Civil War, which was fought over slavery. They came close to success.

With a combined death toll of almost 50,000, the furious three-day combat, which served as the war's turning point, was extremely costly. In spite of a valiant Union victory, the bitterly polarizing conflicts continued for a another two years.

The historic Gettysburg Address, which was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, was afterwards given on the battlefield. The National Parks Services now manages these revered lands, allowing tourists to see famous sites including Little Round Top, Devil's Den, Cemetery Ridge, and Culp's Hill.

Country: United States
State: Pennsylvania
County: Adams