Visit the battlefield on a hot day and one can see why it is called Devil's Den. It is on this spot where Matthew Brady's more famous picture of a Confederate soldier was taken. Brady actually staged the whole thing, dragging the dead man and posing him against a rock with rifle by his side. It is said that it can be difficult to take pictures at this site because of certain spirits interfering with cameras.

The museum contains exhibits which portray the living conditions and daily life of a Civil War soldier. You will view the living quarters (tents) of both enlisted men and officers, which shows the officer's "upgraded amenities". In these camps you will see personal items such as bedding, dishes, and writing desks in the officer's tents; items for "battling boredom" such as playing cards, chess boards, poker chips, dominos, etc. There is also a nice display of soldier (both Union and Confederate) uniforms, clothing, and personal effects.

The museum also contains photos, portraits, flags, battle relics, and more weapons than I have ever seen in one place. The weapon collection is incredible! Along with the objects in the museum, there is also very much information describing the war - from everyday life to an exhibit pertaining to two brothers fighting against each other on opposite sides. There is also a wall with photos and information about some of the soldiers who fought in the war.

There is much to see at this museum, and you should plan on spending at least one to two hours if you want to view all of the exhibits. The website for further information is here. The website for Gettysburg National Park is here. The visitor center/museum hours are 8am - 5pm. Summer hours are 8am - 6pm (subject to change).

In July 1863, the turning point of the American Civil War occurred at the Battle of Gettysburg, when General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army of 75,000 men and General George G. Meade with 97,000 Northern soldiers collided. In the fields surrounding Gettysburg on July 1, 2 and 3, more men fought and died than in any other battle before or since on North American soil.

Although the Battle of Gettysburg did not end the war, nor attain any major war aim from the North or the South, it remains the greatest battle of the Civil War. Its significance turned out to be that with a Confederate victory the war most likely would have turned in favor of the South, for nothing stood in the way of an advancement toward Washington D.C. Both sides paid a heavy price on these horrific days. There were 51,000 casualties making Gettysburg the bloodiest battle in American History. Over 152,400 men and 500 cannons were positioned over a 25 square mile area. An estimated 569 tons of ammunitions was expended and when the battle ended 5,000 dead horses and other wreckage of war presented a scene of terrible devastation.

With the failure of the infamous "Pickett’s Charge" this great battle was over. The Union was saved. Now, all Americans and others as well, can visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and sense the magnitude of the historic significances of the ground that they stand on and what it stands for. It’s no wander that it had an affect on President Lincoln and how it moved him to write the uniquely appropriate words of the "Gettysburg Address". These words still live today and ring out the importance of the sacrifices of those men who died to preserve freedom, whether North of South. No truer words were ever spoken-then or now.

The Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the largest battlefield shrines in America with over 1,000 monuments and cannons along 40 miles of scenic avenues. There are so many different ways to view the battlefields. Probably the most popular is a self guided driving tour. Maps are available at any visitor’s center. It is also possible to rent an audiotape to help you navigate through these historic fields. Bus tours, biking tours and walking tours are also available. You can even "ride into history" with a guided/tape tour on horseback. Our choice was the best- good friends who are life-long residents of Gettysburg.

The town, more or less, seems to still exist because of the National Battlefield and Cemetery - so it has a very touristy feel to it. If that sort of thing scares you off - don't let it. It's worth it to stay.

Our first stop was at the museum and visitor's center. Like almost everything else we stopped at along this trip, it was getting close to closing time. We still had an hour, though, to look at the museum - replete with weapons, artifacts, and other items from the war. Many of these items were (and are still being) found in the hills surrounding Gettysburg.

Following that, it was a trip across the street to the National Cemetery. This is, more or less, in two sections - the original area, where the Civil War soldiers are buried, and a newer section, where more modern soldiers and veterans were buried. I personally enjoy visiting cemeteries, so this was my favorite part of the stop. But the area around it - the rises giving you a whole view of the valley - can give one the necessary perspective on why the battle occurred as it did. (Or, as my thought was - "This was the perfect spot to fight.")

Gettysburg has the usual gift shops and stands that any historic town would have. But the stuff that actually *made* Gettysburg what it is is the reason one should go.

This was a unique experience to see what had happened these 3 days of the Civil War, which was also the turning point of the war.

I recommend:

All the statues, like General Lee, General Bufford, and many more
The Cavalry Cannons used at Gettysburg
The soldiers commemorating those who died (54,000) on monuments like Pennsylvania Monument

I didn’t have time to see more about the Battle of Gettysburg because our journey goes on to Washington, D.C.