On Sunday we went to Gettysburg. The last time we visited was years ago, and Gregg has been wanting to go back for a while now. We woke up to sunshine and it seemed a good day to go. At 9.30 a.m. we were on our way. I was surprised how short the journey was, only an hour and forty-five minutes. The drive took us out of Virginia into Maryland, and then into Pennsylvania.
Our first stop was the visitor center where we saw a movie of the battle, and also a cyclorama that was very well narrated. The 100 year plus artwork surrounded us, and lighting was spotlighted on certain scenes as the story was told. Very impressive, very moving.
We then looked through the museum and the exhibits were fascinating. The old photos were of particular interest to me.
Guided tours are offered but there were long lines for the buses. We elected to drive ourselves. We got out of the car one time to walk up to one of the statues but truthfully, there was a bitter chill in the air and we didn't want to hang around. It will be nice to go back in the warmer weather, and have talked about spending a few days next time, to explore not only Gettysburg but further afield. It is on the bucket list.
Above and below you can see the equestrian monument of Winfield Scott Hancock, which we found on Cemetery Hill. It was dedicatd in 1896 by the State of Pennsylvania. General Hancock's information can be found here if you would like to learn more about him.
You can look at their website here. I can highly recommend scrolling down and watching the video. I will also share other photos in future posts.
We passed through very pretty countryside on this trip, and saw fields full of cows, horses and sheep and wide open spaces. One farm had dozens of white geese and goats, and all these visuals made a very pleasant trip home.
How very moving and sad. I can see why you wanted to return. These poor boys, grown old way before their time.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. It’s as if those young men are telling you their stories personally.
DeleteI am very glad that despite the chill you had such a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteThank you EC, it was an enjoyable day and we were thankful it didn’t rain.
DeleteGreat shots! Gettysburg is an interesting place.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. It certainly is.
DeleteThank you for this, Denise. I would have enjoyed a trip there ... if only! Good to see you back to posting descriptions of interesting places.
ReplyDeleteThank you Valerie, so glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteExcelentes e belas fotografias deste museu, gostei.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Thank you very much Francisco.
Deletei love number 4 of the 3 soldiers and the collage at the end, those trees against the sky. would love to see all of this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra. Always happy you enjoyed my post.
DeleteInteresting post. I hated history at school but now I love it. Have a good week Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane, I do too. Have a good week also.
DeleteThank you for the information about the site...I didn’t know all that is available to see there. A great grandfather from upstate NY and a great great grandfather from Ohio were in that battle.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Bobbieliz. How interesting about your grandfathers. I always feel that these families of ours have great histories and if only we knew more.
DeleteHancock was one of the most extraordinary figures of the war. I'd love to see Gettysburg someday.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do William.
DeleteWe your friends and fans are lucky you and Greg are such willing explorers!
ReplyDeleteSweet of you to say so Claudia. We do enjoy exploring.
DeleteWe also visited Gettysburg and found the experience very moving. I agree with you comments, Denise, about the video and cyclorama which was so amazingly well done. We did take the bus tour, which was not that crowded, but we soon tired of all the disembarking and then getting back on again. Also, you can't stop as long as you might want to stay so we would opt for using our own car during any revisit.
ReplyDeleteThat is good to know about the tour buses Dorothy. Thank you my friend, I would not have thought of all the stops and would have found that a bit hard at this stage of my life. I now prefer going at a slower pace and the car it is :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your drive!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting museum to visit, obviously very well organised. Some wonderful old photo's.
I will have a return and log on as you suggest for the videos.
All the best, John
Hello John, thank you and I think you will enjoy the video. It isn't a long one, but does show more detail than I did.
Deletei enjoyed your pictures and am happy you are back! we have only been to gettysburg once and it was a few years ago...i remember our last day was pretty cold! i would love to go back!!
ReplyDeleteThank for the sweet words Tanya. Truly appreciate them. I'm hoping to go back to Gettysburg before the year is out, and in the warmer weather. It is an amazing place to look around.
DeleteGreat visit with history. Welcome back, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gigi and I am happy you enjoyed it.
DeleteAlways nice to see pretty countryside on a trip.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your photographs and that fabulous blue sky!
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, so glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteI agree Linda and I will look forward to hearing about your visit and seeing the photos.
ReplyDelete