Tuesday, April 10, 2018

GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK


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.


33 comments:

  1. How very moving and sad. I can see why you wanted to return. These poor boys, grown old way before their time.

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    1. Very sad. It’s as if those young men are telling you their stories personally.

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  2. I am very glad that despite the chill you had such a lovely day.

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    1. Thank you EC, it was an enjoyable day and we were thankful it didn’t rain.

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  3. Great shots! Gettysburg is an interesting place.

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  4. Thank you for this, Denise. I would have enjoyed a trip there ... if only! Good to see you back to posting descriptions of interesting places.

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  5. i 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.

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    1. Thank you Sandra. Always happy you enjoyed my post.

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  6. Interesting post. I hated history at school but now I love it. Have a good week Diane

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    1. Thanks Diane, I do too. Have a good week also.

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  7. Thank 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.

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    1. You 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.

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  8. Hancock was one of the most extraordinary figures of the war. I'd love to see Gettysburg someday.

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  9. We your friends and fans are lucky you and Greg are such willing explorers!

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    1. Sweet of you to say so Claudia. We do enjoy exploring.

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  10. We 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.

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    1. That 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 :)

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  11. Hi Denise,
    What 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

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    1. 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.

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  12. i 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!!

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    1. Thank 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.

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  13. Great visit with history. Welcome back, Denise.

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    1. Thank you Gigi and I am happy you enjoyed it.

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  14. Always nice to see pretty countryside on a trip.
    Lovely to see your photographs and that fabulous blue sky!

    All the best Jan

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  15. I agree Linda and I will look forward to hearing about your visit and seeing the photos.

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