Gettysburg National Cemetery Guide
Hallowed Ground: Reflect at Gettysburg National Cemetery Guide
Pay your respects and reflect on the immense sacrifice made during the Battle of Gettysburg at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. This solemn and hallowed ground is the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers who perished in the battle. It is also the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address, a powerful and concise statement of the principles for which the Union fought. A visit to this cemetery is a deeply moving experience, offering a chance to honor the fallen and contemplate the enduring legacy of the Civil War. Established in 1863, shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, the cemetery was created to provide a dignified burial place for the Union soldiers who died on the battlefield. The initial burials were reinterments from temporary graves scattered across the battlefield. On November 19, 1863, the cemetery was dedicated in a ceremony that included a keynote address by Edward Everett, followed by Lincoln's brief but profoundly impactful Gettysburg Address. This speech, delivered in just over two minutes, redefined the purpose of the war and enshrined the principles of equality and freedom in the American consciousness. A visit to the Gettysburg National Cemetery is a must for anyone visiting Gettysburg. You can walk among the rows of headstones, each marking the grave of a soldier who gave their life for the Union. Be sure to visit the Soldiers' National Monument, a towering tribute to the fallen, and the Rostrum, the platform from which Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. Take time to reflect on the words of Lincoln's speech and consider the immense cost of the Civil War. The cemetery is a place of quiet contemplation and remembrance, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve the nation.
Transportation
The Gettysburg National Cemetery is located adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. It is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the Visitor Center. You can also reach it via the Gettysburg National Military Park's licensed tour bus services, which make regular stops at the cemetery.