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Remains of the Unknown Civil War Soldiers that was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg in the National Cemetery.



Introduction

I was fortunate to be able to work for the National Park Service at the Gettysburg Battlefield for a few years. The experience to fully understand the concept of that three day battle was very rewarding for me.

To look across those same fields today will bring a vision of peace to anyone eyes, but 134 years ago those very same fields were filled with the sights and sounds of war. It is hard to form a mental image of the horrors which took place here at Gettysburg. I believe the human mind blocks such total destruction from us.

Famous landmarks such as the Wheatfields, Little Round Top, and the Devil Den each has a story of suffering and valor to tell. To walk across the Wheatfield eighteen acres today and try to vision the thousands who perished in those fields. I have been told that a person, after that battle, could walk without touching the ground from end to end from the dead and wounded.

The roar of cannons and muskett fire has long ago fell silent. The devouted men who fought here for their beliefs on both sides will always be remembered by each American. This page is to honor those men.

Battle of Gettysburg

The Union Army engaged in the Battle of Gettysburg number about 85,000. The Confederate Army engaded in the battle number about 70,00 to 75,000. The Casualties suffered by both sides was also fairly equal. The Union Army losses in Killed, Wounded, Captured and Missing totaled a little over 23,000. The Confederate Army suffered something over 20,000 Casualties. The most famous Battle Charge of the battle was called:

Pickett Charge
This charge involved over 15,000 men from the Confederate Army to advance across open field towards the Union Army center. General Lee thought this was the weakest point of the Union Army. Only one in every three men returned from that assault!

Aftermath
Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of American History. Over 172,000 men and 634 cannons were positioned in an area of 25 miles. An estimated 569 tons of ammunition was expended and when the battle had ended, 5,000 dead horses and other wreckage of war was a scene of terrible devastation.

The End

Aftermath of the Battle

Battle of Gettysburg

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