Gettysburg National Cemetery
Gettysburg National Cemetery remains a hallowed ground, embodying the sacrifices of those who fought in one of the most pivotal battles in American history.
A 2003 photo of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, showing the Soldiers’ National Monument.
Summary
Gettysburg National Cemetery, originally known as Soldiers’ National Cemetery, stands as one of the most significant burial grounds in American history. Established to honor Union soldiers who perished in the Battle of Gettysburg, the cemetery has become a symbol of national unity and sacrifice. Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, it serves as a lasting tribute to those who fought and died during the Civil War. Beyond its historical importance, the cemetery is a site of remembrance, housing thousands of graves and notable monuments, including the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
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The Battle of Gettysburg and Its Aftermath
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, marked a turning point in the Civil War. It was the deadliest battle in American military history, with over 48,000 casualties. The Union Army’s victory under General George G. Meade ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s second invasion of the North and shifted momentum in favor of the Union. In the battle’s aftermath, thousands of bodies lay scattered across the fields of Gettysburg, hastily buried in shallow graves or left unburied due to the sheer scale of the carnage.
As the town of Gettysburg struggled to cope with the aftermath, efforts began to establish a permanent burial site for the Union dead. The need for a dignified final resting place led to the creation of Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Establishment of Gettysburg National Cemetery
Recognizing the importance of properly honoring the fallen, Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin initiated efforts to secure land for a national cemetery. Gettysburg attorney David Wills played a key role in organizing the project, purchasing 17 acres on Cemetery Hill. The cemetery’s design was entrusted to landscape architect William Saunders, who devised a radial plan centered around a grand monument. The graves were arranged in semicircles, with soldiers grouped by their home states to reflect the unity of the Union Army.
The remains of Union soldiers were exhumed from battlefield burial sites and reinterred in the new cemetery. Samuel Weaver, the superintendent of the reburial project, personally oversaw the careful identification and reburial of thousands of soldiers. Despite these efforts, nearly 1,000 of the 3,512 Civil War burials remain unidentified.
The Gettysburg Address and Consecration Ceremony
A photograph captured around noon on November 19, 1863, shows Abraham Lincoln seated at the center, facing the camera, in Gettysburg. Just a few hours afterward, he delivered his historic address.
On November 19, 1863, four months after the battle, a dedication ceremony was held at the cemetery. The event featured a two-hour oration by Edward Everett, a noted statesman, followed by a brief but profound speech from President Abraham Lincoln. In just 272 words, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address redefined the purpose of the Civil War, emphasizing national unity, democracy, and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for freedom.
Today, the anniversary of Lincoln’s address is observed as Remembrance Day. Civil War reenactors, heritage organizations, and thousands of visitors gather annually in Gettysburg to honor the soldiers who fought in the battle. The parade and ceremonies reaffirm the enduring significance of Lincoln’s words and the sacrifices made on the battlefield.
Notable Monuments and Memorials
The cemetery is home to numerous monuments commemorating the soldiers and their sacrifices. The central Soldiers’ National Monument, completed in 1869, stands as the cemetery’s focal point. Designed by Randolph Rogers, the monument features a statue of Liberty flanked by allegorical figures representing War, History, Peace, and Plenty.
Other significant memorials include:
- New York State Monument (1893) – A towering Ionic column dedicated to New York’s fallen soldiers.
- Kentucky State Monument (1975) – A tribute to Kentucky troops who fought in the battle.
- Lincoln Address Memorial (1912) – A granite monument inscribed with the Gettysburg Address.
- Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial (1994) – Honoring the fraternal bonds between Union and Confederate soldiers.
- Major-General John F. Reynolds Statue (1872) – Commemorating one of the first Union generals killed in the battle.
- 1st Minnesota Infantry Memorial Urn (1867) – The first battlefield monument installed in the national cemetery.
Numerous regimental markers and artillery monuments further contribute to the landscape, each telling a story of valor and sacrifice.
A 2018 photo of the New York State Monument.
Expansion and Subsequent Interments
While initially dedicated to Civil War soldiers, Gettysburg National Cemetery has since expanded to accommodate veterans of later conflicts.
Additional sections hold the remains of those who served in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Veterans’ spouses and children are also buried within the cemetery, bringing the total number of interments to over 5,500.
The cemetery’s role in honoring American servicemen and women continues today. Although most burials now take place in the annex area established in 1968, the original sections remain a solemn tribute to the fallen of the Civil War.
Through its monuments, annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, and preservation efforts, Gettysburg National Cemetery continues to honor the legacy of the Civil War and those who gave their lives for the Union.
Preservation and National Park Service Oversight
Gettysburg National Cemetery is part of Gettysburg National Military Park, administered by the National Park Service. The cemetery and surrounding battlefield are preserved as historic sites, ensuring that future generations can learn about the Civil War and its lasting impact on the nation.
The cemetery’s original stone walls, iron fences, and burial markers contribute to its historical integrity. The National Cemetery rostrum, built in 1879, has hosted numerous speakers, including U.S. presidents and military officials. Over the years, restoration efforts have maintained the cemetery’s structures and landscape, preserving its solemn atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of Gettysburg National Cemetery?
It was created to bury Union soldiers who died in the Battle of Gettysburg, ensuring they had a proper and dignified resting place.
Major-General John F. Reynolds Statue at the Cemetery. It was created by US sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward.
Why is the Battle of Gettysburg considered a turning point in the Civil War?
It was the deadliest battle, with over 48,000 casualties, and marked the beginning of the Union’s dominance, ultimately leading to Confederate defeat.
What is the significance of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address?
Delivered at the cemetery’s dedication, it redefined the war’s purpose, emphasizing unity, democracy, and national rebirth.
How is the Gettysburg Address commemorated today?
Every year on November 19, “Remembrance Day” is observed with reenactments, parades, and ceremonies honoring the speech and fallen soldiers.
Lincoln Address Memorial at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Who designed Gettysburg National Cemetery, and what was unique about its layout?
Landscape architect William Saunders designed it in a radial pattern, symbolizing unity, with graves arranged by state and a central monument.
What is the Soldiers’ National Monument, and why is it important?
Dedicated in 1869, it stands as the cemetery’s centerpiece, honoring those who died at Gettysburg and embodying themes of war and peace.
How did the cemetery expand beyond Civil War burials?
It later included graves from the Spanish-American War, World War I, and other conflicts, totaling over 5,800 interments.
Who manages Gettysburg National Cemetery today?
It is part of Gettysburg National Military Park, under the U.S. National Park Service, ensuring its preservation and historical integrity.
What were the sociocultural effects of the American Civil War?
Chronology of Key Events
1863
- July 1-3: Battle of Gettysburg results in over 48,000 casualties.
- July 4: Gettysburg residents begin burying the dead on the battlefield.
- November 19: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the cemetery’s dedication.
1864-1872
- 1864: The wooden grave markers are replaced with permanent stone slabs.
- 1865: The cemetery’s perimeter wall and lodge are completed.
- 1869: Soldiers’ National Monument is dedicated.
- 1872: The cemetery is transferred to the U.S. War Department.
20th and 21st Century
- 1912: Lincoln Address Memorial is erected.
- 1933: National Park Service assumes management of the cemetery.
- 1963: Bethlehem Steel donates land to expand the cemetery.
- 1968: The annex section is opened for new burials.
- 1994: Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial is dedicated.
- 1997: The remains of a soldier discovered during excavation are interred.
