Gettysburg National Park
Posted in North America | March 30, 2010 | Comment NowGettysburg National Park is situated at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. The battle commenced in July 1863 during the American Civil War. Gettysburg National Park is situated just outside the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It lies in close proximity to the Gettysburg National Cemetery. The cemetery is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln.
The park history commemorates the battle of Gettysburg and the soldiers who laid their lives during the Civil War. Nearly 7000 soldiers lost their lives and close to 30,000 were wounded. The citizens of Gettysburg provided adequate care to the soldiers. To provide recuperation for the soldiers a huge tent-city was erected to the east of the town. This served as a point for accumulation of medical supplies and beds.
David McConaughty, a lawyer of the town, purchased nearly 600 acres of land near the battle site to bury the slain soldiers. This area served as a landmark to honor the sacrifice. Presently, this land serves as the primary site of the Gettysburg National Military Park.
The history of the park is closely tracked by all travelers. Post battle, the site served as a focal point for finding missing soldiers. After the soldiers left the battle, the veterans and officials rallied for the creation of monuments at the park. The first monument was erected in 1887 in honor of the 1st Minnesota Infantry, which saw complete destruction on the Cemetery Ridge on only the war’s second day. In the late 19th century, the park was home to one of the largest outdoor collections of bronze and granite statues. They were erected in memory of the soldiers who lay down their lives.
The Gettysburg National Park is also home to some of the largest reunions in 1913 and 1938. The former was the 50th anniversary of the Civil War, while the latter marked the 75th anniversary. Nearly 65 men, who fought at the battlefield gathered at Gettysburg. Their median age was 94. 
Presently, the battlefield serves as a background for veteran gatherings and reenactments of the historic battle. The park is a preserved landmark of the country. The park has many followers in the form of environmentalists and landscaping specialists. The flora of the park is beautiful and varied.
Travelers will be surprised to find out that admission is free to the park. The park is thrown open to the public between 6 am and 10 pm. The park has an official Visitor’s Center. This center is open from 8 am to 6 pm during summer and from 8 am to 5 pm for the rest of the year. Holidays such as Memorial Day see large gathering of crowds.
The park is a must-visit for those interested in the history of the United States.
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