Gettysburg facts for kids

Gettysburg is a historic place in Pennsylvania, USA. It is most famous for a very important battle during the American Civil War and a famous speech given by President Abraham Lincoln. These events helped shape the history of the United States.

Discovering Gettysburg

Gettysburg is a small town in Adams County, Pennsylvania. It is located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Baltimore, Maryland. Today, it is a popular place for visitors who want to learn about American history. Many people visit the battlefields and monuments.

The Battle of Gettysburg: A Turning Point

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863. It was one of the biggest and most important battles of the American Civil War. This war was fought between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states). The main reason for the war was slavery and states' rights.

The battle took place around the town of Gettysburg. The Union Army was led by Major General George G. Meade. The Confederate Army was led by General Robert E. Lee. Over three days, more than 160,000 soldiers fought. It was a very bloody battle with many casualties.

Why the Battle Was Important

The Battle of Gettysburg is often called the "turning point" of the Civil War. Before this battle, the Confederate army had won many victories. General Lee hoped to win a major battle in the North. This would put pressure on the Union to end the war. However, the Union Army won at Gettysburg. This victory stopped Lee's invasion of the North. It also gave the Union a big boost in morale. After Gettysburg, the Confederacy was mostly on the defensive.

The Gettysburg Address: Lincoln's Famous Speech

Just a few months after the battle, on November 19, 1863, a special ceremony took place in Gettysburg. This was to dedicate the Soldiers' National Cemetery. This cemetery was created to bury the many soldiers who died in the battle. President Abraham Lincoln gave a very short but powerful speech there. This speech is known as the Gettysburg Address.

What Lincoln Said

Lincoln's speech was only 272 words long. It lasted about two minutes. In it, he honored the soldiers who died at Gettysburg. He also reminded everyone about the founding principles of the United States. He spoke about freedom, equality, and government "of the people, by the people, for the people."

The Gettysburg Address became one of the most famous speeches in American history. It helped people understand the meaning of the Civil War. It also inspired the nation to continue fighting for a united and free country.

See also

In Spanish: Gettysburg para niños