King Hutch aka John H.

And so our trip is winding down. The Colorado History teacher’s 2008 trip to Philadelphia has had its share of ups & downs. But today, our last full day out East was the “Red Letter” Day I have been waiting for. We were going on a 2 ½ hour trip to Gettysburg! This is the site of the greatest loss of American life in any battle, in any war that we have fought in our 233 history! It is the site of the battle that probably saved the Union! This is the site where President Lincoln gave, I my opinion, the greatest speech in the history of our nation! And now here I was on “Hollowed Ground.”

It was a “Long & Winding Road” that led us to “and around” Gettysburg. We have traveled from Independence Hall, seen the Liberty Bell, to Valley Forge, and the Winterthur Estate with many…many…many historical places in-between! But now it is Gettysburg and my trip will soon be complete.

Our Guide was incredibly knowledgeable in the history surrounding the battle. We took a bus tour, stopping at times (definitely not enough times) to disembark and experience the battle through our senses. There are over 1300 monuments & statues dedicated to both the Northern & Southern soldiers throughout the Gettysburg Battlefield. The important aspect that seems to get lost as I write about our 13 days on this trip is just how vital it is to experience these historical sites in person. I, like most other history teachers know a great deal about the battle of Gettysburg. I know it from reading books & watching historical documentaries on the battle. But how can that compare to walking the same fields that shed so much blood in order to save our nation. I was struck in awe as I stood on Little Round Top and imagined the battle taking place. This view made me appreciate the desperate struggle that took place here.

I was even more impressed with the site that Picket’s Charge took place. It is impossible to truly get the proper understanding of this place without standing there in person! The size of this field is immense! I stood there & wondered if I would have had the courage to make that dash into withering fire from muskets and cannons. I knew the charge was about a mile. But my God, when you stand there and look at how far that mile was, it just seemed so big. It seemed to me that this charge was doomed to failure no matter how bravely the Southern fought. One mile, 2 miles, it might as well have been 20 miles! And how could I have ever appreciated this reality if I didn’t have the opportunity to come here.

We had the chance to go through the Gettysburg Museum after our battlefield tour. This was an incredible display of history relating to Gettysburg. The video clips helped tie in the exhibits and brought a greater understanding to the historical impact that Gettysburg had on our nation. But one thing was missing, the National Cemetery! This is why I came! This is the experience I wanted! I have heard about people breaking down in tears. Thank goodness that plans were changed & we were allowed this experience.

We got to the cemetery and quickly found the Gettysburg Civil War site. There were small little stone markers with just numbers on them. People were asking each other why the only had numbers, but I knew. These were the remains of unidentified soldiers! As I made my way around the Soldier’s National Monument (near the site of the Gettysburg Address), I was moved by the markers that told the number of unknown soldiers from each state! This was the experience that I was looking for to make my trip complete.

Today was a day of experiences! I tried to use every sense in my body as I walked the battlefield, explored the museum, and visited the National Cemetery. I could see for myself the site of the battle. I could imagine the sounds of gunfire, horses & wagons, & screams in my ears. I touched the very site where President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address from. There was a special smell at the cemetery that I can only equate with freedom & sacrifice. Through this special experience at Gettysburg I received a taste of history that can never be replaced.

I am putting together a special slideshow of Gettysburg & the National Cemetery. I will use pictures/painting/drawings of the battle as well as the pictures I took of the National Cemetery to help students understand this battle & it’s impact on the nation more clearly. I was so struck by the missing soldier’s markers that I will mix these into the slideshow to bring back this impact to my students. 

I will link up my Gettysburg powerpoint right here when it is completed. Check back soon.