Milepost 4,685 (Gettysburg-Day 2)

Our Gettysburg experience is now over, and what an amazing experience it was.  It's far beyond what can be put in a blog; it truly must be experienced in person.

We began our visit yesterday at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center.  First stop is seeing the film "The New Birth of Freedom."  Believe me, we've seen some cheesy movies at historical sites we've visited, with Williamsburg at the top of that dubious list.  But this film, produced by The History Channel and narrated by Morgan Freeman, was extraordinary.  Yet it was topped by what we saw next.  It's called the Gettysburg Cylcorama, and I can't even begin to describe it except to say it was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.  Click here for a description.  But, again, you have to see it to fully appreciate it.  The visit yesterday concluded at the Visitor Center Museum, also very good.

Today, we got up early and started our self-guided battlefield tour at about 6:45, partially to beat the crowds and partially to beat the heat.  For us, the full tour took about 5 1/2 hours.  I'll share just a few pictures that represent some of the better known battlefield landmarks.

The first photo is from Little Round Top and looks down at the Devil's Den (in the middle of the photo toward the left). 

The second photo is of the Wheatfield, a particular bloody fight that left more than 4,000 dead and wounded. 

The third photo is at the location of the final battle at Gettysburg.  It's taken from the perspective of the Union troops.  Known as "Pickett's Charge," 12,500 Confederate troops emerged from the treeline you can see in the distance.  Their assault on the on the center of the Union line (where we took this photo) ultimately failed, ending The Battle of Gettysburg.

The final photo is of the Soldiers National Monument in the Soldiers National Cemetery.  It was taken near the site of the Gettysburg address.

Lastly, a piece of travel advice.  If you go to Gettysburg -- and if you haven't already, you should -- don't take a bus tour of the battlefield.  When we were at the Pickett's Charge stop -- and we were there a good half-hour -- a tour bus drove by.  It slowed down a bit, but did NOT STOP.  You cannot fully experience Gettysburg unless you walk in the steps of those who fought the war.