Names______________________

Battle of Gettysburg Web quest                                                                                                                  With a partner fill out the packet using the listed websites.

National Park Service                          http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/battles/pa002.htm

Other Names for the battle: _________________________________

Location: Adams County, Pennsylvania

Campaign: Gettysburg Campaign (June-August 1863)

Date(s):____________________________________________________________

Principal Commanders:

 

 

 

 

Total

Forces Engaged:   

                              

 

83,289

 

 

158,300

Estimated Casualties:

 

 

 

 

Looking at the chart above, what was the fraction or percentage of soldiers who died at the Battle of Gettysburg?

 

Description: Gen. Robert E. Lee concentrated his full strength against Maj. Gen. George G. Meade’s Army of the Potomac at the crossroads county seat of Gettysburg.

Summarize what happen on July 1:

 

July 2, Lee attempted to envelop the Federals, first striking the Union left flank at the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, and the Round Tops with Longstreet’s and Hill’s divisions, and then attacking the Union right at Culp’s and East Cemetery Hills with Ewell’s divisions. By evening, the Federals retained Little Round Top and had repulsed most of Ewell’s men.

Which side do you think “won” on the second day of fighting?

 

One the morning of July 3, the Confederate infantry were driven from their last toe-hold on Culp’s Hill. In the afternoon, after a preliminary artillery bombardment, Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge. Stuart’s cavalry attempted to gain the Union rear but was repulsed.

What famous charge or assault momentarily pierced the Union line but was driven back with severe casualties?

 

On July 4, ______________began withdrawing his army toward Williamsport on the Potomac River. His train of wounded stretched more than _____________________

What else is significant about this day?  ___________________________________

Result: ________________________________________

Now click on the National Park Unit: Gettysburg NMP to get to the next website.

 

National Park Service:  Gettysburg National Military Park http://www.nps.gov/gett/

Read the section New Birth of Freedom and answer the question:

The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a turning point in the Civil War, give two reasons for why it was a turning point:

 

1.

 

2.

 

Now click on the History and Culture tab on the left, read the section and answer the following questions:

3.  Describe what the town of Gettysburg was like after the battle until about January 1864.

 

 

4.  How did the idea for a Soldiers’ National Cemetery come about?

 

5.  According to the website President Abraham Lincoln provided the most notable words at the cemetery dedication on November 19, 1863.  What did Lincoln say that was so notable?

 

 

 

 

6.  The purpose of the military park today is to:

1.

 

2.

 

7.  Who was John Burns?

 

 

Now click on The Virtual Tour-The Story of the Battle of Gettysburg on the right, scroll down to “the last full measure of devotion” click on the link and read the article, answer the question below.

Why could it be said that the nation was never the same after Gettysburg?  Explain

 

 

Go now to:

The Gilder Lehrman Collection:  Battleline:  Letter’s from America’s Wars http://www.gilderlehrman.org/collection/battlelines/chapter4/chapter4_5a.html

Listen to the letter by David D. Smith to his wife Elizabeth Smith on August 8th 1863 describing the Battle of Gettysburg.

What was the most difficult mission David has ever been on? Why do you think David described that particular mission as the most difficult?

 

 

 

 

 

Go now to:

Library of Congress:  American Memory Project:  Selected Civil War Photographs                                                                       http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/v?ammem/cwar:0185-0209:T11                                                                     

Here you will find a collection of Civil War photographs taken under the supervision of Mathew Brady.  You will browse through the photographs taken at the Gettysburg battleground immediately after the campaign of July 1-3.  Keep in mind this is where President Lincoln will have to come and explain why the bloodletting must go on.

Look through all the photographs (click Gallery View & Next Page) find the photograph that best embodies the carnage at the Battle of Gettysburg.  Imagine you’re the photographer who took that picture.  Write a brief letter to President Lincoln describing what you saw at Gettysburg and why you felt it was necessary to write a letter and sent him this picture (print picture and attach to packet)

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