The Civil War battle of Gettysburg was a 3 day fight; July 1st to July 3rd, 1863, in the countryside and farmland near the town of Gettysburg, covering 40 miles.
General Robert E. Lee was on his way to bring the war to the north, taking the pressure off Virginia, in areas where his soldiers could live off the land, perhaps forcing a settlement, letting the south become its own country.
According to legend, the confederate troops needed boots. Conveniently, Gettysburg was known for its tanning industry and its shoes. As it was on the way, General Robert E. Lee marched in and took over the town, to take boots for his troops. However, the Union Army caught up with them.
Another source said that the first stop for Lee was a small village, called Cashtown, a village located between Chambersburg and Gettysburg. After learning through a spy that the Union Troops, led by General George Meade were onto his plan to attack the north at Harrisburg, Lee sent a reconnaissance team to Gettysburg, while preparing to meet the Union troops in battle, when they were spotted. This confederate recognizance team inadvertently bumped into the Union recognizance team also sent to Gettysburg, which began the battle.
This incredibly bloody and costly battle killed 50,000 men, (almost as many killed in the 7 year war in Viet Nam). It was the turning point in the Civil War, giving the advantage to the Union forces.
Because of all the suffering, deaths and loss that go along with such a battle event, The Gettysburg National Military Park has many hauntings and entity sightings, even 142 years later. Many soldiers are still on duty, or experiencing the terrifying events leading to their deaths.
Other hauntings not related to the battle also have been reported in the National Park, because the land's history started long before 1863, and continues until the present.
No comments:
Post a Comment