Gettysburg: Three Days That Saved the United States

by Ben Nussbaum (Editor)

Overview

Regarded as the turning point of the American Civil War, Gettysburg commemorates the three-day battle that took place in an "unimportant" Pennsylvania town over 150 years ago. From the first shots fired on the morning of July 1, 1863 to Robert E. Lee's losing gamble known as Pickett's Charge on July 3 that resulted in thousands of Confederates being driven back by Union forces, Gettysburg is a snapshot of three of the most important days in US history. Discover rare photos, expertly written articles, and intriguing illustrations and maps detailing the political, military, and social conditions that thrust the sleepy town of Gettysburg forever into the pages of history books. Filled with informative timelines and fact sheets, details on the commanders, weapon technology, and so much more, this handsome volume also captures several human stories, from the 11-year-old sergeant, John L. Clem, who killed a Confederate soldier to John Burns, the only civilian to fight in the battle and many others. Gettysburg also provides a remarkable look at the historic Reconciliation Reunion, Gettysburg today and the preservation efforts, and tons of other interesting details that American history buffs will love. This compilation of fascinating articles are contributed by leading experts, historians, award-winning authors, professors, scholars, and more, including Peter C. Luebke, Brian Dirck, William Burton Kurtz, Alexander Newton, Ronald S. Coddington, Mark H. Dunkelman, Kenneth Weisbrode, Lucas Bernhardt, Ben Nusbaum, Roger Morris, Dean Sagar, Mark Greenbaum, and Martin Roy Hill. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781497103269
Publisher:	Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	05/24/2022
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	324,175
Product dimensions:	10.70(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Ben Nussbaum has worked professionally as an editor in various book genres, from technical manuals such as Pilates For Dummies to children’s books featuring Winnie the Pooh and Elmo. His experience in magazines includes the launching of USA Today’s newsstand program for magazines, which offers magazines on topics ranging from women’s health and travel to fantasy football to US history, Hollywood movies and beyond. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, with his two daughters.

Table of Contents

The Battle of Gettysburg 4

For three days in July 1863, the fate of the Union hung in the balance as Confederates and Federals fought in the hills, fields and streets of Gettysburg.

The Commanders 12

The strengths and weaknesses of both Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. George G. Meade were brought to light at Gettysburg.

The Blue and the Gray at Gettysburg 14

A rundown of the corps leaders and casualties.

Gettysburg Timeline 16

From the first shots west of town to Gen. Robert E. Lee's retreat in steady rain, this timeline details how the battle unfolded.

Lincoln's Gettysburg 18

The president shaped Gettysburg, followed the action, and changed the way we think about the battle.

Father Corby's Absolution 26

A shared moment of faith, amid the whir of bullets and the crash of cannon, pointed toward a new brotherhood of battle.

Wounds of War 34

Advances in weapon technology resulted in devastating injuries during the Civil War, creating unimaginable conditions and horrors for surgeons and soldiers.

The Bad Old Man of Gettysburg 44

Few of the generals on the field rivaled Jubal Early for importance or long-lasting influence.

A Life Spared 48

Learn about Alexander Newton in this excerpt from Ronald S. Coddington's African American Faces of the Civil War.

The Unidentified Father 52

Among the fallen at Gettysburg was an unknown soldier clutching a photograph of his children.

The Art of War 58

Reenactors tote muskets - and paintbrushes or banjos, too.

Saving the Battlefield 64

Gettysburg today reflects the labor of thousands and a shift in preservation philosophy.

Monumental Fields 66

Gettysburg is home to over a thousand reminders of loss and valor.

Going to Gettysburg 74

The historic town and sprawling park welcome visitors.

Beyond Gettysburg 77

Many battlefields and historic sites are within a short drive of Gettysburg.

1913: The Reconciliation Reunion 84

Veterans from the North and South came together at Gettysburg 100 years ago.

Civil War Timeline 88

The war's most important moments, from the capture of Fort Sumter in 1861 to the dissolution of the Confederate States of America in 1865.

Civil War Facts & Figures 92

From details about the average solider to the numbers of men who served and died during the Civil War.

Resources 94

Learn more about Gettysburg from these books, websites, shows and more.