July 27, 2024 – Session 8: The Aftermath of the Battle & the Soldiers National Cemetery

While the war continues, Gettysburg is left to cope with the aftermath of the bloodiest battle ever to occur in North America.  This session will examine the impact of the battle on the town and cleanup of the area immediately following the battle, including the treatment and transportation of the thousands of wounded men.  We will look at the problem of the dead and dying, their burial on the battlefield and the subsequent development and dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, including the 26-hours of President Lincoln’s visit in November.  We will also discuss the exhumation and reburial of the Southern battle dead after the war.