Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry

On Saturday Ben's professor arranged a day trip for all of the students to go to Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry. We started early and visited 3 different states in one day. Below is a map that documents our route:


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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

We began at the Visitor's Center with a movie telling the story of the importance of the battle; how it turned the tide of the war so the Union could win. The tour then moved upstairs to the Cyclorama, a huge painting depicting the battle in a circle. It was a sobering experience, especially as we toured the museum and saw the faces of many who were killed on both sides. Each had a family, dreams, and aspirations. Each had a vision for the future. It impacted me greatly to think of so many families affected.

After the museum, we boarded the bus and a tour guide drove us around the battlefields. A few times we got off the bus so he could show us various monuments. Much of Gettysburg is very well preserved and accurate because original veterans returned in the 1880's or so to explain what happened and mark locations. Above, Ben and I are next to an original Civil War cannon. We also got to see the spot that won the Union the battle, Little Round Top. It was easy to defend because it was high ground, rocky, and without many trees.

We also got to stop by the Gettysburg cemetery, most famous for being where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address. The monument on the left marks the spot where he gave the speech.













It was a very beautiful place. I wish we could have stayed longer to ponder on such hallowed ground. As I looked over the multitude of graves, I thought what a pity it was for so many to lose their lives. But at the same time I'm very grateful for those who lost their lives and died fighting for what they believed in. In the end, we are still one nation, under God because of their sacrifice. We left the cemetery in the afternoon and ended our visit by eating lunch at General Pickett's buffet nearby.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry is a small town situated by the intersection of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. It's most famous for the hanging of the abolitionist John Brown in 1859 (which contributed to the start of the Civil War), but is also a great tourist attraction today. We absolutely loved it and would have loved to spend the whole weekend there. It's a city full of history and beautiful countrysides. Thomas Jefferson even called it, "perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.”

The town is full of old shops, narrow roads, and original stone walls and stairs that have been preserved. It floods often, and although the river was high when we visited, the buildings were still safe. Apparently many people float the river in the summers because it is really warm.

Anyway, we were captivated by this beautiful place nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains and would recommend it to anyone. There are quaint bed and breakfasts there as well as a great custard shop. Really, what more can you ask for in a vacation spot?


Oh and last of all, Ben pointed out we were in John Denver country. After seeing it for ourselves, I now know why John called it "the place I belong". It's beautiful.