Listen in as James M. McPherson, the Pulitzer Prize–winning maestro of all things Civil War, takes us on a captivating journey through the haunting grounds of the Battle of Gettysburg. Prepare to be transported to the blood-soaked fields where America's fate was forever altered. This audiobook will have you at the edge of your seat, hanging on to every word.
When it comes to historical significance, there are few places on Earth that can rival Gettysburg. It's a place where memory is etched into the very fabric of the land, serving as a potent reminder of the pivotal turning point in the Civil War. It's hardly surprising that Gettysburg draws in nearly two million visitors each year, from curious tourists to avid history buffs and eager students.
McPherson, a seasoned guide who has led numerous tours of Gettysburg, skillfully navigates us through the key locations that shaped the battle's outcome. We'll venture to Seminary Ridge, the Peach Orchard, Cemetery Hill, and Little Round Top, just to name a few. Along the way, McPherson shares priceless anecdotes from his own encounters over the years and expertly debunks commonly held myths surrounding the battle.
But delve deeper we shall. What motivated 165,000 soldiers—75,000 Confederates and 90,000 Unionists—to converge upon Gettysburg? And why did they engage in a desperate, life-or-death struggle on these once tranquil fields, resulting in the deaths or mortal wounds of 11,000 of their comrades, with another 29,000 wounded but surviving, and approximately 10,000 missing—most of them captured?
Through McPherson's expert storytelling, we uncover the profound significance of it all. This battle, and the sacrifices made within it, hold a place of unparalleled importance in American and world history. As we explore the hallowed ground alongside McPherson, we cannot help but question the very essence of our national character, examining the impact this pivotal moment had on shaping who we are today.
Join us on this unforgettable journey across Northern Virginia as we strive to grasp the true magnitude and historical weight of a place that forever transformed a nation. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and forever changed.
“[I]n a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or detract.” —President Abraham Lincoln
