"Gettysburg Part of America's Soul"

[Laurie Verge]

I think you are probably very correct that the Gettysburg Address sparks the interest that leads to the rest of what went on that horrible July in 1863. The Siege of Vicksburg was ending at the exact same time, but few people ever mention that crucial turning point that split the Confederacy and gave control of the Mississippi River to the Union.

Besides the Gettysburg Address, however, the battle was the high-water mark of the Confederacy, the end of its hopes in moving northward, it involved citizens of a town who fled to basements, and to me it has been amazing to learn how the movements of one rather small contingent drew troops from every direction to culminate in such a horrible battle.