Our Pennsylvania Story
51
Lesson 23:
The Civil War in Pennsylvania
One of themost important battles of the
Civil War took place inGettysburg,
Pennsylvania. Can you imagine 172,000
soldiersmarching into a small town of 2,400
people?More than 51,000 peoplewere killed
or injured during one battle. That is what
happened at Gettysburg.
For three very hot days in July, the battle
was fought. In the end, the South lost the battle.
Then, the Southern armywent back home.
Many soldiers whowere killed at the battle
were not given a proper
burial
. Our government
bought land to provide a
cemetery
for the dead
soldiers. The government leaders felt that the
cemetery needed a dedication. Theywanted to honor themen on both sides who had
been killed during the battle. They wanted to honor the living soldiers as well. They
also came to honor the idea that “all men are created equal” in our form of
government –
democracy
.
President Lincoln spoke for a little longer than twominutes. The President felt his
speechwas like “awet blanket.” But the Gettysburg Address is famous for how thewords
honored those killed in battle.
Fun For You
1. One of the reasons the Gettysburg Address was writtenwas to state “all men are
created equal.”Write a paragraph explainingwhat this phrase, “all men are created
equal,”means to you.
2. Use the phrase “Gettysburg Address for kids” to search the Internet. Describewhat
you found.
This picture shows Chambersburg
after the southern army burned the
city.
