The
Civil War forever changed the United States of America. In January 1861, South
Carolina seceeded from the Union, followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama,
Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas -- and the threat of secession by four more --
Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. These eleven states
eventually formed the Confederate States of America.
Lincoln was inaugurated in March 4, 1861, and he had hoped to bring the
states together without war. This was not to happen. Hostilities began on April
12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter. The war was long and
bloody.
After his success at Chancellorsville in Virginia in May of 1863, General
Lee led his army North for the second time. Lincoln prodded Major General Hooker
into pursuit, relieving him with General Meade three days before the
battle.
Elements of the the two armies initially collided at Gettysburg PA on July
1, 1863. The battle lasted three days, ending with Lee making a difficult
retreat back to Virginia. Between 46,000 and 51,000 soldiers from both armies
were casualties in the three-day battle.
The Battle of Gettysburg is often thought to be the turning point of the
war. 
The following November, President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for
the Gettysburg National Cemetery to honor the fallen Union soldiers. He
redefined the purpose of the war in his historic Gettysburg Address.
Our favorite time to visit the park is in the fall - the weather is
beautiful and not as hot as when the battle was fought.
On one of our visits, we took a private tour given by a Park Ranger and it
was incredible - he was so knowledgible. And the town itself can feel a bit
like an open-air museum, with people walking its streets in period
garb.
You can find items related to the Civil War in my addoway store at:
You can find items related to the Civil War in my addoway store at:
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Are
you getting on in age? Are you looking for a fun way to keep your brain sharp?
Putting jigsaw puzzles together is a fun activity that will challenge you and
help keep your brain young.
Jigsaw
puzzles are also a great family and rainy day activity. Puzzles are readily
available for any age and interest. You can also glue them together and frame
for a pretty wall treatment. 