Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Gettysburg Address
"We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We are met to dedicate a portion of it as the final resting-place of those who have given their lives that that nation might live."
President Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg Address
On the morning of November 19, 1863, nearly 20,000 statesmen, soldiers and citizens converged on this hill to consecrate the new Soldiers' National Cemetery. The speakers' platform was located in Evergreen Cemetery to your left.
The Hon. Edward Everett, principal speaker and former Governor of Massachusetts, took the platform at noon. His eloquent, but exhausting, speech lasted two hours.
Following a hymn, President Abraham Lincoln rose to deliver "dedicatory remarks." As the crowd strained to see and hear, Lincoln spoke deliberately and without gestures. According to some observers, the people received his prayer-like words in stunned silence. The "Gettysburg Address" lasted two minutes.
Lincoln left the platform believing his remarks had disappointed the people. As time passed, however, it became clear that his simple utterances had found a place in many American hearts - and would for generations to come.
Erected by Gettysburg National Military Park.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 19, 1863.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 39° 49.198′ N, 77° 13.844′ W. Marker was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker could be reached from Taneytown Road (State Highway 134), on the right when traveling north. Located near the Soldiers Memorial in the center of Gettysburg National Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Few Appropriate Remarks (here, next to this marker); Battery G, Fourth U.S. Artillery (here, next to this marker); Mary Virginia Wade (a few steps from this marker); Kentucky Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldier’s National Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); ...broken by gunfire... (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery H, 1st U.S. Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); New York State Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. In the upper center This extraordinary photo from the National Archives shows the crowd assembled for the dedication ceremonies here November 19, 1863. The man whose head is circled is believed to be Abraham Lincoln.
In the lower center is a portrait of Lincoln. Alexander Gardner took this photo of President Abraham Lincoln four days before he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
On the lower right is a photo-copy of one of the original copies of the address. The Hay Draft of the Gettysburg Address, penciled in Lincoln's own hand, may be the one Lincoln carried in his coat pocket to the ceremonies here. The document is preserved at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Also see . . .
1. The Gettysburg Address. Library of Congress site discussing the history of the address. (Submitted on March 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Edward Everett. Edward Everett (April 11, 1794 – January 15, 1865) was an American politician, pastor, educator, diplomat, and orator from Massachusetts. Everett, a Whig, served as U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, the 15th Governor of Massachusetts, Minister to Great Britain, and United States Secretary of State. He also taught at Harvard University and served as its president. Everett was one of the great American orators of the antebellum and Civil War eras. He is often remembered today as the featured orator at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1863, where he spoke for over two hours—immediately before President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous, two-minute Gettysburg Address. (Submitted on November 24, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,523 times since then and 105 times this year. Last updated on March 23, 2022, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on March 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 24, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 6. submitted on April 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 7, 8. submitted on November 24, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.