Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Defining Moments

— Gettysburg National Military Park —

Photographed By Karl Stelly, February 28, 2022

1. Defining Moments Marker

Inscription. Gettysburg was a defining moment for soldiers who fought here. Preservation of the battlefield—initially intended as a shrine to the Union cause—began immediately. Over time the battlefield evolved into a memorial to those who fought on both sides. To veterans who fought here, Gettysburg meant many things—courage, sacrifice, treason, loyalty, freedom, emancipation. During Blue and Gray reunions in 1887, 1913, and 1938, the Angle and the High Water Mark became the setting for ceremonial handshakes between former enemies. Here, American valor, unity, and peace were celebrated while issues of slavery, African American freedom, and rights gained and lost in subsequent decades went largely ignored by the American public. While the goodwill between Union and Confederate veterans was often genuine, much still divided them.

(caption)
Union and Confederate veterans shake hands across the stone wall during the 75th reunion in 1938.

Erected 2022 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 39° 48.803′ N, 77° 14.131′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Township. Marker is on Hancock Avenue, 0.4 miles north of Pleasonton Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in front of "The Angle" on Cemetery Ridge in Gettysburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Aftermath (here, next to this marker); Gettysburg Cyclorama (a few steps from this marker); Arnold's Battery (a few steps from this marker); Twenty-Sixth North Carolina Regiment (a few steps from this marker); Army of the Potomac (a few steps from this marker); Artillery Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth Volunteer Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Battlefield Landmarks - West and North".

Also see . . . Gettysburg National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on April 12, 2022.)

Photographed By Karl Stelly, February 28, 2022

2. Defining Moments Marker

Closeup of Union and Confederate veterans shaking hands across the stone wall near "The Angle"

Photographed By Karl Stelly, February 28, 2022

3. Defining Moments Marker

This group of two new markers is in front of "The Angle" on Cemetery Ridge. The marker on the left is entitled "The Aftermath," and the one on the right is entitled "Defining Moments."

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.