Children at the Battle of Gettysburg - Their Unforgettable Summer

The children of the 19th century were no different than today's kids. They looked forward to summer and enjoying the pleasant weather. However it wasn't all fun; most still had their daily chores to do just as they did during the rest of the year - many farms and orchards were in Gettysburg. In 1863 America's Civil War between the Northern and Southern states was in its third year. Most of the fighting was taking place in the south so Gettysburg and its 2400 residents were spared the devastation which came along with the battles. They were truly aware of the ongoing war; many fathers sons and brothers answered the call when President Abraham Lincoln asked the Northern states as it did of Pennsylvania to support the Union cause. For the children of Gettysburg it would not be their normal summer. There were always rumors about the Confederates coming but now it all came true and it would indeed be their unforgettable summer.