Civil War States: Pennsylvania

The Battle of Gettysburg, from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was the costliest battle in the Civil War in terms of lives lost: 51,000 casualties. Union forces had suffered several defeats at the hands of the Confederacy, and the South's Army of Northern Virginia hoped to issue another defeat at Gettysburg. They had, after all, beaten Northern troops several times in Richmond. At Gettysburg, however, the Union's Army of the Potomac achieved an important victory against the Virginia army—one that came when support was faltering for the North's cause. "This nation was never the same after Gettysburg," according to the Gettysburg National Military Park Web site. Learn what happened by taking a virtual tour of this historic battlefield and reading a summary of the three days of fighting.

After the Battle of Gettysburg, President Abraham delivered the most famous address of his presidency. He was invited to make some remarks at the dedication of a cemetery for Union soldiers who fell at Gettysburg. It was both a chance for Lincoln to honor all those who had died in battle in the war, and an opportunity to let the nation know that the war could help establish freedom and equality for everyone in the country. Read about Lincoln's invitation to speak at Gettysburg, see the only known photo of him at the dedication of the cemetery, and view two drafts of the Gettysburg address online.

The magnitude of the Civil War can make it hard to remember the individuals, both famous figures and those less well known, behind the important events that took place and shaped the country's future. However, "putting a name to a face" often adds a more personal effect to our experiences. The Library of Congress maintains a collection of portraits of named Civil War soldiers from both the Confederate and Union armies. Pictures of soldiers from Pennsylvania and many other states can be found here.

Of any state involved in the Civil War, Pennsylvania had the largest number of African American troops in its forces. While this was an opportunity to make a statement against slavery, it was also a risk because black soldiers were frequently re-enslaved or killed if captured by the Confederate armies. Study the notable African American regiments and other forces Pennsylvania provided to the war effort at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. 

Black soldiers were not readily welcomed to fight in the war. It was considered a "white man's war," and African Americans who stepped forward to fight were often turned away. However, heavy battle losses and continued requests from abolitionists eventually prompted black soldiers' entry into the military. Camp William Penn was established in Pennsylvania and became was the first military training center for black soldiers.