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”.
