Day 5 - A Battle Field to Remember

Well today we left the Nation's Capitol and went to Gettysburg. The battlefield that turned the tides for the Union army in Civil War.In true History Geek style we watched the film Gettysburg on the way to the battlefield. I learned all sorts of new information. I was very interested to learn that after General Meade had the Confederate army retreating he chose not to pursue (he was more of a "defensive General") and engage them after one day. Instead he wrote a letter to Old Abe stating that he had in fact "driven the rebel forces from our soil", well since Abraham Lincoln had always stated that even though the South had chosen to secede from the Union as the Confederate States of America he still held the ideals that it was still ALL US soil, so he threw and broke a water pitcher at having received word from Meade. The new museum was amazing, I only wish that they offered more educational support, access to documents and artifacts on their website. The bus tour of the town and battlefield was directed by teacher gone park ranger. Ever wonder where History teachers go when they retire... yep... park service, lecturing and questioning to the very end. Ahhh!!! to dream of retirement...hhhmmm I wonder which memorial or park I'll end up at?
On a serious note, I have to admit that the scale of the battlefield had truly escaped me until I was standing next to the cannons on all sides of the lines. I really liked the idea the tour guide gave about having students use topographical maps of the area and plan out their own battle strategies and then compare it to the strategies used. I love it when geography, science, and history all clash together to form "A More Perfect Union of Curriculum." (ok ok I'll stop)
I also have to give out a big woot woot to all the TAHer's who gathered in the lobby of the hotel to share their DC experience. I really was able to gain a clearer picture of what I wanted to see and do in my last 2 days at DC.(so much sidewalk and only so much rubber left on the bottom of my shoes) Once again talking to your peers and being able to interact with one another is priceless. I can't say how much knowledge I have gained from this wonderful group of people.