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Historic cemetery · Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Soldiers' National Cemetery
A cemetery created for Union dead from the battle, where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Soldiers' National Cemetery
After the battle, thousands of soldiers were hastily buried in fields around Gettysburg. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased land atop Cemetery Hill to bury them with dignity, and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery was dedicated on November 19, 1863.
At the dedication, after a principal orator who spoke for two hours, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech of about two minutes, the Gettysburg Address, which reframed the war’s meaning around equality and government by the people. A memorial in the cemetery marks the spot and reproduces the text.
Union soldiers’ graves are arranged in semicircles around the Soldiers’ National Monument, grouped by state. The cemetery later also received veterans from other wars.
The cemetery is adjacent to the town center and to the hill where the Union line once stood. Park rangers lead guided walks there on some days.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with low light, or on November 19, when the anniversary of the address often has a ceremony.
How to get there
The entrance is on Taneytown Road, about 1 km from downtown Gettysburg and the Museum and Visitor Center; it’s walkable.
Tip
Respect the silence: the cemetery remains a place of remembrance. There is no admission fee.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Soldiers' National Cemetery
Where did Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address?
At the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, on November 19, 1863, at the cemetery’s dedication. A memorial marks the spot.
How long did the Gettysburg Address last?
About two minutes; it was one of the shortest and most quoted speeches in U.S. history.
Do you have to pay to visit the Gettysburg cemetery?
There is no entrance fee for the cemetery.