Thanksgiving at Gettysburg: Lincoln’s Call for Grace, Unity, and Peace

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude. For many, it is a holiday steeped in tradition, and a time for family gatherings. But there is another layer of significance that binds Thanksgiving to one of America’s most poignant historical moments – the Battle of Gettysburg and President Abraham Lincoln’s powerful call for grace, unity, and peace.

The Historical Context

In 1863, the United States was engulfed in the Civil War, a bitter conflict that pitted brother against brother and tested the limits of the young nation’s resolve. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in this war. Occurring from July 1 to July 3, 1863, this clash was one of the bloodiest in American history, with over 50,000 casualties. The Union victory at Gettysburg marked a significant shift in momentum, but the cost was monumental. The landscape was left scarred, and the nation was deeply divided.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

In the wake of such devastation, President Abraham Lincoln was invited to deliver remarks at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863. His speech, now famously known as the Gettysburg Address, was a succinct yet profound call to honor those who had fallen and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the principles of liberty and equality.

Lincoln’s address was more than a tribute; it was a call to action for the living to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of those who fought and died at Gettysburg. He urged Americans to come together, to heal the nation’s wounds, and to strive for a new birth of freedom.

Thanksgiving’s National Recognition

Just a few days before Lincoln’s poignant address at Gettysburg, he issued a proclamation that would forever link this period with the national spirit of thankfulness. In his proclamation on October 3, 1863, Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

The proclamation came at a time when the nation desperately needed a unifying force. Lincoln recognized the importance of setting aside a day for Americans to pause, reflect on their blessings, and foster a sense of unity amidst the ongoing strife. He encouraged citizens to offer thanks and prayers not only for the bounties of their lives but also for the hope of peace and the preservation of the Union.

Thanksgiving in Gettysburg

As Thanksgiving approached, the town of Gettysburg was still grappling with the aftermath of the harrowing Battle of Gettysburg. Local resident Tillie Pierce, who played a significant role in caring for the injured, referred to the town in her diary as “a sprawling infirmary.” Makeshift medical centers had sprouted up everywhere—in homes, churches, and public spaces. The streets were cluttered with debris, and there was still ample destruction undergoing repair throughout the town. A heavy sense of communal sorrow hovered over the town.

Despite the immense grief that had engulfed Gettysburg, Lincoln’s Thanksgiving emerged as a day for the community to unite and find comfort in one another. Tillie Pierce’s diary vividly describes how both townsfolk and the injured gathered in sacred and homespun spaces to express gratitude for their survival and seek a renewal of hope amidst the ruin. Residents of Gettysburg showed remarkable generosity, sharing whatever they had with the injured and those in need. Thanksgiving meals were improvised, and the locals extended comfort and warmth to soldiers and fellow citizens alike. Tillie’s diary notes her family’s humble Thanksgiving gathering, where they offered a simple yet heartfelt meal to their guests. These acts of kindness and empathy were a testament to the tenacity of the Gettysburg community.

The Healing Power of Gratitude

This first nationally-recognized Thanksgiving in 1863 showcased the unwavering American spirit in the face of adversity. Tillie Pierce’s diary serves as a poignant reminder that even during the most challenging times, unity, compassion, and gratitude can prevail. The citizens of Gettysburg, who had endured the horrors of war, understood the importance of coming together to acknowledge the blessings they still enjoyed.

On that morning of November 26, 1863, multiple local worship services took place with the largest gathering at Gettysburg’s Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Baltimore and Middle streets, the very church where President Lincoln had himself recently attended a service just the previous Thursday. According to local newspaper the Adams Sentinel, the Thanksgiving events “passed off very quietly in this place…and a general respect was paid to the day.”

Thanksgiving at Gettysburg Today

Today, visiting Gettysburg during Thanksgiving provides a unique opportunity to reflect on these themes of grace, unity, and peace. The battlefield serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the resilience required to forge a united nation. For history enthusiasts, American patriots, and families alike, Gettysburg offers a powerful narrative that transcends time.

Reflecting on Legacy

A visit to Gettysburg Battlefield Tours during Thanksgiving allows you to walk the hallowed grounds where pivotal moments of American history unfolded. Guided tours offer insights into the strategies, struggles, and stories of the soldiers who fought here. Visitors can explore key sites such as Little Round Top, Pickett’s Charge, and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his iconic address. Engaging with the history of Gettysburg during Thanksgiving encourages a deeper understanding of the values that Lincoln championed. It prompts reflection on how far the nation has come and the importance of continuing to strive for unity and equality. Visitors can take part in special commemorative events and programs designed to honor the legacy of those who fought and to remind us of the enduring relevance of Lincoln’s message.

A Family Experience

For families, a Thanksgiving visit to Gettysburg can be both educational and inspiring. The experience provides an opportunity to teach younger generations about the significance of the Civil War and the bravery of those who fought. It also allows families to reflect on their own blessings and the importance of coming together, much like the nation did in the years following the battle.

Continuing Lincoln’s Vision

Abraham Lincoln’s vision for a nation united in peace and equality remains as relevant today as it was in 1863. Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the power of gratitude and the importance of striving for a nation where liberty and justice are upheld for all. By visiting Gettysburg during the Thanksgiving season, you participate in a legacy of remembrance and reflection. You walk the paths that witnessed monumental sacrifice and transformation. And most importantly, you renew your commitment to the ideals that define America.

Thanksgiving at Gettysburg is more than a historical exploration; it is an opportunity to connect with the past, honor the sacrifices made, and carry forward Lincoln’s call for grace, unity, and peace. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an American patriot, or a family seeking meaningful experiences, Gettysburg offers a unique perspective on the holiday’s deeper significance.

Join us at Gettysburg Battlefield Tours this Thanksgiving, and be part of a tradition that continues to inspire and unite. Book your tour today and step into a chapter of American history that continues to shape our present and future.

Visit Gettysburg in Person

Plan your next excursion with us! Our bus tours of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield are active and ready to show you the sites of the historical battleground. Reservations can be made by calling our toll-free number at 877-680-8687. You can also purchase bus tour tickets online.  Tours depart from the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 777 Baltimore St., Suite 100