You have to remember the period of time the Battle of Gettysburg took place. Summer in Pennsylvania , without air conditioning and modern conveniences was no vacation. Reading accounts of the summer battle indicates that by the time the Confederates had reached Gettysburg, they were battle worn and in need of shoes, clothing and supplies. War is war and so they began to ransack the town. The placement of Union troops soon deterred them and they proceeded to gather for formation for what would eventually become Pickett's charge. Lee's Army misjudging the force of the Union Army lost nearly half of its men during this engagement. The town's people actually gathered on the hillsides to watch the battle. Ladies dresses in their Sunday best, and picnicked s the battle ensued. Many soldiers dies or were wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. It is said that on days when the weather conditions are right, you can still smell the odor of death in the Peach Orchard, and the Wheat fields. Gettysburg is a beautiful park paying tribute to those on both sides who paid the ultimate price for their beliefes. A visit is well woorth the tiimme and travel.
