The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War and considered by many historians to be the war’s turning point. During three days in July 1863, the armies of the South under General Robert E. Lee and the armies of the North commanded by General George G. Meade clashed in the hills and dales surrounding the Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. When the battle ended on July 3, more than 46,000 soldiers had been killed, wounded, captured, or gone missing.

Historic Photos of Gettysburg recounts the events of this momentous battle. From the carnage at Devil’s Den and Pickett’s Charge to Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the 50th and 75th reunions of the veterans from both sides, this look at the scene of the conflict, its aftermath, and its commemoration brings together in one volume a comprehensive visual record of this pivotal event.

Included in these pages are hundreds of historic photographs, made by Civil War photographer Mathew Brady and many others, all published in striking black and white. As a collection, these images preserve the historic events at Gettysburg, which helped shape the future of a nation, and document a reunified nation mending its soul.