Discoveries and Burials at Gettysburg: The Eternal Rest of Battle Casualties
The battlefield of Gettysburg, once the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, has become a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. Over the years, efforts have been made to properly identify and honor the remains of soldiers found in the area.
Continuing Discoveries of Civil War Remains
Though more frequent in the past, new discoveries of soldiers' remains are still being made at Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863, left behind a significant number of casualties, many of whom were initially buried in mass graves or hastily interred. Over time, these war graves have been honored and relocated to more formal settings.
The Gettysburg National Cemetery, established in 1863, serves as the final resting place for many of the Union soldiers who fought in the battle. The cemetery has witnessed the proper interment and reburial of countless soldiers over the years. Ongoing archaeology and historical research continue to uncover and honor the fallen.
The Rosensteel Gettysburg Collection and Confederate Honors
It is important to note that in the Soldiers National Cemetery, several remains identified as Confederate soldiers have received proper military honors. One notable example is the Rosensteel Gettysburg Collection. These skeletal remains, once part of the Rosensteel collection, were laid to rest with full military honors on Memorial Day, May 24, 1991. This ceremony was a significant event, marked by the use of a horse-drawn 1918-vintage caisson, traditionally used for transporting presidential remains, as well as a riderless horse.
The exact location of the remains is marked with a simple tombstone bearing the word "Unknown." Fred Hawthorne, a knowledgeable Gettysburg guide, regularly leads tours to this site, ensuring that these fallen soldiers are remembered and honored properly.
Recent Discoveries and Future Upholding of Tradition
Another Confederate soldier was discovered in the Railroad Cut near Gettysburg in March 1996. This discovery led to the reburial of these remains with full military honors on July 2, 1997. The remains were placed in the same vault as the Rosensteel remains, perpetuating the tradition of honoring Confederate casualties.
In the future, if additional remains are found and identified as part of the Gettysburg battle, they will be added to this vault. The site will continue to serve as the final resting place for these fallen soldiers and will remain the last grave in the Soldiers National Cemetery.
Conclusion
While the tradition of burying Union soldiers continues in the Soldiers National Cemetery, the repository for Confederate remains ensures that the fallen from both sides receive proper honor and respect. This ongoing process of discovery and reburial continues to uphold the memory of those who fought and died at Gettysburg, reminding us of the cost of peace and the importance of remembering our history.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the history and ongoing discoveries related to Gettysburg, the National Park Service website and the Gettysburg Foundation provide extensive resources, including historical accounts, maps, and photographs. These resources can help further educate visitors and enthusiasts about this significant chapter in American history.