The Burial of the Dead at Gettysburg: A Historical Reenactment

The Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 was a turning point in the American Civil War. After the brutal three-day engagement, the question of how those who fell would be buried became urgent. This article provides a detailed exploration of the methods and procedures used to bury the dead and honor the fallen soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict.

Context and Background

The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest confrontations in American history. Approximately 50,000 soldiers lost their lives during the three-day battle, resulting in over 7,000 dead on the Union side and over 5,000 on the Confederate side.

The Methods of Burial

Following the Battle of Gettysburg, the immediate aftermath involved impromptu burials on the battlefield. Initially, the Union soldiers were buried without much organization, often in shallow mass graves. Confederate soldiers, on the other hand, were simply left on the field, awaiting more organized disposal processes.

Shallow Mass Graves

During the initial phase of burial, it was common to create shallow mass graves for the fallen soldiers. These graves were typically covered with a thin layer of soil, providing only a temporary solution. From 70 to 150 bodies were found to have been buried in this manner.

Large Trenches

As the recovery and identification process advanced, trenches were dug to more efficiently and systematically bury the fallen soldiers. These trenches could accommodate up to 150 bodies, ensuring that mass graves were more organized and respectful.

Identification and Marking

To aid in the identification and marking of graves, Samuel Weaver, a man responsible for identification, used clothing to distinguish between Union and Confederate soldiers. The identification process was crucial to ensure that each soldier was given the proper honor and respect.

The Creation of the National Cemetery

A significant step in handling the burials was the establishment of the "Soldiers' National Cemetery." Originally, it was filled exclusively with Union soldiers' remains. The cemetery was a designated area where the fallen could be properly interred and cared for.

Transferring the Union Soldiers

Once the "Soldiers' National Cemetery" was established, the Union soldiers who had been buried in shallow graves and trenches were moved to the new cemetery. This process involved carefully excavating the existing graves, transferring the remains, and reburial in the more permanent and respectful setting.

The Fate of Confederate Soldiers

After the Union soldiers were reburied, the Confederate soldiers who had been left on the field were also dealt with. These bodies were either moved to their own memorials or repatriated to their home states for a more traditional burial. This process ensured that all fallen soldiers received the appropriate care and respect.

The Role of Labor in Burials

The actual process of burying the dead involved a significant amount of manual labor. Tools such as picks, shovels, and trenching tools were the primary tools used in the mass exhumations and reburials. Although backhoes and other mechanical diggers were not used, the effort required to dig the large trenches and shallow graves was demanding and laborious.

Conclusion

The burial of the dead at Gettysburg was a complex and emotional task, one that was essential in concluding the battle and honoring those who had died. The establishment of the National Cemetery and the proper reburial of Union soldiers marked a step towards a more organized and respectful tribute to the fallen soldiers of both the Union and the Confederacy.