The children of the 19th century were no different than today's kids.
They looked forward to summer and enjoying the pleasant weather.
However, it wasn't all fun; most still had their daily chores to do,
just as they did during the rest of the year - many farms and orchards
were in Gettysburg. In 1863, America's Civil War between the Northern
and Southern states was in its third year. Most of the fighting was
taking place in the south, so Gettysburg and its 2400 residents were
spared the devastation which came along with the battles. They were
truly aware of the ongoing war; many fathers, sons, and brothers
answered the call when President Abraham Lincoln asked the Northern
states, as it did of Pennsylvania, to support the Union cause. For the
children of Gettysburg, it would not be their normal summer. There were
always rumors about the Confederates coming, but now it all came true
and it would indeed be their "unforgettable summer".