The Gettysburg Address: In Lincoln's Footsteps | History Traveler Episode 157

This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
When one thinks about the most famous speeches of all time, the Gettysburg Address is likely to land somewhere near the top. Given in the wake of one of the bloodiest battles that had ever been fought in the U.S., Lincoln's short speech would resonate throughout history and give the country a renewed vision as it continue through the war. In this episode, we are retracing the steps of Lincoln from the center of Gettysburg to the National Cemetery where he delivered these famous words in November 1863.
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[@kimberlysusie701]

Yes, I have a lump in my throat after this one. Lincoln's words are just as powerful and profound today as they were 158 years ago!

[@jonnash170]

Truly truly amazing words Lincoln was put on this Earth for a reason just as George Washington was.

[@pbrn1729]

I have been to Gettysburg and it is even more impressive when you are actually there! Thank you very much for your wonderful words🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@RhettyforHistory]

I always find it fascinating to walk where history happened. It certainly brings it all into perspective.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@TtrainInVain]

Rhetty it certainly does. May I recommend Sharpsburg, MD Antietam. Bloody lane. That place has an extreme vibe as does it's own wheat field amongst other hot spots. Cheers.

[@seegreen3268]

Hey Rhetty

[@RhettyforHistory]

@@seegreen3268 Hello See!

[@RhettyforHistory]

@@TtrainInVain I have been there but it was many years ago. I would love to make a other trip out that way!

[@aussieoffroader1974]

That speech gives me goosebumps every time i hear or read it. If only the world would listen to history.

[@patricialenaburg6553]

It goes to show you, a speech means nothing, no matter how long, unless you have the power power to put meaning into it. I believe Lincoln had this, and many were afraid of the charisma he had. It only took 2 mins. to deliver his speech, but he gave it with truth, and faith.Yep, I had to learn the address in school.Thanks JD, another good piece in history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much to learn from the example set there.

[@hisoverlorduponhigh90]

I was born in Baltimore, November 19, 1960. Exactly 97 years after President Lincoln delivered these immortal words. When I was a boy we visited Gettysburg plenty of times. My relatives were all Pennsylvania, Dutch.

[@davestein4162]

Excellent video. Timeless message for all of us who love our freedom.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Agreed.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I wish more young people would listen to that address,and realize the blood that it has taken to make this Nation Great and Give Us Freedom.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. Hopefully people will share this video with some younger people whom they may know.

[@amycrunk9244]

Thank you for using 2 minutes of your time to read that for us. He was correct. We should never forget

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. Thank you.

[@kateclark7250]

Oh my, JD. This made me cry...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that it connected in some way :)

[@jackthecanuck6736]

Thank you for the entire series JD. As a Canadian, I knew a little about Gettysburg, but not enough. With the knowledge I now have, I'll be planning to visit the area when this pandemic is behind us. You are an amazing teacher sir!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@puranchandbali8033]

Message was universal and for all times to come.

[@keithblank5]

I always said I wanted to be a history teacher. Your videos could so easily be turned into educational aids. I love the content and I really hope that somewhere at least one teacher is seeing these and possibly educating the younger generations with your stuff. Excellent job, JD! Keep up the good work!

[@andrewmalone9143]

Yes sir! I use this video in my U.S History class. I’ve also used his Omaha Beach videos. The kids really like those. Keith! You commented 2 yrs ago. Are you a history teacher now?

[@TermiteUSA]

Very well done JD. As a kid from Eastern Maryland, the romantic attraction to the South was always there, like it was supposed to grow on me. But as I learned about Abraham Lincoln I could not help but respect and admire him. Reading his words had never failed to fascinate and inspire. That conflict in my own perspective comes back over and over again like a lost, old friend. Keep up the great work JD!

[@ericbentz4597]

JD, you absolutely crushed it with this video. It's amazing how something as simple as including the witness trees allows us to connect the present to the past and transport us to another time.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Those trees are pretty awesome.

[@commonsense571]

Thank you for doing this. We are here this weekend and will visit this place on Memorial Day so that my child can see this place. ❤

[@michaeleverett7247]

If only governments around the world understood the concept of “ for the people “

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

True.

[@rebelscumspeedshop]

I've had this debate with my brother many times as to what "for the people" means.

[@KevinGomez-gl1dk]

💯💯❤️

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

Not sure if the government understands that concept now our power is being taken away

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

Simply it means the people rule not the government because the people have certain rights unalienable cnthey are confined in the bill ofvtights its governments jobto protect them and the people

[@larryrowe5259]

The music in these videos are appropriate, non-intrusive and beautiful. Don't stop doing that.

[@diannebass2744]

I'm so happy to see it is back up. I wanted to share this. Great history lesson you taught while walking to the cemetery. The keynote speaker comparison to President Lincoln's 2 minute Gettysburg Address. Like I mentioned before, my history teacher in 70's had us memorize the Address and each word came right back to me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. That's awesome. Good leadership lesson as well. Sometimes you can say more with less words.

[@albertlilly]

Have sounded Taps three times on those hallowed grounds, and it never ceases to be both moving and tremendously gratifying. The men who died at that battlefield fought for their personal ideas, and ideas they felt were absolutely American in scope. These ideas were direct opposites and in untolled cases, had family fighting family on both sides of this great conflict. We simply need only look at this great battle for example of what happens when negotiation and compromise fails to happen. I pray we never forget this war, this pivotal battle, or those who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their ideas, be they north or south. A war where half the country won and the other half lost is no win for anyone.

[@kateclark7250]

The Gettysburg address always makes me cry.

[@brianthrasher9781]

My parents took me there in the summer of 92' when I was 16. While I can say I've been there I know I didn't appreciate where I was . Wish I was older when I visited. I find history so fascinating now. Thanks for the videos

[@michaelevans205]

As a Brit I did not, of course, learn the Gettysburg Address at school, rather, it was Winston Churchill and his words about fighting on beaches and never surrendering. Sadly, in this day and age, as our teaching becomes rightly more inclusive and diverse, we lose sight of and fail to appreciate the greatness that is our birthright in our haste to judge badly those who went before. I have never actually heard the whole Address spoken, (shame on me!), only read it in books. Knowing it concludes with the single simplest and most accurate definition of democracy ever uttered is not the same as hearing it. As always, I salute the outstanding quality of your work..

[@susanschaffner4422]

Speech read eloquently. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@kavehguilanpour6875]

Arguably the greatest speech written in the English language.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@tnarggrant9711]

Very good, sir. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Justice4547]

Beautiful

[@obizzil]

This was hands down the best Gettysburg video ever to show in depth where Abraham Lincoln walked what it looked like back then and now and the Speech. Great history lesson 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@davidmayotte1542]

I really appreciate your time as you unravel many of the great moments of the history of our nation. I also greatly appreciate how tender you are as you remember those who past in many of the locations you are referencing. Thank you for doing this.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@hatman567]

In 2nd or 3rd grade for a school setting I memorized this speech and recited it for the class. I now understand that at the time, I was not grasping the meaning and appreciate behind those words. With context now it’s so much easier to see how meaningful that speech really was. Moving tribute in this video!

[@danielhostetler9493]

I've listened to and read that speech numerous times but this is the first reading where I have really heard the words. In light of the struggles we still face today, as a nation, it is humbling to think about the meaning and intent of those words Lincoln spoke so many years ago. It is time to recommit, as a nation, to embracing and committing to the ideals that were of such importance that it lead men to die for the cause and sacrifice so ALL men and women, ALL Americans would be free.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@lthom5158]

I agree! It brought tears to my eyes.

[@curiousone2581]

Absolutely a wonderful presentation!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!!!

[@needmorecowbell6460]

And none of that means anything to anyone today … sad and disturbing! Long live history and the living and fallen who provide that history.

[@beckspersonal]

I have to say this is one of my favorite videos you've done yet! I know nothing about videography or editing. That said, I believe this was very well done. You took us with you through town, showed us sobering pictures of the battle aftermath, then hit us in the feels with your narration of the speech. GOOSEBUMPS. Fantastic educational resource you've created here. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@andynjw1163]

Who would of thought such a short address would still be well known to this day.👏👏

[@njcr4restores]

Outstanding

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@karengailpetty7159]

Still one of my favorite videos. Thank you, JD

[@alextheis1123]

Another great video review of an event at Gettysburg. Thank you sir.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@andrea6421]

I was hoping you would do Lincoln’s footsteps and you did not disappoint! Thank you 😊

[@andybovee827]

Just watching you walk and seeing row upon on row of headstones, gave me chills. So many dead.

[@lthom5158]

This video is just as moving today as it was a year ago!

[@jhsams1977]

Thank you JD!

[@ColdWarFilms1947]

Thanks for reposting this encore presentation 1 year later. I think this is one of your best!

[@douglaspoulin8059]

Well done sir. Well done. Thank you for sharing this important part of our history in this great nation !

[@kathycasey9153]

Thank you.

[@mattwilliam5522]

Your videos are a relaxing breath of fresh air in turbulent times thank you. Keep up the good work

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@miketaylorID1]

Three brutally hot days in July. Another in November - . 96 hours of American history that, I am sure you could attest to, a student Of that history could spend the rest of their days studying and still ‘not come near the central idea of the occasion’ and learn it all. We have been visiting Gettysburg regularly for many a year and as much as we see and discover, it always seems to barely scratch that well worn patina of time. The battle, the soldiery, the townsfolk and people. The technology of war, the advancement of medicines. So many topics and fields of interest, it seems an insurmountable task. I commend your efforts and truly appreciate each and every episode of the series. I have enjoyed each and every one. Once again to you I cheer a hearty HUZZAH!

[@ronaldcobbley9668]

A very solemn moment

[@jennifermilano9165]

Yes!!! Soo excited I can watch this now!! Love ya JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Sorry about the delay in getting this one up.

[@lthom5158]

Thank you for these videos! You have brought history to life with the photography, music, and words of the people who were there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Glad to share the experiences. Hope that the content is proving useful in some way.

[@vilstef6988]

Edward Everett told Lincoln he felt Lincoln got to the heart and focus of the occasion better in two minutes than he had in two hours.

[@kevindice1092]

I’ve watched many of your videos, and not one has affected as deeply as this one. Well done, friend.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Great Speech. Thank you.

[@pman64]

I stood in those same exact spots 3 years ago, guessing as close as I could to where Lincoln gave the speech. Very humbling experience to be in Gettysburg and to witness it all and to think of what happened there. Thanks once again for the history lesson.

[@michaelw8429]

This hit me at a good time when I and so many Americans are deeply concerned about this great nation. If we can survive that, we can survive the war we most surely are in presently and the continuing test of our endurance. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@zoso73]

I'm not so sure our Republic will survive the current Cold Civil War we find ourselves in. I hear the Gettysburg Address, and I hope the devotion of the fallen shall not have been in vain as we continue our constitutional project into 21st century.

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

How cool I found this vid. Thanks to your links I visited the Gettysburg Museum page, and I bought an artifact they were selling. It's a piece of a wood beam from the Wills house that they acquired during renovations. I love it and plan on visiting them more to add to my collection 👍 On a side note, my dad had me memorize the Gettysburg Address when I was 10. Those words have never escaped my mind and when I hear them or think of them, still brings a tear to my eye

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome!

[@johnloots4321]

One of the very best you have done. Well done.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@puertoricangringo3144]

Man,I don’t know if you are still teaching school,brother,but if you are,you have some very lucky students. I would literally pay to sit I. One of your classes. I can’t thank you enough for this channel!

[@kysersose3924]

"...Government of the people, By the people, For the people..." It deeply saddens how America has strayed so far from these words.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That’s why a robust history education is important. Hopefully this channel is serving to fill in some of the gaps.

[@farmingthemitten4887]

My ancestors have been here since 1739, they have seen combat in every war since the Revolution. Following the Revolutionary war they relocated from the East Coast to Pennsylvania and eventually Michigan in the early 1830’s before statehood. My 4th Great Grandfather and his older brother volunteered for the Army in the spring of 1861 with the 3rd Michigan Infantry. They both saw almost every major battle through the surrender at Appomattox. Sometime in 1864 they were tacked on to the 5th Michigan Infantry and I believe mustered out early summer 1865. My Great Grandfathers all fought in WW2, 2 fought in Korea also. Both of my grandfathers fought in Vietnam and my dad got lucky and didn’t have to serve at all. History is a powerful tool that unfortunately isn’t used enough these days in our public schools. Hopefully it doesn’t have to repeat itself.

[@PONGERR]

I work through Hanover Junction, where Lincoln switched trains to get into Gettysburg twenty miles east near York! Also used to transport wounded union soldiers during the battle - his death train also came through there - very eerie!

[@tnarggrant9711]

Clever and lovely to make the speech the big bold piece of this video. I listened once, then brought my kids in to listen.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for sharing it with your kids. That’s the main reason why I started this channel to begin with.

[@jackladny5864]

Great video , thanks for your work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@XxBloggs]

Excellent again. Thanks.

[@delorean1983]

Lincoln actually gave his speech inside the Evergreen Cemetery. He stood close to what is now the National Cemetery

[@mgunny05]

Well done JD on this. You have DONE and continue to DO a service for this country and our history showing us and visiting beautiful National cemeteries of the men and women who have given the “Last full measure of devotion” to all the other historical/important places that I and others get to see through your talented work. Good job my man!

[@PJ-bv9tc]

Wonderful insight JD. Often in speeches, less is more. And my wife and I have lived for over 25 years in the direct area of a town named after Lincoln’s long winded co speaker that day; Everett, Pennsylvania.

[@roberthudson1959]

Everett gets ridiculed in almost every discussion of the ceremony, but it is important to realize that both men did exactly what they were asked to do. A two-hour speech was the normal highlight of an occasion like this, and Everett may have been the nation's leading expert in the exercise. His remarks to Lincoln, although they proved prescient, were the normal polite congratulations from one speaker to another. Lincoln did not think the speech had been well-received, saying it "didn't scour."

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I just can't imagine standing through a 2 hour speech lol

[@mrDCunningham]

Great work JD 👍🏻😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@SueProv]

I saw this in the morning. This is ground hog day. or as Yogi Bera said de javu all over again. Loved this whole series JD. I said it this morning but now I'm saying it again. Thanks to all the guides and curators who assisted you. This is stellar work. And of course thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I made an error in the earlier upload that had to be corrected.

[@SueProv]

@@TheHistoryUnderground JD I meant it in good fun. God bless you.

[@jamandaflobeats]

I would love to see you go to the Chickamauga Battlefield. I grew up near there and spent many days at that battlefield. Thank you for doing these videos, I have learned so much from each and every one.

[@mikeb.2114]

Your videos are always exceptional. Please don't stop!

[@oldtanker4860]

Thank you for this series. You do a wonderful job of making history come alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@sassytbc7923]

I love the way you put this together. The Pictures you displayed whilst saying Lincoln’s speech. The Speech made sense for the first time. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@kennethnew3075]

Glad this got reposted. Watched it again and its still as powerful as the first time. Thanks JD. Also loved the photo of the witness placed in time. Wonderful.

[@kennethnew3075]

Witness Tree

[@johnkelsey2482]

Excellent Vlog.....Thank You So Much for This Series .....

[@crazya3466]

What an in-depth analysis of such a pivital civil war battle, extremely well done in honoring these American war vets and families that endured. Thx you from the bottom of my heart. My favorite Presidential speece🖒.. cA

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@stevenlassiter1532]

Thank You for another Great Video!!! I really look forward to them.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@skimmer8774]

You have done a fantastic job with this series. Really fantastic.

[@swgeek4310]

Witness trees are so fascinating to me. It is just a tree but man, if it could talk or we could tap into it's history. Weird but so cool

[@Carolbearce]

Thank you for reading President Lincoln’s speech for us. I haven’t heard it since school. You do an amazing job of teaching and reminding us of our history. Thank you.

[@caseyflorida]

Every time I hear that speech read, it brings tears to my eyes. One of the greatest speeches ever given!

[@thedoxinator3934]

😎 JD…nailed it 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@michaelgalea5148]

Fantastic video thank you JD for reminding us that a government is made by the people.

[@hikerx9366]

Everytime I watch these types of videos it chokes me up, such a sacrifice of human life.😢

[@K.Lovelace1968]

I have absolutley loved this whole entire series on Gettysburg.. thank you so much for sharing...

[@kbhistoryquest9675]

Love this video! Such a powerful speech given by a very wise man! Amazing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

One of my favorites.

[@philmathenia2265]

That was very wealth waiting for. Thank you JD for always a great video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@sallyarrison9726]

Thankyou

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Great video JD, made my arm hairs stand up and goose bumps, great all time speech! I have a copy hanging in my bedroom.

[@anitatucker8812]

A very moving piece J.D. Thank you for bringing us along and sharing the history of Gettysburg with us.

[@brucebarker7856]

Awsome video love it great job on doing this video you are a natural.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@beckysteinmiller338]

Way back in time when I was a kid we were assigned the task of memorizing the Gettysburg Address in school. Maybe this task should be considered again. Perhaps we might take those words to heart and make our world a better place. Powerful words and an excellent presentation, thank you!

[@thinktonka]

You do great work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@lawofwar517]

I've learned so much from this series. Thank you.

[@robertmiller1556]

One of your best.

[@mikehawthorne3374]

They made us memorize the Gettysburg address in school, but it had no meaning until I watched these episodes thank you for that!

[@martindriver6026]

I walked and read the names of all the union solders. There are several markers from states that just has how many were lost and were unknown. Took me 2 hrs. It was an experience to see the fire flies flying all around the tomb stones when it got dark.

[@BuckeyeBackyardBBQ]

Another phenomenal opening !! Great vid!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@BigLisaFan]

The photographer nearly missed the picture as he expected a longer speech. Always a great feeling to walk literally in the footsteps of history. As close to a time machine that we will probably ever get to.

[@ACupPlayz]

was just there last month and the Ranger walk at the Cemetary is amazing....