On November 19, 1863, a little over 4 months after the battle, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at what today is the cemetery across from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.

The Kentucky monument to its native son's address at the cemetery at Gettysburg NMP

In my mind, this is still the most eloquent and forceful dedication to a cause that a leader has yet to deliver. Unbelievably, Lincoln left Gettysburg with the impression that the address had been a miserable failure and he had not risen to the occasion. Showing signs of his self-doubt that plagued him at times, Lincoln reminds us that brevity and directness, though seemingly incongruent with enormous endeavors, is often what history demands of its giants.

Ride Recommendation

The official GNMP map is the only resource you really need for a great day-long tour by motorcycle. If you want an end of day jaunt to loosen up the bike and your mind, head west up the Lincoln Highway to Tuscarora Summit.

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Book and Map Recommendations

Technorati Tags: 1800s 1860s 1863 19 19th American Civil War Chambersburg Fayetteville Franklin Gettysburg Lincoln Mcconnellsburg November PA Pennsyvlania St Thomas Tuscarora Summit US Civil War US-30