Learning from the Source: Gettysburg Address Image Sequencing

The Union victory over Confederate forces at the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) is considered a major turning point in the Civil War. But it was also the costliest in terms of human lives—more than 51,000, nearly one-third of all forces engaged, were killed, reported missing, or wounded.[1] Soon after, a project to build a cemetery for the Union dead began. Two men spoke at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19, 1863. Edward Everett, a well-known orator, delivered a two-hour speech. President Abraham Lincoln’s speech—known today as the Gettysburg Address—lasted only a few minutes. Primary sources can help students better understand the power and significance of this historic speech. Below you will find all the resources you need to implement this activity as well as links to related content and activities.

Image sequencing materials

• About image sequencing activities
• Gettysburg Address Image Sequencing Worksheet
• Gettysburg Address (thumbnail) Images
• Gettysburg Address Image Citations

Gettysburg primary sources

• Battle of Gettysburg primary source sets
• Gettysburg image set

More Gettysburg teaching resources

• Gettysburg Address Game On modular lesson
• Where Do I Run to? Where Do I Hide? maps, stories and music

More image sequencing resources & activities

• I Have a Dream Image Sequencing
• Pledge of Allegiance Image Sequencing
• Preamble to the Constitution Image Sequencing