The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863, is considered by many historians to be a major turning point in the Civil War. The Union victory here is credited with ensuring that the United States would indeed remain one nation.
A group of Saints traveled to Gettysburg National Military Park October 23-25 to explore its battlefield, monuments, and cemetery. Bruce Eelman, Ph.D., professor of history, and
Greg Eckl ’11 led the students around the entire battlefield, detailing the intriguing stories of sacrifice and bravery. They also explained the role that landscape and strategy played in the battle, which was one of the bloodiest of the war.
Eckl, currently a member of Siena’s Board of Advisors, toured Gettysburg as a student and was inspired to give his own tours to friends and family. To ensure that fellow Saints can continue to experience this historical travel opportunity he established a fund to support the trip every year for the next five years.
“It is tremendously gratifying to bring students to where history happened, especially a site as hallowed as Gettysburg where liberty and Union were defended and to demonstrate the critical role of the landscape in the struggle,” said Eelman. “I am deeply grateful to Greg for his generosity in supporting student opportunities to come to Gettysburg, and for sharing his passion for this historic place.”
Eelman teaches a course on the Civil War and Reconstruction, although this trip was not connected to it. It was open to all Siena students of any major to broaden the appeal of American history.
The group toured the battlefield to explore the area that saw the first day of battle on July 1, then toured the second day of battle on July 2. After dinner, a few brave Saints took in a ghost tour. The following day they toured the third day of the battle, which is famous for Pickett's Charge, then toured Gettysburg National Cemetery, where over 6,000 Union soldiers and veterans are buried. It was also the site of Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, delivered in November 1863.
Maelys Ginet ’27, a business student from France, said she enjoyed the time spent driving together and sharing conversations, and of course exploring the battlefield.
“As a French person, I learned so much about the Civil War and how much happened in just a few days,” said Ginet. “The ghost tour was also unforgettable, especially learning that surgeons sometimes had to amputate limbs in just 90 seconds. It was something I could hardly imagine, even in my worst nightmares!”
Education graduate student Kaitlyn Hathaway ’28 said the trip was one of the best experiences she’s had during her time at Siena.
“Visiting Gettysburg, touring the battlefield and seeing the places I learned about in class made history feel more real and meaningful,” she said. “I am especially thankful to Dr. Eelman and Greg for making this trip possible and creating this opportunity for Siena students this year and for years to come.”
