The main thing that everyone thinks of when they come to Gettysburg is the history of the American Civil War. Gettsyburg was the site of one of the deadliest battles in American history, which took place from July 1-3, 1863. The first thing to see when you come to Gettysburg is the battleground itself. The land now serves as a memorial to those 51,000 men who were killed, wounded, or missing in action during the battle. Millions of tourists come each year and pay homage to those who fought for freedom. There are always re-enactments of the battle, which are both entertaining for adults and children alike, but also serve as a reminder of the cost of war. Witnessing what a battle during the Civil War was like really puts things into perspective, and it gives a sense of patriotism to the viewer. If you go to the Gettsyburg National Cemetary, you can see the monuments errected in honor of the fallen soldiers. This is also the spot where President Lincoln gave his famous Gettsyburg Adress on November 19, 1863. Gettsyburg also has some other unique attractions, however. You can visit the Dobbin House Tavern, which is the oldest house in the town. It was built in 1776. Gettysburg is a great spot for a lesson in American history.