Winter Lecture Series

Sunday January 5 – “Acting as an agent for Governor Curtin” – David Wills and the Creation of the National Cemetery
Dan Welch, Gettysburg National Military Park

More than any other, Gettysburg citizen and prominent lawyer David Wills ensured that the Union soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion had a final and fitting rest place. From its conception in July 1863 until the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Monument in July 1869, Wills worked tirelessly on the cemetery project, including the proposition of holding a dedication ceremony and supplying President Abraham Lincoln a quiet room to finish his “few appropriate remarks.” Discover Wills’ important work in the creation of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg.