"After almost 8,000 dead dotted the fields of Gettysburg, several men hatched the idea of a new cemetery to bury and honor the Union soldiers just south of town. Their task was difficult to say the least. This book recounts the events surrounding the creation of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, its dedication, and concentrates on Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg on November 18-19, 1863"-- Provided by publisher.

After the Battle -- Initial Burying the Dead -- The Need for a Cemetery -- Fight Over the National Cemetery's Location -- Planning the New National Cemetery -- Moving the Corpses -- Planning the Consecration Ceremony -- Getting to Gettysburg -- The Big Day Arrives -- The Consecration Ceremony and the Remainder of the Day -- Writing the Gettysburg Address -- Which Gettysburg Address? -- Reactions to the Gettysburg Address -- The Gettysburg Address' Meaning and Enduring Legacy of Gettysburg.