We will look at the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The three-day battle is considered both the turning point of the war and literally the high-water mark of the Confederacy.

1st CLASS - The Road to Gettysburg; Why did General Lee decide to invade the north? Why Gettysburg? How did the lack of ‘eyes on the ground’ affect how the battle setup?

2nd CLASS - Day 1, July 1, 1863. The battle begins; missed opportunities on both sides. At the end of the day, should Lee have decided not to further engage Union troops.

3rd CLASS - Day 2, July 2, 1863. Little Round Top, the importance of the high ground and other battles that occurred that day.

4th CLASS - Day 3, July 3, 1863. Pickett’s Charge and the other battles that took place that
day. Also, the decision to not finish off the Confederate Army at the end of the day.

5th CLASS – The Civil War from Gettysburg to Appomattox and terms of surrender. The class will have the optional opportunity to visit the battlefield with the instructor following the completion of the class.

George Gruner is a local historian with over 40 years of teaching experience. He has worked as a docent at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, and in Guest Services at Monticello. George has taught classes on the Eight Virginia Born Presidents, Women’s Suffrage, The Evolution of the Constitution, Prominent First Ladies, What If? (a look at events that helped shape American History) and a class on Dirty Politics for LLI. He currently teaches chess at Anna’s House School in Staunton and for the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department. George has served in the Vermont General Assembly as a State Representative. He also has managed political campaigns for Federal, State, and local candidates. History and politics have always been a love for George.