10 Facts About The Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address, a brief but monumentally impactful speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It's a cornerstone of American oratory and a timeless articulation of the nation's ideals. However, beyond its familiar opening and closing lines, the Gettysburg Address is steeped in history, context, and nuances that often go unnoticed. Let's delve into ten fascinating facts that shed further light on this iconic speech.

Unveiling the Gettysburg Address: A Deeper Dive

The Gettysburg Address is more than just a historical speech; it’s a masterclass in brevity, purpose, and enduring impact. Exploring its lesser-known facets offers a richer understanding of its significance.

1. The Speech Was Not the Main Event

The dedication ceremony at Gettysburg was primarily intended to honor the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal clash in the American Civil War. The keynote speaker was Edward Everett, a renowned orator and former president of Harvard University. Everett spoke for over two hours, delivering a meticulously detailed account of the battle. In contrast, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was a relatively short addendum, lasting only about two minutes. While Everett's speech was initially considered the highlight of the day, history has overwhelmingly favored Lincoln's concise and powerfully worded remarks.

2. Lincoln Was Not the First Choice

Initially, the organizers of the Gettysburg dedication ceremony didn't consider inviting President Lincoln to speak. Their primary focus was on securing Edward Everett, a speaker of national renown. Lincoln's invitation was more of an afterthought, extended relatively late in the planning process. Some historians believe the organizers felt obligated to include the President, even if his role was initially perceived as secondary to Everett's.

3. There Are Five Known Manuscript Copies

Unlike many historical documents, there is no single "official" version of the Gettysburg Address. Instead, there are five known manuscript copies in Lincoln's handwriting. These copies vary slightly in wording and punctuation, reflecting the fact that Lincoln likely revised the speech after delivering it. The five copies are:

• The Nicolay Copy: Believed to be the earliest draft, possibly used by Lincoln on the day of the speech. It's currently housed in the Library of Congress.
• The Hay Copy: A second draft, also likely prepared before the delivery. It resides in the Library of Congress as well.
• The Everett Copy: Written at the request of Edward Everett for inclusion in a fundraising book. It's located at the Illinois State Historical Library.
• The Bancroft Copy: Commissioned by historian George Bancroft, it's considered one of the most polished versions. It's divided into two parts, one at Cornell University and the other in the Lincoln collection of Susan and David Work.
• The Bliss Copy: Named after its custodian, Colonel Alexander Bliss, it's the only version signed and dated by Lincoln. It's often considered the standard version and is displayed at the White House.

The existence of these multiple versions underscores the evolution of the speech and the meticulous care Lincoln took in crafting his words.

4. The Address Was Initially Met with Mixed Reactions

While the Gettysburg Address is now universally lauded, its initial reception was far from uniformly positive. Some newspapers and political opponents criticized the speech as being too short, too simplistic, or even inappropriate for the occasion. Some felt it lacked the gravitas expected of a presidential address at such a solemn event. However, other outlets recognized its profound message and enduring power, praising Lincoln's ability to capture the essence of the Civil War and the nation's ideals in such a concise and eloquent manner.

5. Lincoln's Health May Have Affected His Delivery

Prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln was reportedly feeling unwell. Some historians believe he was suffering from a mild case of smallpox or another illness. This may have contributed to the brevity of the speech and the subdued manner in which it was delivered. While there's no definitive medical diagnosis, accounts from those present suggest Lincoln was not at his peak physical condition on that day.

6. The "Four Score and Seven Years Ago" Opening Is Significant

The famous opening line, "Four score and seven years ago," is not just a quaint historical reference. It deliberately connects the Civil War to the founding of the United States in 1776. A score is equal to 20 years, therefore "four score and seven years ago" refers to 87 years prior to 1863. Lincoln was reminding his audience that the nation was founded on the principles of liberty and equality, and that the Civil War was a test of whether those principles could endure. By linking the present struggle to the nation's founding, Lincoln elevated the significance of the war and framed it as a fight to preserve the very essence of American identity.

7. The Speech Redefined the Purpose of the Civil War

Before the Gettysburg Address, the primary focus of the Civil War was often presented as preserving the Union. Lincoln's speech subtly shifted the emphasis to the issue of slavery and the pursuit of equality. By invoking the phrase "a new birth of freedom," Lincoln suggested that the war was not just about maintaining the existing nation but about creating a more just and equitable society. This redefinition of the war's purpose helped to galvanize support for the Union cause and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery.

8. The Address Is a Masterclass in Rhetoric

The Gettysburg Address is widely studied as a prime example of effective rhetoric. Lincoln employed various rhetorical devices, including:

• Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses ("we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow").
• Antithesis: The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas ("The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here").
• Parallelism: The use of similar grammatical structures to create a sense of balance and rhythm.

These techniques, combined with Lincoln's precise language and powerful imagery, contributed to the speech's memorability and enduring impact.

9. The Exact Location of the Speech Is Debated

While the general location of the Gettysburg Address is known (the Soldiers' National Cemetery), the precise spot where Lincoln stood remains a subject of debate. Some historians believe he spoke from the cemetery's rostrum, while others suggest he stood on a nearby platform or even on the ground. The lack of definitive photographic or eyewitness evidence has fueled this ongoing discussion.

10. The Address Continues to Inspire Today

The Gettysburg Address remains relevant and inspiring in the 21st century. Its themes of unity, equality, and the pursuit of a more perfect union resonate across generations. The speech is often invoked in discussions about social justice, political leadership, and the enduring ideals of American democracy. Its brevity and eloquence make it easily accessible and adaptable to various contexts, ensuring its continued relevance in shaping national conversations.

The Enduring Legacy of Lincoln's Words

The Gettysburg Address is far more than a historical artifact; it's a living testament to the power of words to shape history and inspire change. By understanding these ten facts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the context, craft, and enduring impact of Lincoln's iconic speech. It serves as a reminder that even the shortest of speeches can leave an indelible mark on the world, provided it is delivered with sincerity, purpose, and a profound understanding of the human spirit. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of language when wielded with precision and moral conviction.