The Battle of Gettysburg — Remembering Those Who Served

As we prepare for the festivities and gathering of family and friends this Fourth of July, we should take time to reflect on our nation’s history—the tragedy, the loss, the heroes, and our freedom.

One such event that will be remembered is the Battle of Gettysburg. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863 during the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg has undoubtedly shaped our nation into what it is today.

Gettysburg Cultural Resources Open-End Project

Led by Ben Resnick, MA, MBA, RPA, GAI completed more than 25 task orders involving archaeological testing, evaluation, data recovery, and monitoring projects throughout Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. These task orders included projects associated with the installation of park-wide sewer and water lines, utility lines, and roads, conducted as part of two consecutive open-end agreements with the National Park Service, Denver Service Center.

The Largest Archaeological Project Ever Conducted at Gettysburg

Investigating 30 prehistoric and historic sites, GAI conducted the largest single archaeological project ever conducted at Gettysburg, which yielded 29,000 artifacts. In addition, GAI’s investigations and testing brought forth archaeological evidence of Camp Colt (World War I) and Camp Sharpe (World War II) within the Gettysburg National Military Park. And although all artifacts and evidence discovered are valuable pieces of our past, nothing can bring GAI’s stay at the Gettysburg National Military Park full circle quite like the discovery of the Unknown Soldier.

The Unknown Soldier—A Fallen American Hero

14th_BrooklynWhile visiting the Park in March of 1996, a park visitor stumbled upon bone fragments that had been left visible due to soil erosion in a railroad cut. After excavation and examination, GAI determined that these remains belonged to a young Caucasian male in his twenties. Analysis indicated the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. With this analysis, together with the artifact assemblage, GAI’s team was able to identify the individual as one who lost his life during this significant chapter of our Untied States history.

As we take time to revisit our past on July 4, GAI is honored to have partnered with the Gettysburg National Military Park and National Park Service, Denver Service Center to piece together our nation’s rich history. For questions or additional information regarding the Gettysburg Cultural Resources Open-End project, contact Assistant Vice President/Senior Director Ben Resnick, MA, MBA, RPA at 412.476.2000.


GAI has also completed survey and testing for the proposed location of the new Museum and Visitor Center Site for the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum Foundation and a survey for a proposed underground utility line funded by the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg. Additionally, GAI was awarded multiple blanket purchase agreements with Gettysburg National Military Park for conducting various cultural resources projects throughout the grounds.

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