The Civil War Era Studies program is Gettysburg College's showcase program for studies in the American Civil War and the Civil War era in American history (1848-1877). Created in 1998 with funding from the Henry R. Luce Foundation, CWES oversees an undergraduate minor in Civil War Era Studies and a "Gettysburg Semester," which affords undergraduates from outside Gettysburg College an opportunity to spend an entire "immersion" semester in Civil War studies at Gettysburg.
The study of the American Civil War introduces us to the most critical period of our national history, when the survival of our democracy underwent its supreme test. Studying the Civil War opens before us an unparalleled historical drama, and furnishes modern Americans with examples of heroism, faith, civic virtue, and national purpose. And of all places to study the Civil War, Gettysburg College is without question the most unique.
Founded in 1832, the College itself served as a field hospital and observation post during the battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), and is located immediately adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park and the town of Gettysburg, where Abraham Lincoln delivered the most memorable presidential speech ever uttered, the Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863).
Students from any undergraduate major program at Gettysburg College are welcome to add the minor in Civil War Era Studies for graduation. Students from any accredited, four-year college or university are welcome to apply for the Gettysburg Semester (see our on-line e-inquiry and e-application forms).
300 North Washington Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325