The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863) saw more than 165,000 Union and Confederate soldiers at war, with more than 51,000 killed, wounded, or captured in the largest battle ever fought on North American soil. Afterward, it stood witness to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Led by historian Ted Alexander and battlefield guide Elwood Christ, this tour—suitable for beginning Civil War buffs—summarizes the actions of the three days. It starts at the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, which houses Paul Philippoteaux’s Gettysburg Cyclorama. The painting, which has a circumference of 359 feet and was recently restored, depicts Pickett’s Charge on the third day of the battle. Next up are sites associated with the first day, such as McPherson’s Ridge and Oak Hill.

Enjoy lunch at the historic 1776 Dobbin House Tavern, and then continue to sites from the second day of the battle, including Little Round Top, theWheatfield, the Peach Orchard, and Culp’s Hill. Examine the terrain of the climactic Pickett’s Charge and conclude at the national cemetery where Lincoln gave his historic speech.

CODE: 1ND-040

8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. by bus from the southeast corner of the Air and Space Museum, 4th St. & Independence Ave., S.W., with a pickup stop at the I-270 Exit 26 Urbana carpool parking lot at about 9:05 a.m.

Dress for some battlefield walks.