Most Famous Speech

November 19, 2008

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Profile America — Wednesday, November 19th. What is widely considered the most memorable speech in all American history was given on this date in 1863 — when President Abraham Lincoln made what is now known as the “Gettysburg Address.” Delivered in less than two minutes, the speech dedicated 17 acres of the Pennsylvania battlefield as a national cemetery and is recognized as one of the most eloquent in the English language. Gettysburg National Cemetery continues to draw thousands of visitors each year. Some 140,000 Union troops were killed during the war and nearly 300,000 wounded. Reflecting the hardships and primitive medical facilities of the time, another 224,000 soldiers died from causes other than combat. Confederate losses are unknown. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 560
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2004 - 2005, t. 506
http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab2001_2005.html