Phantom Gettysburg discusses the contemporary alternative version of a perceived haunted battlefield. In order to understand this alternative perception, contemporary anomalous phenomena must be affixed to and analyzed within their exact historical setting and social context. An ethnographic model of mid-19thc. American culture is used as the basis for this analysis. Specifically, the cultural beliefs relative to the concepts of death and the afterlife, as it was envisioned by these soldiers, is the basis for this model. This historical ethnographic analysis serves two purposes. First, it is a means to legitimize the methodology and fieldwork practices of ghost research. Second, it is meant to analyze the Gettysburg experience and its haunting uncertainty in its historical and sociocultural environment. The conclusion that is drawn from this comparative approach alters the reality and representation of an interactive ghostly battlefield presence. A Gettysburg haunted by Civil War soldiers is considered, for the most part, a phantom experience.

Phantom cries from wounded soldiers echo through the air. Strange orbs of light appear in photographs. These stories and more are found at Gettysburg Battlefield, the site of a historical American Civil War battle. Readers will follow along in spooky delight as they discover the ghosts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Discover the paranormal legacy of one of America's most celebrated historical sites. Based on scores of investigations conducted at the battlefield, Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg presents a wealth of fascinating Civil War history and compelling, first-hand encounters with ghost soldiers. Meticulously researched and respectful, this book reveals the mysteries of the spirit world while bringing the stories of this notorious battle to life. Follow investigators who listen to the testimonies of soldiers before helping them cross to the other side. Experience personal and thrilling stories, such as the fallen soldier who allows a present-day tourist a glimpse into his last moments on earth. These true encounters, and many more, are found within this amazing collection of the trials and triumphs at the Battle of Gettysburg. Includes thirty-five photos! Praise: "[This book] is not only the definitive guide to Gettysburg hauntings, but a priceless overview of phantasmal research in general...5 out of 5 stars!"—Joshua P. Warren, author of How to Hunt Ghosts

"It will be found to contain principally an account of the monuments erected by the State of Maine on the Gettysburg Battlefield ... ; a full description of each monument, accompanied with half-tone pictures; the exercises attending their dedication; a statement of the part taken by each of the fifteen regiments, battalions, batteries, or other commands of Maine troops, illustrated with maps and diagrams; a list of participants in each command, with casualties in the same; a list of Maine generals, and staff and other officers additional to Maine organizations; a historical sketch of each command; and a brief summary of the work of the committee"--Preface.

"The battle of Gettysburg was undoubtedly one of the greatest conflicts of modern times, not only from the number of combatants engaged and the desperate nature of the struggle, but because on the now classic heights of Cemetery Ridge, Culp's Hill, and the Round Tops the future of the American Republic, for weal or for woe, was fought and won on those memorable July days. As decisive in its character and far-reaching results as the Battle of Waterloo, like it, it has been the subject of endless controversy and military criticism, and has brought forth a multitude of books, pamphlets, and letters, most of which serve but to bewilder and 'darken visibly' the student of history. Fortunately, amid the din and confusion of bitter polemical warfare there is one historian to whom the general reader can turn with confidence -- one who has devoted to this battle years of patient study and untiring research, has critically examined all the official and unofficial documents, reports, and publications to be obtained from reliable sources on either side of the controversy, has thoughtfully sifted the evidence for every statement made, has consulted with the surviving officers of either army, and then, 'with malice toward on and charity for all, ' and with an impartiality rare even in a foreigner of his exalted position and pre-eminent ability, has sought and not in vain, to write truly the history of the greatest battle fought on American soil"--Publisher's pref.