November 19, 1863
The Gettysburg Address
A tiny speech, only two minutes long, that people still remember today.
The Story
In the summer of 1863, three enormous days of battle happened at a little Pennsylvania town called Gettysburg.
It was the biggest battle of the Civil War, and afterwards a quiet cemetery was built to honor the soldiers.
President Lincoln was invited to say a few words at the dedication ceremony.
He stood up in his tall black hat and spoke for only about two minutes — just 272 words.
His little speech reminded everyone that America is a country 'of the people, by the people, for the people.'
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