NPC 15th annual Civil War trip set for Gettysburg, July 13

Gettysburg National Military Park, where the Civil War's bloodiest battle took place the first three days of July 1863, will be the destination for the National Press Club's 15th annual Civil War trip on Saturday, July 13.

Club members and guests will depart by bus from the National Press Building at 8:15 a.m., returning at approximately 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for attendees, but Club members are asked to bring no more than one guest each.

Reservations are required and can be made online.

What began as a chance encounter outside the town of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, quickly turned into a ferocious battle. Despite initial Confederate successes, the battle turned against Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on July 3. With few options remaining, Lee ordered his Army back to Virginia. The Union victory -- known as the "high water mark of the rebellion" -- was a turning point in the Civil War and essentially ended Confederate hopes for independence.

The tour guide will be Tim Smith, a longtime licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg and author of numerous books and articles on the battle.

The tour is hosted by the American Battlefield Trust -- formerly the Civil War Trust -- pursuant to a long-standing payment-in-kind agreement with the Club.