The National Cemetery was dedicated November 19, 1863, in ceremonies that included Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. McConaughy soon left the presidency of the Evergreen Cemetery Association to help establish the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, serving as its first president for ten years.
The National Cemetery was inaugurated on November 19, 1863, with events that included Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. McConaughy transferred his presidency from the Evergreen Cemetery Association to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, serving as its first president for ten years.