MWojton Loc: Yardley, PA

I agree with above. I visited over the summer and read Killer Angels prior. Having some background knowledge will add so much to your trip.

mrozzoo Loc: Illinois

I was there some years ago... I still have the memory of so many of the headstones... "UNKNOWN".

My same trip was to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY...

That's where every American should visit..... WOW...

Don't MISS this place.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Pickett was actually eager to go. He wanted the glory. It was his immediate commander, General Longstreet who was certain It would be a disaster. When the time came for the actual movement to begin, Pickett ask Longstreet for permission to move forward and Longstreet, unable to speak the words, merely nodded his head in approval.

pendennis

While in the Navy, our unit had the chance to visit Gettysburg, and even when I was 23, I was awestruck at just what a fight it was. My most stirring memory was where Pickett's Charge got underway. Even then, when I was "immortal", I just couldn't see how men could charge into near-certain death. We all wondered why no one thought to "blow" the fences to make the charge a bit easier for the Confederates.

In my genealogy studies, I've since learned that my great-great-great grandfather served in the 20th Maine under Joshua Chamberlain.

In those days, you could get off the tour paths, so I went off the road where Pickett's charge started, and found an unfired .58 caliber Minié ball.

therwol Loc: USA

I stand corrected. I should watch the movie again. But the point is that someone with a brain knew what would likely happen. I think I did read that Pickett never forgave Lee.

pendennis

It proves, among other things, that Lee forgot where his strength lay. Theretofore, he had largely fought a defensive campaign, and very successfully. By "invading the North", he extended his supply chain, and at the same time, was unable to forage successfully.

Although it's not generally well-published, Gettysburg was technically lost to Lee on the very first day, even though the Confederates fought heroically until the last. General John Buford dismounted his cavalry and had them fight as infantry defending Seminary Ridge against General Heth's troops.

CrazyJane Loc: Limbo

Leave the camera at home and just pay your respects.

JRD3 Loc: Richmond, VA

I think you make a good point about the Union movements on day 1. They gave a strong position to Meade. However, Lee's commanders on his left were slow to take advantage of opportunities to push the Union positions.
There will always be a lot of study and second guessing on what might have been over these three days.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

When I was about 10, we would follow the tractors plowing the corn fields. The plows would turn up civil war bullets and pumpkin balls. We would take them to the Electric Map (no longer there) and sell them for .25 to .50 cents. That was big bucks back then. Gas was .25/gal., not that I bought any and gum was 5 cents a pack.
I still have a few.

JBRIII

I was there with a group from a completely different meeting, day off. The group paid for one of the paid guides, it was money very well spent. Highly recommend it, if your vehicle has room for a guide.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

There definitely is a lot to see in Gettysburg.
Living there when I was a kid I didn’t pay much attention to its historic significance to the shaping of our country.
We went back for the 150th anniversary and it really opened my eyes to the horrific battle that took place there. They fired Canons packed with a full charge like they used during the war. When fired, it was so loud you had to shut your ears. The sound roared through the valley. It went on for the entire celebration.
They opened Picketts Charge to lead a March of civilians across the hallowed ground. They expected Bout 3-4000 people. Over 8,000 showed up. This really put in perspective what the scene was during the battle.
We went to numerous re-enactments. I believe about 1 million re-enacters showed up. It was chilling to watch how they fought at close encounters.
Over 50,000 were killed or wounded in the 3 day battle.
When a house came up for sale over looking Picettes Charge, we jumped at the opportunity to buy it. Here is our view.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Agree with the personal guide suggestion. It’s a more personal experience than the bus tour.

PeteWeez Loc: LSD

When we went they had something called the Light Show. It was in an auditorium and it took viewers around the site through the entire arrival of armies and battles. Great way to understand the whole thing before going out in the fields. Coming from Maine I wanted to see the memorial to the 20th Maine on Little Round Top. If you've seen the Gettysburg movie or read Killer Angles you'll understand. Another good book featuring the battle and Joshua Lawrence is "The 20th Maine".

Gettysburg should be on everyone's bucket list. Enjoy.

Bill_de Loc: US

Lots of good info.

My niece has us booked on a 2 hr horse drawn carriage ride. I think she and her 3 sons will decide what else we see.

I'll hopefully have some pictures to post. The trip is 2 weeks away.

Thanks all!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The movie Gettysburg is reasonably accurate, However like all dramatic historical movies, considerable license is taken when telling the tale much is left out by necessity.

For instance, the retelling of the attack on Little Round Top is all about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine, but no significant mention is made of Colonel Strong Vincent who commanded the brigade sent to defend Little Round Top, and who placed one of his regiments, the 20th Maine in their position. All of the regiments on Little
Round fought valiantly on July 2nd under his leadership and Strong Vincent pay the ultimate price. He was mortally wounded that day and died several days later.

It is true that Pickett was extremely bitter and never forgave Lee. He was one of the few senior officers who apparently did not see the high potential for disaster. He was delighted to be selected and relished leading his division to victory. However, after his division and the parts of other divisions under him were hurled back with tremendous losses, reality finally set in and he realized the folly of the charge.

The following quote is from a biography of George Pickett on: https://www.essentialcivilwarcurriculum.com/george-e.-pickett.html


"Unlike many ex-Confederates, George Pickett rarely ever spoke publicly about the war. John Mosby wrote famously of an encounter with Pickett in 1870, when he happened to meet him in the streets of Richmond and accompanied him to visit the aging Robert E. Lee. After a cold and strained exchange with his former commander, Pickett allegedly scoffed to Mosby: “He had my division massacred at Gettysburg.” "

The John Mosby being referred to is John Singleton Mosby, also known as the Gray Ghost. During the Civil War he led a Confederate cavalry unit of raiders known as Mosby's Rangers.