A short look at one of the turning points of the Civil War.

The Battle of Gettysburg

It has long been a trope of Civil War history that Gettysburg was an accidental battlefield. General Lee, the old story goes, marched blindly into Pennsylvania while his chief cavalryman Jeb Stuart rode and raided incommunicado. Meanwhile, General Meade, in command only a few days, gave uncertain chase to an enemy whose exact positions he did not know. And so these ignorant armies clashed by first light at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. In the spirit of his iconoclastic Lee’s Real Plan at Gettysburg, Troy D. Harman argues for a new interpretation: once Lee invaded Pennsylvania and the Union army pursued, a battle at Gettysburg was entirely predictable, perhaps inevitable. Most Civil War battles took place along major roads, railroads, and waterways; the armies needed to move men and equipment, and they needed water for men, horses, and artillery. And yet this perspective hasn’t been fully explored when it comes to Gettysburg. Look at an 1863 map, says Harman: look at the area framed in the north by the Susquehanna River and in the south by the Potomac, in the east by the Northern Central Railroad and in the west by the Cumberland Valley Railroad. This is where the armies played a high-stakes game of chess in late June 1863. Their movements were guided by strategies of caution and constrained by roads, railroads, mountains and mountain passes, rivers and creeks, all of which led the armies to Gettysburg. It’s true that Lee was disadvantaged by Stuart’s roaming and Meade by his newness to command, which led both to default to the old strategic and logistical bedrocks they learned at West Point—and these instincts helped reinforce the magnetic pull toward Gettysburg. Moreover, once the battle started, Harman argues, the blue and gray fought tactically for the two creeks—Marsh and Rock, essential for watering men and horses and sponging artillery—that mark the battlefield in the east and the west as well as for the roadways that led to Gettysburg from all points of the compass. This is a perspective often overlooked in many accounts of the battle, which focus on the high ground—the Round Tops, Cemetery Hill—as key tactical objectives. Gettysburg Ranger and historian Troy Harman draws on a lifetime of researching the Civil War and more than thirty years of studying the terrain of Gettysburg and south-central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland to reframe the story of the Battle of Gettysburg. In the process he shows there’s still much to say about one of history’s most written-about battles. This is revisionism of the best kind.

All Roads Led to Gettysburg

Presents Explains the events leading up to the Battle of Bull Run, the beginning of the Civil War, and the Battle of Gettsyburg, which became the turning point that brough about the end of the war.

This stunning narrative of the epic Battle of Gettysburg begins with the clash of Union and Confederate armies at Chancellorsville and concludes with Robert E. Lee's retreat through Pennsylvania and escape across the Potomac. Award-winning historian Craig L. Symonds recounts the events of three hot, brutal days in July when Americans struggled battled one another across a dozen square miles of rolling Pennsylvania countryside. Symonds details the military strategy of both sides, including the Confederate decision to invade the North, the cat-and-mouse game in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and, finally, the terrible clash of arms on the hills and fields of Gettysburg. Firsthand accounts humanize generals and individual soldiers of the Blue and Gray who fought for their lives, their homes, and their convictions. This is the story of Gettysburg as it has never been told before.

The legendary Battle of Gettysburg still resonates in American history. Readers are guided through Gettysburg's tranquil beginnings as a Pennsylvania crossroads to the action-packed battle that is known as one of the most crucial in the country's storied past. This resource takes the reader step by step through the days leading up to the battle, with first-person accounts of experiences on and off the battlefield, original photographs, and informative maps. These primary sources tell an exciting story fraught with tension and conflict that readers are unlikely to forget.

The Battle of Gettysburg Close Up

Includes 30 maps and plans to illustrate the bloody engagement at Gettysburg. Originally published as a 72-page pamphlet for private circulation only, and then first published in full print in 1908, this story of the Battle of Gettysburg was written by Lieutenant Haskell to his brother, H. M. Haskell of Portage, not long after the contest . Although not originally intended for publication, its great merit was at once recognized, and the account was widely read by military experts, and received much praise for both its literary and its professional merit.

The Battle of Gettysburg [Illustrated Edition]

This first volume of three discusses the tactical decisions made on day one and the ensuing combat, while also including a brief summary of the grand strategy in the Eastern Theater of the war, the conduct of the Pennsylvania Campaign from June 6 to 30, 1863, and the plight of civilians caught up in the conflict. The Battle of Gettysburg, which took place July 1–3, 1863 in and around the town of Gettysburg, PA resulted in the largest number of casualties of the entire American Civil War and is seen as the key turning point in the conflict. On its first day, Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia sought to destroy the Union army, forcing its men to retreat through the streets of the Pennsylvania town to the hills just to the south. This volume, the first of three to cover the battle in depth, includes the morning cavalry skirmish, the morning clash at the Herbst's Woodlot and at the railroad cut, the afternoon clash at Oak Ridge, the afternoon fight at the Edward McPherson farm, the afternoon rout of the 11th Corps, the last stand of the 1st Corps at Seminary Ridge, the Union retreat through town, and the positions of the armies at nightfall.

The Battle of Gettysburg 1863 (1)

Civil War historians have long been puzzled by Pickett’s seemingly suicidal frontal attack on the Union center at Gettysburg. Here, for the first time, Paul D. Walker reveals Robert E. Lee’s true plan for victory at Gettysburg: a simultaneous strike against the Union center from the front and rear—Pickett’s infantry to charge the front, while Stuart’s cavalry struck the rear. The frontal assault by Pickett went off as scheduled, but as Stuart’s forces approached from the rear, they encountered a Union cavalry contingent. As the forces joined, the Union cavalry leader was quickly killed, and command fell to one of the most dynamic figures in American history—George Armstrong Custer. What followed was America’s greatest cavalry battle: 7,500 Confederate horsemen ranged against 5,000 Union cavalry, Jeb Stuart against George Custer, with the outcome of the Civil War at stake.

The Cavalry Battle That Saved the Union

For good reason, the second and third days of the Battle of Gettysburg have received the lion's share of attention from historians. With this book, however, the critical first day's fighting finally receives its due. After sketching the background of the Gettysburg campaign and recounting the events immediately preceding the battle, Harry Pfanz offers a detailed tactical description of events of the first day. He describes the engagements in McPherson Woods, at the Railroad Cuts, on Oak Ridge, on Seminary Ridge, and at Blocher's Knoll, as well as the retreat of Union forces through Gettysburg and the Federal rally on Cemetery Hill. Throughout, he draws on deep research in published and archival sources to challenge many long-held assumptions about the battle.

Gettysburg--The First Day

One hundred and fifty years after the Battle of Gettysburg, the words of the soldiers and onlookers present for those three fateful days still reverberate with the power of their courage and sacrifice. The Illustrated Gettysburg Reader: An Eyewitness History of the Civil War's Greatest Battle gathers letters, journals, articles and speeches from the people who lived through those legendary three days. Tied together with narrative by historian Rod Gragg and illustrated with a wealth of photographs and images, The Illustrated Gettysburg Reader will transport you to the battlefield, immersing you in the emotional intensity of the struggle of brother against brother for the future of the United States of America. "Here they are penetrating the heart of a hostile country leaving their homes beyond broad rivers and the largest of the enemies armies while in front of them is gathering all of resistance that can be obtained by a power fruitful of every element of military power." —Confederate soldier T.G. Pollock on the 30th of June, 1863, the day before the Battle of Gettysburg

The Illustrated Gettysburg Reader

Thousands of books and articles have been written about the Battle of Gettysburg. Almost every topic has been thoroughly scrutinized except one: Paul PhilippoteauxÕs massive cyclorama painting The Battle of Gettysburg, which depicts PickettÕs Charge, the final attack at Gettysburg. The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Turning Point of the Civil War on Canvas is the first comprehensive study of this art masterpiece and historic artifact. This in-depth study of the history of the cyclorama discusses every aspect of this treasure, which was first displayed in 1884 and underwent a massive restoration in 2008. Coverage includes not only how it was created and what it depicts, but the changes it has undergone and where and how it was moved. Authors Chris Brenneman and Sue Boardman also discuss in fascinating detail how the painting was interpreted by Civil War veterans in the late 19th Century. With the aid of award-winning photographer Bill Dowling, the authors utilized modern photography to compare the painting with historic and modern pictures of the landscape. DowlingÕs remarkable close-up digital photography allows readers to focus on distant details that usually pass unseen. Every officer, unit, terrain feature, farm, and more pictured in the painting is discussed in detail. Even more remarkable, the authors reveal an important new discovery made during the research for this book: in order to address suggestions from the viewers, the cyclorama was significantly modified five years after it was created to add more soldiers, additional flags, and even General George Meade, the commander of the Union Army! With hundreds of rare historic photographs and beautiful modern pictures of a truly great work of art, The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Turning Point of the Civil War on Canvas is a must-have for anyone interested in the Battle of Gettysburg or is simply a lover of exquisite art.

The Gettysburg Cyclorama

Introduces the events of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 1-3, 1863, the bloodiest battle ever fought on United States soil, and explains its role in the progress of the war.

This second edition of "Gettysburg, July 2: The Ebb and Flow of Battle" reconstructs the 2nd Day's battle at Gettysburg and follows the troop movements of the two opposing armies as it has never before been attempted. The clock starts running at 12:01 a.m. and stops at midnight. In between those hours 164 full page color maps and accompanying text (with an additional 9 detailed maps) present the reader with a chronological progression of the battle that, at times, slows the action down to minute-by-minute increments as the movements of each Union and Confederate regiment and battery is tracked. Thus the fight for the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Little Round Top, East Cemetery and Culp's Hill is depicted in such a way as to bring those actions into context with activity occurring on other parts of the field. Fully illustrated, the author has drawn from the Official Reports, regimental histories, diaries, and numerous other sources to enliven and support the narrative. "A must-have reference tool for anyone wishing to understand the second day at Gettysburg", "Invaluable" and a "Masterful book" according to The Civil War News book reviewer.

Gettysburg, July2: The Ebb and Flow of Battle

Franklin Aretas Haskell's 'The Battle of Gettysburg' is a vivid account of one of the most momentous battles of the American Civil War. Drawing on his own experiences as a Union officer, Haskell describes the strategy, tactics, and heroism of both sides in gripping detail. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The latest book by preeminent Civil War artist and historian Don Troiani features 36 major paintings of the Gettysburg campaign and an introductory history of the battle by Civil War expert Tom Huntington. Each beautifully detailed and historically accurate painting is accompanied by a description of the scene and the historical figures taking part in the action.

Don Troiani's Gettysburg

Learning the Battle of Gettysburg

Although he took command of the Army of the Potomac only three days before the first shots were fired at Gettysburg, Union general George G. Meade guided his forces to victory in the Civil War's most pivotal battle. Commentators often dismiss Meade when discussing the great leaders of the Civil War. But in this long-anticipated book, Kent Masterson Brown draws on an expansive archive to reappraise Meade's leadership during the Battle of Gettysburg. Using Meade's published and unpublished papers alongside diaries, letters, and memoirs of fellow officers and enlisted men, Brown highlights how Meade's rapid advance of the army to Gettysburg on July 1, his tactical control and coordination of the army in the desperate fighting on July 2, and his determination to hold his positions on July 3 insured victory. Brown argues that supply deficiencies, brought about by the army's unexpected need to advance to Gettysburg, were crippling. In spite of that, Meade pursued Lee's retreating army rapidly, and his decision not to blindly attack Lee's formidable defenses near Williamsport on July 13 was entirely correct in spite of subsequent harsh criticism. Combining compelling narrative with incisive analysis, this finely rendered work of military history deepens our understanding of the Army of the Potomac as well as the machinations of the Gettysburg Campaign, restoring Meade to his rightful place in the Gettysburg narrative.

Meade at Gettysburg

Horses are one of the many unsung heroes of the American Civil War. These majestic animals were impressed into service, trained, prepared for battle, and turned into expendable implements of war.There is more to this story, however. When an army's means and survival is predicated upon an animal whose instincts are to flee rather than fight, a bond of mutual trust and respect between handler and horse must be forged. Ultimately, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in thousands of horses killed and wounded. Their story deserves telling, from a time not so far removed.

The Horse at Gettysburg: Prepared for the Day of Battle

This is an examination of reminiscences of the primary leaders on both sides at the battle of Gettysburg and a comparison of these reminiscences to the historical record. Many generals presented statements written decades after the Civil War, when the Gettysburg Campaign was the topic of historical research and personal controversy. This comparative history illuminates how history is shaped as well as how the famous battle unfolded.

Gettysburg as the Generals Remembered It

Solid shot ploughs huge lanes in their close columns ... Their shattered lines do not waiver, but steadily closing up the gaps of death, come on in magnificent order. With banners waving, with steady step, they sweep on like an irresistible wave of fate.' Despite two days of vicious fighting Lee's Army had failed to break the Union line. He reasoned that to hold the flanks against the southern attacks Meade must have weakened the centre of his line along Cemetery Ridge - and so this is where Lee would attack. Not all were in accordance with the plan, with Longstreet in particular expressing his concerns. Just after 3.10pm on July 3rd General George Pickett rode to the front of his division and turning in the saddle he commanded, 'Charge the enemy and remember Old Virginia.' Facing the Union lines in a clear voice he called, 'Forward! Guide center! March!' At that moment thousands of Confederates began their march into history.

Gettysburg July 3 1863

An incisive look at the turning point of the Civil War, when the great armies of the North and South came to Gettysburg in July 1863—from Pulitzer Prize winner Bruce Catton, one of the great historians of the Civil War. Engaging and authoritative, Catton analyzes the course of events at Gettysburg, clarifying its causes and bringing to life the most famous battle ever fought on American soil. Paying full heed to the human tragedies that occurred, Gettysburg: The Final Fury gives an hour-by-hour account of the three-day battle, from the skirmish that began the engagement, to Pickett’s ill-fated charge. Catton provides context for the fateful decisions made by each army’s commanders, and examines the battle’s military and political consequences, placing it within the larger narrative of the Civil War and American history. Described by The Chicago Tribune as “military history…at its best,” Gettysburg, The Final Fury is a classic. Features 41 illustrations and 5 maps.

Gettysburg: The Final Fury

A meticulous re-creation and major reinterpretation of the Civil War's most famous battle, focusing on the story of the Federal defense that led to Federal victory.

The Stand of the U.S. Army at Gettysburg

In this companion to his celebrated earlier book, Gettysburg--The Second Day, Harry Pfanz provides the first definitive account of the fighting between the Army of the Potomac and Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill--two of the most critical engagements fought at Gettysburg on 2 and 3 July 1863. Pfanz provides detailed tactical accounts of each stage of the contest and explores the interactions between--and decisions made by--generals on both sides. In particular, he illuminates Confederate lieutenant general Richard S. Ewell's controversial decision not to attack Cemetery Hill after the initial southern victory on 1 July. Pfanz also explores other salient features of the fighting, including the Confederate occupation of the town of Gettysburg, the skirmishing in the south end of town and in front of the hills, the use of breastworks on Culp's Hill, and the small but decisive fight between Union cavalry and the Stonewall Brigade.

Gettysburg--Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Battle Flags of the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg, Penna

Eyewitness accounts are some of the best resources to bring history to life. Nearly 150 years have passed since the Battle of Gettysburg. Since then, countless histories, poems, stories, plays and movies have been created to honor and remember the momentous American event. The very first account, which remains among the best, was written by Union Colonel Frank A. Haskell only weeks after the battle. Haskell arrived with the Union Second Corps on July 2nd and spent the day defending various positions including Cemetery Ridge and the Peach Orchard. He was present at the council of war meetings of General Meade and his commanders. Haskell's position saw some of the heaviest fighting during Pickett's Charge. After General Gibbon was wounded, Colonel Haskell was credited with rallying the troops to repel the rest of the Confederate assault. Just weeks after the battle, he recorded his experiences. Sadly, only months later, he was killed leading a charge at the Battle of Cold Harbor. His writings were published in 1898 in a book titled, "The Battle of Gettysburg." To this day, Frank A. Haskell's experiences are regarded as some of the best accounts of Gettysburg and are indispensable in the study of the battle.

Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg ...

Presents seventeen essays that chronicle the events of the Battle of Gettysburg which took place on July 1 to 3, 1863, and discusses why the South lost that battle and why Meade failed to pursue Lee, Gen. George Pickett's fatal charge across the Union center, and more.

This book groups the flags by division and lists order of battle before each section.

The Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal event during the American Civil War in July 1863, was a momentous clash between the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army, under General George G. Meade. This epic engagement, fought in the picturesque town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, witnessed three grueling days of intense combat, resulting in a Union victory. Often regarded as the turning point in the Civil War, the battle had a profound impact on American history. It showcased the valor and sacrifice of both sides, with casualties exceeding 50,000, and underscored the Union's determination to preserve the United States. Today, Gettysburg National Military Park serves as a hallowed ground, preserving the memory of this historic conflict and its role in shaping the nation.

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Battle of Gettysburg

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