It was the greatest battle
of the war, and a turning point in the fortunes of the armies that fought it.
From the first crack of a trooper’s carbine in the gray dawn of July 1, 1863, to the
weary popping of picket fire in the red glow of sunset two days later, the
Battle of Gettysburg was an American epic that has retained a firm grip on the
public imagination for 145 years. The stakes were high as 100,000 Federals in
the Army of the Potomac under George Gordon Meade fought on
Northern soil for the first time after repeated defeats in Virginia. For Robert
E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia, at that time the most
successful army in the world, Gettysburg offered an opportunity to deliver a knockout blow to
their opponent. But weary and outnumbered, the Southerners were unable to
dispose of the resilient Federals who refused to break through three days of
combat.
 Our tour will cover the entire
three days of the battle. On Friday of our tour, we will concentrate on the
first day’s action including the Reynold’s Woods fight, following every
step of the Iron Brigade’s 700-yard running battle with Archer’s
Tennesseans and Alabamians, and the Union brigade’s demise later in the day at
the hands of James Pettigrew’s North Carolina Brigade. John
Buford’s cavalry action, the Railroad Cuts, Oak Ridge,
and the 11th Corps line, with special attention given to Confederate
General George Doles’ extraordinary successes, will be covered in
detail. We’ll end the first day’s action with a discussion of the Seminary
fight at James Stewart’s Battery B 4, US position at the 3rd Railroad
Cut. We will then begin to cover the second day’s battle action, with a
tactical appraisal of the actions on Little Round Top.
On
Saturday, we’ll continue to cover the second day’s action including a Devil’s
Den – Slaughter Pen – Wheatfield walk, extending into the Weikert
triangular field and the George Rose Woods. Although all the action
of the Wheatfield will be covered, special emphasis will be given to the “Stony
Hill” Fight (The Loop area) as well as the U. S. Regulars’ stand at the charge
of the Pennsylvania Reserves. All the fighting at the Peach Orchard and
along the Emmitsburg Road will also be dealt with on site. We’ll conclude on
Saturday with the action at Culp’s Hill on July 2nd and 3rd and East Cemetery Hill.
On
Sunday, we will visit the East Cavalry Field, where during the cannonade
which would precede Pickett’s Charge, Union cavalry under David McM. Gregg intercepted and then checked J. E. B. Stuart’s Confederate
cavalry. We will then walk the famous fields of Pickett’s Charge where.
A fair amount of walking
is involved so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Throughout the tour,
we’ll keep you supplied with water, soft drinks and snacks, and if at any time
you wish to grab a breather, you’ll be free to hitch a ride in one of our
support vehicles. Our lunches will be held at the Appalachian Brewing
Company, the Dobbin House Tavern and General Pickett’s Buffet.
We hope you’ll join us on this comprehensive tour of America’s
greatest Civil War battle led
by one of the most knowledgeable guides of the Gettysburg battlefield.
ABOUT OUR TOUR LEADER
Robert L. Baker is a Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide who has
been studying Civil War battlefields for nearly 50 years. His Gettysburg tours are well supported by maps,
photos, biographical outlines, timelines and orders of battle.
SCHEDULE
Friday, September 12
8:30 AM on Assemble
at Cyclorama Parking Lot on Taneytown
Road
- Gettysburg National Military Park
(Map
showing Lot location will be provided in your confirmation letter).
9:00 AM Depart and Begin Tour
12:15PM Lunch
at the Appalachian Brewing Company
4:30 PM Arrive Back at Cyclorama Parking Lot
Saturday, September 13
8:15 AM Depart from Cyclorama Parking Lot and
Continue Tour
12:00 N Lunch at Dobbin House Tavern
4:30 PM Arrive Back at Cyclorama
Parking Lot
Sunday, September 14
8:15 AM Depart from Cyclorama Parking Lot and
Continue Tour
12:15PM Lunch at General Pickett’s Buffet
Restaurant
3:30 PM Arrive Back at Cyclorama
Parking Lot
REGISTRATION FEES (lodging not included): Adult: $ 395 Under
Age 23: $145
You can reserve a space on this tour by making a $50 Deposit per Person.
If You Must Cancel we will
refund 100% of your fees paid. However, to receive a 100% refund, you must allow
30 days from the date of our receipt of your notice of cancellation
What is Included in your Registration:
· the services of an expert
historian chosen for his knowledge and experience
· transportation around the
battlefield
· Friday, Saturday & Sunday
lunches
· refreshments and snacks during the
tour
· map and information package
Lodging: Gettysburg is a very busy place in September. We recommend that you book your motel rooms early.
Here are some nearby motels:
· Holiday Inn Battlefield, 516 Baltimore -
717-334-6211
· Best Inn, 301 Steinwehr -
717-334-1188
· Quality Inn, 380 Steinwehr -
717-334-1103
· Travelodge, 613 Baltimore -
717-334-9281
For additional lodging suggestions, visit
www.gettysburg.com |
