The
longest sustained fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg occurred on July 3, 1863. The primary focus of the action that day is, of course, Pickett’s Charge.
However, the day’s fighting began at the other end of the field on the slopes of
Culp’s Hill. Just before dawn, at 4:00 AM, artillery and rifle fire broke out
as the Union soldiers sought to dislodge the Confederates from their positions
earned through the hard fighting of the previous evening. For the next seven
hours the battle raged. By mid-day the Federals controlled the hill, and the
Southerners would have to look elsewhere to attack the Union army.
Our
tour will focus on that important action on July 3, 1863. We will begin with an overview of the position of the combatants that morning. After setting the
table, our tour leader will review the Federal artillery position on Power’s
Hill. We will then explore the attack of the 1st Maryland Potomac Home
Brigade Regiment as it unsuccessfully drove at the left of the Confederate position
near Spangler’s Spring. We will examine the deployment by both sides
near Rock Creek, and the fierce fighting all along the breastworks on
Upper and Lower Culp’s Hill.
We
will address Major General Edward “Alleghany” Johnson’s three attacks
against the stalwart Federal defenses that had been thrown up by Brigadier
General George Sears Green, who, at age 62, was the oldest general in the
Union Army. And we will walk the battlegrounds around Pardee Field.
We
will also follow in the footsteps of the men of the 2nd Massachusetts and 27th Indiana in their ill-fated charge in the area of Spangler’s Spring. And we will assess the
defense of the right of the Army of the Potomac by Colonel Silas Colgrove’s
brigade. We will conclude with a look at the Confederate retreat late on that
morning and the consolidation of the Union gains.
Our
tour will involve some walking but will not be rigorous. And at all
times we’ll have a support vehicle nearby in case you want to hitch a ride.
Please arrange your lodging as soon as possible because Gettysburg is a busy
place in October. We hope you’ll join us in Gettysburg for the Prelude to
Pickett’s Charge – the Fight for Culp’s Hill on July 3, 1863!
About Our Tour
Leader
Gary
Kross is a Gettysburg Licensed
Battlefield Guide and one of the most popular tour leaders of the battle of Gettysburg. A leading tactical authority on the battle, he has authored the annual Gettysburg issue of Blue & Gray Magazine for many years, and serves as that
magazine’s associate editor.
Saturday,
October 17
8:15 AM on Assemble at the Parking Lot for the old
Cyclorama on Taneytown Road - a map showing the lot’s location will be sent
with your confirmation letter.
8:45 AM Bus Departs and Begin Tour
12:15PM Lunch in
General Pickett’s Buffet in Gettysburg
4:30 PM Arrive
Back at old Cyclorama Parking Lot
Registration Fees (Lodging not Included): $150
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
· lunch at General Pickett’s Buffet in
Gettysburg
· refreshments and snacks during the
tour
· map package
Lodging: We suggest the following 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 |
