“None on that crest now need be told that the enemy is advancing. Every eye could see his legions, an overwhelming resistless tide of an ocean of armed men sweeping upon us!”  - Lt. Frank A. Haskell, USA

 

As the evening sun shone through the smoke of battle on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg, Union troops raced to assemble an improvised defensive position against Confederate troops hurtling toward southern Cemetery Ridge. The conflict that ensued was the violent conclusion of a desperate, all-out assault on the Army of the Potomac’s position at Gettysburg. On that evening, Confederates verged on a decisive breakthrough in the lines of the Second Corps. Timely Union reinforcements and exemplary leadership – most conspicuously that of Hancock “The Superb” – ensured that to defeat the Army of the Potomac, Robert E. Lee must launch another desperate assault on Cemetery Ridge the following day. That action, the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Assault, lives on in American memory as probably the most famous episode of the Civil War.

 

For a day and a half, our tour leader will recount some of the most fascinating and important actions at Gettysburg as he details the fights for Cemetery Ridge. On Saturday morning, after a preliminary orientation describing the tactical scene of July 2, we will begin discussing how the Union left wing was a shambles and we’ll address Lt. Col. Freeman McGilvery’s bold attempt to form a line of guns to check the Confederate assault. Next, we will venture north to where Col. George Willard’s brigade, at Hancock’s orders, formed line of battle and met the Mississippians of Barksdale’s brigade in a vicious clash at the base of the ridge in Plum Run ravine. We will pay particular attention to the charge of the 1st Minnesota and the movements of Willard’s brigade which together turned back Cadmus Wilcox’s Alabamians. Special attention will be given to the numerous Union batteries caught amid the tumult of the Confederate advance. Following lunch, the afternoon will find us walking the fields where Brig. Gen. William Harrow’s and Col. Norman Hall’s Second Corps brigades withstood the onslaught of Richard Anderson’s division. Saturday will close after a detailed discussion of the skirmishing west of Brig. Gen. Alex Hays’ line and the measures taken by both sides to capture the Bliss farm.

 

We will devote Sunday morning to both the Union and Confederate perspectives of the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Assault and its preceding cannonade. Our tour leader will narrate the action from terrifying beginning to devastating conclusion, paying particular attention to individual vignettes of valor and human interest on both sides. Numerous engaging controversies will be discussed along the way. We hope you’ll join us in Gettysburg for a spirited analysis of this momentous struggle!

About Our Tour Leaders

 

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 30

8:15 AM on          Assemble at the old Cyclorama Parking Lot on Taneytown Road

8:45 AM              Depart and Begin Tour

12:15PM              Lunch at General Pickett’s Buffet Restaurant

4:30 PM               Arrive Back at old Cyclorama Parking Lot

 

Sunday, October 31

8:15 AM              Depart from old Cyclorama Parking Lot and Continue Tour

12:00 N                Arrive Back at old Cyclorama Parking Lot

 

REGISTRATION FEES (lodging not included):     Adult: $ 195       Under Age 23: $ 75

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

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

·        Saturday lunch at General Pickett’s Buffet Restaurant

·        refreshments and snacks during the tour        

·        map package  

 

Lodging: We suggest the following nearby motels:

·        Inn at 1863, 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