On
the Second Day at Gettysburg, the defense at each end of the Union fishhook
line resulted in regimental battles that were almost mirror images of each
other.
The
heroism of the 20th Maine under Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain as the
last regiment on the “left” has been enshrined in history – indeed near legend.
The story of Little Round Top is so well known that a special Park Service path
leads visitors to the monument to the 20th Maine. Books, movies, and
all manner of memorabilia sustain the memory for modern Americans.
Too
much forgotten, the equally magnificent performance of the 137th New York under David Ireland as the regiment at the end of the “right,” is nearly identical
in action and percentage of casualties to that of the 20th Maine. Their desperate battle in defense of Culp’s Hill late on July 2, however, is noted
by few and commemorated only by those who make knowledge of Gettysburg a
special passion.
Each
action was crucial to the maintenance of the Union position and failure by
either would have meant disaster. Each action necessitated fast, decisive
leadership and stout courage by the ranks. Each action required bending back
the regimental flank at right angles to preserve the overall position of the
army. Each action resulted in heavy casualties.
History,
however, is partly a story of those who survive to tell their stories. Although
Chamberlain would be grievously wounded at Petersburg, he stayed with the Army
of the Potomac until victory and played a leading role at the final surrender
at Appomattox. He survived the war to pen memoirs and give speeches of
evocative, even sublime force, which allowed full flowering of historical
memory and accompanying fame.
In
contrast, Ireland went West with the 12th Corps in the fall of 1863
where he led his men up Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. Wounded at
Resaca in May of 1864, he would return to fight in the pitched battles around
Atlanta only to die of dysentery in September of 1864.
Join
the incomparable Ed Bearss as we examine the actions on the flanks of the Union
fishhook and explore these similar yet contrasting stories. One half day of our
tour will be dedicated to following and evaluating Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Little Round Top; the other half to following and evaluating David
Ireland and the 137th New York at Culp’s Hill. Yes, it will likely
be cold and perhaps wet on the day of our tour. But such things will not deter
Ed, and we hope they will not deter you. Bring layers of clothes, gloves, a
warm cap and good waterproof footwear. For our part we will provide hot coffee
and hot chocolate in the field, and a hot lunch at the Dobbin House Tavern. What
a way to start our 2010 tour season – with Ed Bearss at Gettysburg!
About Our Tour
Leader
Edwin
C. Bearss is Historian Emeritus of
the National Park Service and the most well known battlefield guide in America. He is acclaimed as one of the stars of Ken Burns's award-winning
PBS
series, The Civil War. While working for the NPS at Vicksburg in 1956,
he helped locate and raise the ironclad gunboat Cairo, one of the most
significant artifacts of the Civil War. He is the author of countless articles
on the Civil War and many books including The Vicksburg Campaign; Forrest
at Brice’s Cross Roads and in Northern Mississippi in 1864; Protecting
Sherman’s Lifeline: The Battles of Brice’s Cross Roads and Tupelo, 1864,
and most recently Fields of Honor: Pivotal Battles of the Civil War.
.
Friday,
February 26
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 at
the Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg
4:30 PM Arrive
Back at old Cyclorama Parking Lot
Registration Fee (Lodging not Included): $125
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 the Dobbin House Tavern
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
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