Buford's Stand at Gettysburg Battle: Willoughby Run | Gamble and Devin hold McPherson's Ridge | Maps

[@tritom1955]

I am not a military genius, but I do agree with many historians, Buford's decision saved the day. His cavalry ensured that Meade would have the high ground.

[@lukeburns7191]

The Spencer repeating rifle made the difference. They were relatively new at Gettysburg, and a growing number of Union Cavalry units would get them as the war went on. The repeater greatly increased the rate of fire. Thus providing a significant firepower advantage to unmounted cavalry armed with them.

[@Voots7]

Live about 15 minutes east of Gettysburg near Hanover Pa. Familiar with the creeks, roads, towns, and terrain features referenced in the video and its humbling to be driving around and look out the window and imagine lines of men engaged in a deadly fight. Incredibly humbling. May God bless the United States.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

It's a neat part of the country. I went to school at Dickinson in Carlisle. I was too young then to appreciate it.

[@southcentralPA]

Yes, I totally agree as I live nearby also.😔

[@DM-w5o]

As former Chief of the Cavalry Leaders Course, when it was at Ft Knox, we taught this battle extensively. Classic security operation somewhere between a covering force and a guard. He identified the enemy, held the critical terrain and gained time for the main body to close on the battlefield.

[@edwardwong654]

Brigadier General John Buford is one of the greatest heroes. I am so saddened to hear that he died of typhus later that year. Sam Elliot played him well in Gettysburg.

[@edwardwong654]

Also Buford looks a lot like another great American war hero - Charles Bronson himself.

[@patrickbrinkmeier2691]

Absolutely correct. As someone that spent time as a Civil War re enactor/living historian, then joined the Marine Corps Infantry when I turned 18, and have been an avid Civil War and American history follower and historian it still amazes me how few people know of Buford. If it wasn't for the Book, The Killer Angels and the Movie Gettysburg that was based off that book, I fear that so many people that aren't historians wouldn't even know who he was or that he existed let alone the fact that he was instrumental in the outcome of the battle of Gettysburg. While Joshua Chamberlain gets the lions share of credit for his Day 2 heroics on Little Round Top had any other Federal Cavalry Commander been there other then Buford the South would have won the battle. Buford was from Kentucky which was a slave state and graduated from West Point in 1848. Despite being from a state that had slavery he stayed devoted to his oath to the Constitution and pledged his service to the Union when so many of his friends and classmates went to the South. Buford distinguished himself in battle at both the 2nd Battle of Manassas and then at Antietam in 1862 and at Stoneman's Raid at Chancellorsville in Virginia only 7 weeks before Gettysburg. It was Buford's heroics at that battle that led to Stoneman being sent to Washington to a desk job and Buford getting command of the cavalry. Buford not only recognized the strategic and tactical significance of the high ground he also was brilliant in using the 2 brigades ( 2700 men ) he had under his command of the First Cavalry Division as pickets and dismounted infantry along the 2 lines of advance the Confederates used from their 2 Corps advancing on Gettysburg. His cavalry were outnumbered by the Rebels by more then 3 to 1 yet they fought a brilliant delaying battle that allowed time for the Union while allowing the Confederates to believe they were skirmishing with scattered Union militia and not the main Cavalry Force of the Army of the Potomac or that the entire Federal Army was also right on top of them. Lee still believed most of the Union Army were in Northern Va. Buford's men held out long enough for General John Reynolds to arrive with his entire Union Infantry 1st Corps with the 11th Corps under General Howard right behind it. This allowed the additional 5 Corps of Union Infantry behind those two time to advance and get into position over the next 24 hours. At the end of that day Buford's division was exhausted and heavily damaged so he was placed in reserves to rest and rearm while guarding Union Supply trains. At the end of the 3 day battle Buford was the one again whose cavalry chased and harrassed the retreating the Confederates all the way back to Virginia where by October, of 1863 he was the main force of the Bristoe Campaign. The following month in November of 1863 Buford got sick with typhoid fever and was forced to go on medical leave to rest and he went to his friend and former Commander General Stoneman's home in Washington D.C. to try to recover. His health continued to fail and on December 16th, 1863 Abraham Lincoln was informed that he was about to die. Lincoln knew his importance to the outcome at Gettysburg and gave him an immediate promotion from Brigadier General to Major General that day. Upon hearing the news Buford asked if he was serious and when told he was Buford remarked " It is too late, Now I wish I could live". Buford died several hours later before his wife could arrive but had his aide Captain Myles Keogh ( who would later be at Little Big Horn ) and his black servant Edward with him. Edward was his servant but was a free man and Buford paid him a salary as his assistant and it is reported took remarkably good care of him. There are stories of how Buford would never tolerate racism towards Edward and wouldn't permit any man around him to use derogatory language towards him. Buford died at 2 pm that day with Captain Keogh holding him in his arms. His final words were to Edward and he said "Edward, I hear that I have been scolding you, I did not know what I was doing or saying, You have been a faithful servant Edward". Edward himself would later say that Buford was simply delirious and was always kind to him and treated him as an equal. Edward adopted the practice that slaves had of taking their masters last name even though he was never a slave and Edward changed his last name to Buford's last name as a sign of respect and gratitude. In 1867 Edward married another black woman from the Washington D.C. area where he stayed after Buford's death and named their first born son John Buford.

[@brucepoole8552]

@@patrickbrinkmeier2691thank you for that very informative article, your knowledge is commendable!

[@inyobill]

I suspect that no one here missed the intro where it was explained that Buford with two Brigades decided to stand against two Corps. For the possibly not familiar, Divisions are composed of 3 or 2 (sometimes 4) Brigades and Corps are composed of (3 or 2, sometimes 4) Divisions - so nominally nine times the forces.

[@markdignazio8524]

@inyobill Buford was only engaged with the 1st 2 of Heths brigades. By the time Heth got organized his calvary brigades were in support roles as Reynolds commanders started moving their brigades into formation. Not taking away what the calvary did but Heths delays allow Buford to hold the ridge longer than he should have been able to do.

[@57palmtree]

Absolutely great presentation! In my mind’s eye I can see Sam Elliot (playing Buford) wiping away the tears in his eyes with a dirty, sweaty handkerchief as he sees Reynolds arriving. Saying, “thank God” under his breath. I had to wipe away a tear myself. A powerful scene of a powerful, real moment. Buford was the right man, at the right place, at the right time. It doesn’t get any better than that.

[@johnmurray1930]

Anyone can understand what Buford did that first day after viewing this. He was more than excellent. He was a savior.

[@Grnademaster]

@@johnmurray1930 Do you think we have leaders like that today in the US military? The answer is a resounding no.

[@Ibuki01]

Thank you for expressing so well what I feel. Sam Elliot's portrayal of Bufford is what made me aware of the man, and his role in what happened at Gettysburg.

[@rikk319]

@@Grnademaster There's always someone who comes along on one of these historical comment threads and disparages the modern military. Not good enough to pay respects to an excellent leader of men, but have to insult the modern defenders of liberty. Some things do never change.

[@Donkeybone10]

​@@Grnademasteronly when there is a real battle will these soldiers turn into fighting men.

[@keithdmaust1854]

Few general officers deserve more credit from the historians for initiative, courage and fine soldiering ability than John Buford - and few have received less. In his classic “Army of the Potomac” trilogy, Bruce Catton epitomizes the view taken by most Civil War chroniclers, describing Buford simply as “a solid man who was hard to frighten and who was greatly admired by the men of his division.” He was, in fact, a good deal more, and at Gettysburg, he was responsible for saving the day, the battle and, arguably, the Union. - Buford Hold the High Ground BY RON SOODALTER JUNE 29, 2013

[@dougreid2351]

Well said!

[@bookman7409]

That strikes me as quite true, considering that the primary function of cavalry units was essentially reconnaissance in force, which means that a competent cavalry commander need to be able to, among other things, assess the terrain. Buford did so, and realized the importance of the position southeast of town right off. Correctly deciding that his repeater-armed troopers would be more than the foe expected (and remember, Henrys didn't require a man to stand up to reload), and leveraged that fact to set up a crucial defense-in-depth plan, while still keeping troops free to screen his right. While I don't fully subscribe to it, there's a strong argument to be made that Lee lost the entire battle on the first day, and Buford made it happen. But Gen. Buford isn't the only one mostly overlooked. Consider also the 1st Minnesota Volunteers, Hancock's shield, when he needed it most. They paid a very high price, but they bought Hancock the time he needed to stabilize the Union center. Not well-remembered, of course, but that's part of why, IMO, we have the Tomb of the Unknowns, to commemorate the forgotten fallen, those whose stories are generally forgotten. JMNSHO

[@chrishooge3442]

And thus the phrase, "Here Comes The Cavalry"

[@petefrys545]

Well said!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Day 1 is critical. Even though the rebels drove the Union through town, Buford's delaying action combined with Reynolds and Howard's holding action knocked out several of Lee's brigades that could not be replaced.

[@glenkelley6048]

Buford is an American Hero by any measure! Thank YOU SO MUCH FOR A FINE PRESENTATION.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you for watching!

[@VincenzoPentangeli]

What General Buford did was incredible. Awesome video and one of the best descriptions of the battle at Gettysburg I've seen. The topographical maps were a great addition.

[@HighlanderNorth1]

Yep, and later on it was none other than Buford's great, great grandson, Buford Pusser, who "walked tall" against the forces of corruption in McNairy county Tennessee in the early 1970's, as sheriff. (😁)

[@johnmiddleton3003]

Kudos to the creator of this wonderful history lesson. Clear, concise, illustrated beautifully. Thank you.

[@popeye3305]

General William Gamble is a direct ancestor of mine. Our family came to the US from Ireland in1838. I found this very informative. Thank you so much.

[@brucepoole8552]

Immigrants are still making this country great

[@brutusbuk]

I have been waiting and searching so long for a video exactly like this, describing the exact movements and actions of the cavalry before and during the opening of the battle. Thank you so much for producing this. You've scratched a big itch I've had for a long time. Scott

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Much appreciated! I need to visualize it to understand it.

[@knowsmebyname]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian i feel the same way as brutusbuk and join him in thanking you for your work.

[@lawrencesilvestro5756]

SO HAVE I

[@oldegrunt5735]

It may help w/more detail if you check out Harry W. Pfanz's Gettysburg-The First Day. Also for some excellent detail on cavalry actions elsewhere during this 3 day slugfest see Eric J. Wittenberg's Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg and Gettysburg's Forgotten Cavalry Actions.

[@haroldbonner5909]

If you haven't read " Killer Angels " please do. Excellent narrative of both sides on the Battle of Gettysburg.

[@robertjessen1554]

The video brought great clarity to an engagement that was so critical to the overall victory. Buford was under rated and under appreciated.

[@lurking0death]

Lee's super bad luck, he runs into Buford's fine Federal Cavalry and the "Black Hats" also known as the "Iron Brigade", the two best units in the Union Army.

[@mattjones8254]

The Iron Brigade got mauled......

[@kubanpanzer]

@@mattjones8254they did their job tho.

[@RichardWayburnsr]

So did their opponents

[@PatrickTyrrell-jd5zy]

Nope. The Confederates were forced out of their line of march & had to take battle formation. The Union held them with a greatly outnumbered force. The time lost by the Confederates allowed the rest of the Union forces to reach the battlefield& form up on Cemetery Ridge.

[@markdignazio8524]

Rodes attack from Oak Hill should have been a route but he mismanaged his attack on the flank. That could have allowed the confederates to roll through town much earlier and before Hancock was able to rally troops on Cemetery Hill . It would have also allowed Ewell to move right into Culps Hill. Meade would have had no choice at that point to pull back into Maryland.

[@wlewisiii]

This was the single finest moment in the history of the US Cavalry, and it was actually a dragoon action. Neither Buford nor Meade have ever truly gotten their due for saving the Union that July.

[@jerry-nw9ov]

I concur and quite possibly the worst moment Heth should of crushed him or obeyed orders and avoided contact

[@MartinSoundLabs]

I love this so much! My relative Reuben Martin died on 7/1 on McPherson's Ridge with the Pennsylvania 149th Bucktails, Company A. Died over night as a prisoner on the grounds outside McPherson's Barn, where the injured officers were tended to, if i recall correctly.)

[@jamesgang6206]

Gen Buford & his troopers don't get nearly the credit they deserve. He literally saves Gettysburg & the victory for the Union army .

[@danielbatitsas]

As a Civil War buff since my early teens, I thought I knew something about Gettysburg until I saw this. I knew about half. Great job with truly insightful comment and facts. You do credit to yourself.

[@danielbatitsas]

And yes, Buford was one of those people that history thrusts into a time and place, the perfect man at the perfect time in the perfect place. These moments and people change history. To this day, he doesn't get the credit the he deserves..

[@PhilippeGibran]

Merci de cette remarquable leçon d'histoire souvent " oubliée" des commentateurs de cette bataille !! on comprend bien mieux alors le développement en hameçon des jours qui vont suivre !!! merci

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Merci!

[@emmgeevideo]

Honestly I have tried to understand Civil War battles and my head winds up swimming. This video brings it all to life and it is very easy to comprehend. Great job!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@alzaidi7739]

Thanks. Been to Gettysburg battlefield twice. I was ble to go up in the Seminary cupola where Buford and Reynolds stood. It was a thrill. Last week I happened to be at Fredericksburg. The Sunken Road forms a border of my daughters college. I really enjoy learning more about the ACW. In CT, at a Civil War reenactment and talks , a lecturer explained that all the land battles were inconsequential, and that the real end of the CSA was the naval blockade.

[@scottnolan2833]

Very useful. I've wanted to know more about Buford and why he took up a position where he did since I saw the movie Gettysburg as a kid. Almost everything I knew about the battle concentrates on the actions of the 2nd and 3rd of July, so having an understanding of how Buford's mastery of the terrain influenced the battle on the 1st has been enlightening.

[@BeardsleyMark]

This video is a very good summary of an outstanding action by one of America's great generals. Buford did more here than most credit.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@notapilot1]

If you go to north of Gettysburg, the historical markers are all over the place and near impossible to make sense of this part of the battle. This video captures the very fluid but sensible movements of the battle. From this, it's clear that Gamble and Devin were like boxer's arms parrying the punches the Confederates were throwing. Great work!

[@michaelvaughn8864]

It's a confusing maze of them

[@johnmeyer820]

Totally agree with you! After a recent visit I left more confused, but this video helped so much!

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

Trying to imagine the maneuvering when reading about the battle is challenging! It is great to see the movements! The comments about the search for shoes, truth, myth, or partial myth, are fascinating!

[@keithdmaust1854]

I learned more new detailed information on this battle in first three minutes than from dozens of other videos combined. 10 Stars!!!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@David-mh2jn]

Beautifully done, and just proves what I have said for years. This battle, and maybe the war, was lost early on because while the Union men were fighting to secure the heights of Gettysburg, the Confeds were pushing forward in a somewhat lackluster attempt at finding footwear.

[@ctafrance]

Well, having read volumes and volumes about Gettysburg over the years, I must say that this is an excellent visualization of the maneuvers of Buford's cavalry and the coming up of the infantry on June 30th/July 1st. The visualization really enhanced the understanding which written descriptions and maps had given me beforehand. Well done and thank you very much.

[@jab707]

Excellent rendition of the first day of Gettysburg. My understanding of the details of Buford's contribution and the complexities of the movements of both armies was really enhanced by the graphics and narration. Fantastic work!

[@thomasgargano8813]

This video is one of the best documentary ever made. Iam 71 years old, and this video explains how the battle was fought so that a common person can clearly understand the event that unfold on that day. Thank you so much for for preserving our history. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@angriff69]

Beautiful documentary and chronicles, thank you!!

[@davidd515]

A state-of-the-art video presentation of military history. Video imagery can be a distraction, or it can present vast amounts of important information in a clear and orderly manner. Video makers aiming to maximize the value of the imagery will, at points, present slightly too much information to take in at once--which is okay because the overload is small and videos can be watched more than once. Good ones are meant to be watched more than once. (It is a very good sign in the comments on this video that a few people mention not being able to keep up with each and every detail--though one adds, "everything falls into place.) As a university professor who has taught for 35 years--a person who values student learning above all--I tip my hat to the maker of this video. If I only had the teaching abilities he displayed in making this video on Buford's stand.

[@gscott5778]

One of the key things you gain by visiting Gettysburg is a perspective. The open fields they had to cross under fire and then when you see the distances at which some of the most pitched battles were fought. It can make you hair stand on end. Nowadays it would be called close quarters. Really frightening to think about the noise, the smoke the ferocity of the battle. This video lays out the way the battle proceeded but being there on those ridges and in those battle grounds, you realize how horribly frightening it would have been.

[@yuckyool]

This was excellent. Been there thrice (diorama, etc.). Watched Sam Elliot portray Buford in the film several times, and yet this video put it all together perfectly. If Cavalry's job, in this case, was to gain information and hinder Infantry, Buford's two brigades did an outstanding job turning Confed. initiative and advantage into a superior Union defensive engagement. This was covered in the movie when Lee (may have) made the strategic error to fight the Union's fortress-fishhook, when he said, "the enemy is here" instead of slip-slidding away to fight another day.

[@thomasmoore1823]

Outstanding. Bufords foresight and pluck essentially saved the outcome of the battle and a retreat to the pipeline. Good work.

[@the_christopher]

Your coverage of the operational/lower strategic theater of these campaigns distinguishes you from every other channel when it comes to this conflict. Thank you for your work!

[@DanielPhipps-o2n]

Brig. Gen. John Buford is the one who most likely saved the North from losing not just at Gettysburg, Pa. but was the most important General who knew what to do just in time. Made very smart decisions and made common sense orders to his men. These are what saved the North for the rest of the war. The turning part of the war was in Pa. The South was never again able to put up a marching army to invade the North ever again. Little did Buford know this at the time. He was a good leader and strong with backbone. The North was lucky to have him at the time. My wife and I went to Gettysburg, Pa in August 2019. I tell everybody to go visit and see for yourself. It's is a wonderful place to go.

[@michaelthompson342]

Great presentation! The topographical segments and the "hour by hour" format were especially helpful in further developing this layman's understanding of Buford's defence.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@brianmccarthy5557]

Terrific program. My father was a history teacher and specialized in 19th Century America; the American West and military history. I've been reading about and studying the American Civil War since I was a child. It's not often you find a fresh and informative way to look at things. Thanks for taking advantage of modern technology to do that. Well done! I've subscribed to your channel and hit the alarm bell to be alerted for new programs. Thanks.

[@andrewwinter7843]

Forcing the enemy to take the time to deploy "On Line" is key to the "Delay and Screen" mission. Took Heth three hours to get his troops lined up, "on line". That is HUGE given the odds Buford was up against.

[@evilstu3177]

Wow. really can't thank you enough for this. Adding the context of the force positions and objectives a few days out from the commencement of the engagement has really enhanced my understanding of the battle. Many thanks!

[@chrisschultz8598]

This is probably the best Gettysburg video I've seen so far that shows the geographical detail of the battlefield. It clears up a number of misconceptions I had on the first day's fight at Gettysburg and highlights the courage and foresight of Gen. John Buford. As for the shoes, I'm not so sure. But I won't quibble in the face of such excellent work.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Much appreciated!

[@cdillman83]

Yeah the shoes are considered a myth, but who knows for sure.

[@blukeblue1235]

Very good description of this battle! Archer's Tennessee and Alabama Bgd. were the ones who the firstt shot was fired at. The 5th Al. Battalion was only about 200 strong and were the skirmishes in front. About 30 more men from the 13th Al. were added as well. When Archer's men crossed the creek the 7th and 14th Tn fired their first volley at about 50 yds. into the 2nd Wis. of the Iron Bgd dropping their Col. and Lt Col. Around this time Reynolds fell as well. There was a stand up firefight between the Iron Bgd. and the Tn. Bgd. for several minutes until the 24th Michigan wrapped around Archer's right flank causing them to flee. Archer was captured soon after. Despite their heavy losses the Tennesseans and Alabamians were the center of the attack (Pickett's Charge) on July 3rd. The flag of the 14th Tn. was captured about 60 yards in front of the 14th Conneticut.

[@markmacey6527]

Thx for the clear eyed presentation especially of Buford's contribution at Gettysburg.

[@laurensvdw]

I knew about the American civil war, but these details make it so interesting and you learn so much. Your voice is also very relaxing to listen to. Thanks & Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@PaperclipClips]

If you're interested in seeing a dramatization about this specific point in the battle of Gettysburg, thre's a video here on YT showing the events that were described here. It's called "Gettysburg (1993) ~First Day (part three)" and it's from scene of a made-for-TV movie of the same name.

[@SuperChuckRaney]

2nd Civil War, aka North vs South, American vs American. 1st Civil War ;), everyone calls it War of Independance but it's Brits vs Brits Colony. Sooo, it's a Civil War also.

[@jaywinters2483]

This is so well done. The maps superimposed with the units and the geography defined, makes this the best learning tool on the internet on Gettysburg.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@pompeytid1970]

Thank you for putting this together. As an Englishman by birth and an Australian by choice, I was captivated by this action in your Civil War. Lest we forget. Will come and visit one day and walk the ground myself.

[@donaldshotts4429]

Beautiful rolling hills of Gettysburg and then the monuments of Washington DC and Arlington Cemetery are only 75 miles away. I highly recommend the trip

[@pompeytid1970]

@@donaldshotts4429 Thank you Donald. Will be sure to look it up. Google maps does give some idea to the terrain and those 4 ridges which turned the course of the battle, but nothing like walking the terrain.

[@natebarrington1170]

wow, thank you for this incredible breakdown of this battle, excellent job, learned a lot

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you for watching!

[@jdevine42]

Outstanding analysis. Ive waked this battlefield several times and this vid made it much clearer than just walking the ground

[@patrickmcelhone1446]

This is very helpful. So many lectures and descriptions of Gettysburg or any battlefield breakdowns forget one crucial thing, orientation, this one nails it

[@keithdmaust1854]

This is a timeless historically accurate account for future generations of a day that undoubtedly saved the Union. Thank you!

[@amadeusamwater]

Those maps were extremely helpful in recreating this part of the battle.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxswenson6605]

What an excellent presentation. I do generally agree it was more likely the Union cavalry was using the Sharpes breech loader rather than the Spencer repeating rifle. Ordinance records show the Union cavalry was not generally using the Spencer until the summer of 1864, while the Sharpes single shot breech loader was in common usage in the summer of 1863. Regardless, the Sharpes would still have a far higher rate of fire than any muzzle loader and the Sharpes being easy to load from a kneeling and especially the prone position would help the Union soldiers use cover far more effectively.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Another video on weaponry I watched said that volume of fire Sharps v Springfield for 1 minute was about 7:2.

[@2259r3z]

It's an interesting subject for sure. Over the years, I've read a lot of conflicting information on what small arms were carried by Buford's boys that day, including ordinance dept. records that show Sharps, Burnside, and other carbines among Buford's men, but no Spencers. Could some Spencer rifles have gotten into the hands of a few of Buford's men that day by unofficial means? I suppose it's possible. There were Spenser rifles on the field at Gettysburg in limited numbers, such as with the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves. A couple of Custer's regiments also had Spencer rifles (not carbines) at Gettysburg, specifically the Wolverines. As you point out, breech loaders even of the single shot variety were just one of several factors (along with the horse artillery, effective use of tactics and terrain, etc) that allowed Union cavalry to put up a much bigger scrap that day than their numbers would have otherwise implied.

[@mikekemp9877]

i believe the rate of fire was what convinced lees generals they were facing not just dismounted cavalry but that they had infantry support from the outset.this caution further delayed them .bufords genius in switching men from one position to another to support fire further convinced them they were facing far greater numbers than they were initially.of course the union infantrys timely arrival on the left convinced the confederacy that their suspicions were right. they suspected a union ambush as stuarts cavalry were not there to tell them the enemys strength.a big factor was bufords rolling defense kept an illusion of the union responding strongly with every attack they made forcing them to commit more and more troops turning a skirmish into a full scale assault.instead of sweeping through bufords men they were confused and deceived by the high rate of fire and quite simply the fact that buford was standing at all! under normal procedure unsupported cavalry dismounted skirmish and retreat his men didnt.this indicated powerful support so the greys proceeded cautiously in full battle order.bufords unique grasp of terrain not just for the battle the next day but in the defence he set up on all sides worked so perfectly that he denied lees army the field and choice of ground.the courage of himself and his men cannot be overstated they held against phenomenal odds and probably not only won the battle but arguably the war by their heroism.

[@charlesherbek7819]

Absolutely the best graphical, visualization of Buford's action, or any Civil War action anywhere. Recommend you add a timeline running at the bottom of the video to give exact times of events beyond the voice over. For those familiar with the overall, operational picture your visualization is even more powerful. The lack of Confederate Cavalry to influence the situation is clearly obvious, without any mention in the video. And the voice of General Lee, "Do not bring on a general engagement," the Commander's Intent, can be heard throughout, resonating in the background. And all this successful coordination at the operational level...with no satellite, GPS, or radio communication. WELL DONE JOHN BUFORD!!

[@MatthewTaylor-co5hy]

Please let me echo everyone else's comments on your work. I'm no slouch when it comes to Civil War history but you're style of presentation is excellent- quite unique. I felt a lot of the information in my head begin to orientate itself, including my knowledge of the Gettysburg area. It was really a happy experience, as learning something new always is for me. Your South Mountain video was a real eye opener too. Please continue your work. Along with The History Guy, I will be watching out for your next video. Thanks again!

[@expatexpat6531]

If the unfolding events of history were only so clear when they're actually happening... Great video.

[@brisnwinters8161]

Buford was only known to serious civilwar buffs until the q993 movie gettysburg. Burford wa playec by sam e Liot what a eonderful role.

[@timf162]

Incredible video! My gg-grandfather fought in the 17th Pa. Cavalry under Col. Devin, and this really does show how his unit’s deployment fit into the battle and their contributions. Thanks!!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Awesome! My ancestor was under Gregg in Pennsylvania Cavalry, too.

[@cvent8454]

Excellent depiction. It is so much easier now to understand the brilliance of Buford and his fighting troops who ultimately set up the eventual defeat of Lee at Gettysburg. Thank you.

[@automaticmattywhack1470]

Thanks again for another great, informative video! I love your cadence as well. Too many youtubers try to talk as fast as possible, but you speak slowly and clearly. Thank you for that!

[@xyz061220]

And ... no music! Music detracts from videos like this.

[@ericvitelli7113]

Great work you did here, I need to know more of military units/ men but the movement graphics and topography was excellent. Thank you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@blandp11]

Those boys in blue! What bravery! What sacrifice! Heavy blow losing Reynolds, his command ability had a great track record so we can only speculate as to how things would have changed.

[@mrsmith6272]

I’ll be visiting Gettysburg for the first time in October. I’ll be there about two weeks soaking as much history as I can. I read books, I listen to books, but as a visual learner this was most helpful. Thank you for the effort and details you provided along with the visuals. I particularly liked the topographical maps which gives a whole new perspective on the area.

[@windellstephens9359]

You will be very humbled, as was I when visiting last year. I thought I had a pretty good perspective on the battle beforehand, not. If you have time, take at least a day trip to Antietam. It's only a little over an hour from Gettysburg. Enjoy your history lesson, I know I did.

[@krismurphy7711]

HOW DID IT GO? WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

[@mcbridecreek]

Outstanding description of the first day’s battle. Buford’s leadership, vision and determination turned the course of the battle to the union.

[@tonyha3827]

Incredible description of the battle in concise manner. Thank you. This is the best presentation of this monumental battle

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

That means a lot to me. Thanks!

[@DukeEastway]

1958 Avalon Hill published a board game: Gettysburg. The game was as true to the battle as is possible on a 36x36in printed map with cardboard markers. The Union difficulty was always time. Delay, delay, delay until heavy forces arrive. Exactly as in the real battle.

[@montarakid1943]

My first war game. Remember it well.

[@chazgross4519]

Yes my first war game as well which I still have. I still get it out and refight the battle every couple of years. I also went on to get Civil War and Chancellorsville also from Avalon Hill. Thanks for the memories..

[@gregsimon1285]

Your presentation and use of maps with topography, roadways, individual units, consistent north south orientation of maps, moving scale in and out with timelines explained are absolutely the best I have found on You Tube. Keep up the great work. I would have loved to have you as a history teacher.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@samstamos427]

Brilliant, concise, and marvelously illustrated depiction of Buford's cavalry securing the high ground, the devil of it!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much!

[@davidb5477]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian I am really happy to see that a librarian has made such a channel. I believe libraries are an integral part of society. I come from a family of librarians. My father was director of Long Island Library Resource Council and my mother and father were very active in ALA. and attend many IFLA. meetings. Please keep presenting more material.

[@mrca2004]

I have been trying to find a clearly depicted, analysis of the battle of gettysburg and have looked at dozens of books, videos including a good class on Great Courses, but this is absolutely stellar. The combination of topography, troop movements really clarifies it. I wish I had found this series first.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@johnsabo2857]

A very good presentation of the battle. My great-great grandfather was a member of Company D, 8th Illinois Cav. under Gamble that day. I especially appreciated the presentation showing the location of the unit that day. It was an officer of the 8th Illinois that is said to have fired the first shot of the battle. I agree with one of the other comments that I wish more time was given to Bufford's actions in the movie Gettysburg.

[@rayw3332]

I've been to Gettysburg. What beautiful rolling hills, fields and towns. Brilliant sun and puffy white clouds. The smell of sweet grass and earth. Gentle breezes. I can't imagine what was in the minds of the young soldiers those days, called to fight and die here.

[@pickleballer1729]

Well done! The cycling in and out of scale and the removal of features enabling us to see the topography better were extremely helpful. I'm fascinated with this battle, and although incomplete, this is the best video about the battle I've ever seen. I just subscribed to your channel and will be watching more of your videos. Thanks.

[@donf18]

Wow, this ultra detailed explanation of what happened is very impressive. Thanks for spending time to put this together. Having been to the battlefield years ago, it really helps having some visual aids showing who was where and when.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@bradschaeffer5736]

This is a very informative and easy to follow, yet detailed, recounting of that first critical (and I think most interesting) day of the battle. I especially liked the non-vegetation look at the topography. Made the reasons for the positioning of the units more clear. Well done. Good to see my home state of Illinois well-represented.

[@gordonagress4112]

Excellent account of Gettysburg's first day, and with it the larger strategic situation. Thank you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@jfh9219]

Very well done. Great work and fantastic maps showing exact step by step. Have read more than one book on this event and this is the best I have ever seen it explained.

[@stevejette2329]

That was EXCELLENT !! Topography was always important at that time. Also a southerly POV was kept, avoiding directional confusion. Having been there was extremely educational. But this was in much greater detail. Thanks !!

[@zachv1942]

Topography is everything

[@shenandoahmike3915]

Very well done! I have studied this battle for a long time and this narration helped to clarify complete division locations as time progresses during the battle.Many books have specific units actions but their division locations and involvements are incomplete. Well done.

[@MrTambopaxi]

Terrific briefing on Buford’s stand; the best I’ve ever seen. Thanks very much!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@elizabethstatom4456]

Fantastic layout! It illustrates the brilliance of Buford's judgement and skills. Good defensive ground with better and better ground to the rear, then float like a butterfly and sting like a bee: while waiting for infantry. Your vids get better and better. I was disappointed it ended. Can't wait.

[@hagamapama]

Credit should also definitely be given to Col. Devin for his excellent work in delaying Ewell almost alone. His was the last if Buford's units to be relieved, was fighting a whole corps with just 1 brigade of dismounted cavalry, on open ground no less, and still bought enough time to get the job done.

[@THE-HammerMan]

Superb factual recreation of this first (July 1) days' battles and how important Buford's actions actually were. Thank you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@extraordinarii1508]

Very fun to watch, I only watch full videos if they are the best and for-sure this qualifies

[@JD0124]

Buford deserves as much credit as any Union Officer for the ultimate Federal victory at Gettysburg. Excellent presentation!

[@barbaramcdonald5492]

Also, read Buford's biography for an excellent description of fighting around Seminary Ridge. There is now a museum at Seminary Ridge open portraying the fighting.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you for the recommendation!

[@MrPetebuster1]

There was no mention of shoes having anything to do with the Battle of Gettysburg until 14 years after it happened. In 1877, Confederate General Henry Heth wrote, “Hearing that a supply of shoes was to be obtained in Gettysburg, eight miles distant from Cashtown, and greatly needing shoes for my men, I directed General Pettigrew to go to Gettysburg and get these supplies.” Problem is, there were no shoe factories anywhere near Gettysburg in 1863. Rather, roads took the armies to Gettysburg. It was difficult to travel through south-central Pennsylvania without passing through Gettysburg.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I hear this alot. Actually, it's not true. It's in Heth's official report from right after the battle that he sent Pettigrew to Gettysburg to look for supplies, especially shoes.

[@MrPetebuster1]

@JeffreytheLibrarian But the question is why would he have thought they'd be enough shoes in town with no shoe factory?? Something doesn't quite add up. It's something we might never know

[@MrTrackman100]

Best description of the 1st day! Every detail clearly and fully explained. Thanks Jeffrey. Will there be further videos for Days 2 and 3?

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, I will continue to explore each sector in detail. Each area has its own amazing story.

[@PainlessBread]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian I have been looking on YT for a long time for a channel about civil war battle history and movements, glad I found you!

[@peabody2884]

Nice video but I have to point out a mistake. I'm sorry but the Historian in me cannot let it pass. Buford's 1st Cav. Division was not armed with repeating carbines. Common misconception. The only cavalry regiments armed with repeaters at Gettysburg were two regiments in Custer's Michigan Brigade. Buford's brigade was armed with the standard issue Sharps Breechloading Carbine. Which is superior due to it's higher rate of fire than a muzzle loading rifled musket.

[@MrTrackman100]

@@peabody2884 Thank you.

[@danweyant707]

Yes, thank you. Interesting that a common belief that the two forces bumped into each other on the 1st isn't the case at all.

[@TedJohnson-u3o]

I just discovered this series and love it. Clarifies the battle, step by step. I apologize if this has already been noted, but I absolutely love the fact that, at the 31 minute mark, I see General Doubleday's units posted in area containing baseball fields!! Very appropriate!

[@jaydubbyuh2292]

Excellent! Thank you, sir, for your close study & careful presentation. Buford's soldierly wisdom and tenacity cannot help but be admired contemporarily and in retrospect by students of this engagement, ( and that's coming from an UnReconstructed Virginian).

[@JustMe-ob1cq]

I have been to Gettysburg and lived in NOVA. This is an excellent summation, bravo...

[@robertjessen1554]

Very informative. It gets a bit confusing but eventually everything falls into place. This shows that what Buford did was much moreI fulencial to the overall outcome of the battle then he's given credit for.

[@inyobill]

I have read that Union artillery was particularly effective during the opening moves of the battle. Probably overly detailed for this excellent brief of the actions.

[@keeftaylor834]

I always enjoy seeing history explained from a modern map. Once again, excellent work sir.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! The modern maps help place it in today's landscape.

[@kimburnersackmann8829]

Love you he maps!

[@kenbattor6350]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Reading about the battle, it is often hard to grasp what is happening. I enjoyed your use of maps to explain.

[@Nappy17691821]

Bufford did great things to make the union victory possible

[@ndp7054]

The importance of effective decentralized command as well as the importance of reliable reconnaissance at display here in 1863, which over a 150 years later remain pillar stones of small unit tactics conducted by modern day Special Operation Forces. Buford arrived on scene and immediately focused on the terrain, had faith in his lifelong experience of combat, knowledge of the enemy's commanders as well as the knowledge of where the rest of the Union army was and its commanders, made use of his advanced weaponry to its maximum potency, and created an effective force multiplier to delay the enemy's advance. Very few better bridage commanders in US military history.

[@steveparker576]

Great video, but one error found in this and many other accounts of Buford's brilliant delaying action is the myth that his troopers used Spencer carbines. Buford's troopers had breech-loading carbines but not one Spencer repeating carbine. "Company, Regimental, and Division ordnance records of the regiments under Buford show that his troopers were armed with Sharps, Burnsides, Merrills, Ballards, and Maynards."

[@Samlind]

Sharps having about 1/2 the rate of fire of Spencers, probably the other breechloaders similar. Still, helped them stand up to AP Hill's units. In a stand up fight, calvary also had just 3/4 of the troops present in the line, 1/4 holding the horses at the rear. Where repeating rifles really made a difference was at Chickamauga where Wilder's Lightning brigade and the 21st Ohio both repelled Confederate attacks, one by Longstreet's ANV veterans. Longstreet heard it, and though the Federals had brought up another corps!

[@PeterOkeefe54]

@@Samlind 1/3 was standard cav tactics..dont forget the man holding horses had his own to hold..lol....Buford never lived to write his after action..he was dead in December

[@jenniferthomas3875]

I have been to Gettysburg. SOME of the yankees had Henry rifles that were made in Brooklyn, and could fire 16 bullets in a minute. They also had more cannons than they needed. These cannons fired grapeshot cannisters. When you put grape shot into a crowd of men you can kill dozens of men with one shot.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

@@jenniferthomas3875 there is no record of henry rifles issued to any union regiment...spencer 7 shot repeaters were issued to wilders brigade in the west..private ownership is another matter

[@steveparker8785]

Thanks. I thought they lacked repeaters. Still the efforts are magnified by the staunchest efforts of that group of men. ❤️🇺🇸

[@acousticshadow4032]

Great graphics & breakdown of this portion of Day One at Gettysburg. Much obliged.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@hardgj]

I love that this is done using current google maps. It really helps to spatially place these movements. Reading about "north" toward this or that town means nothing to me, not being familiar with the smaller villages. Its also interesting to see what remains and what has changed

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! I need to see it spatially as well. I don't think battles make sense without a good understanding of the land and topography.

[@rlsiler8663]

I wish I had seen this video before I visited Gettysburg. I would've had a better understanding of the whole battle

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@dwayne7356]

I been visiting Gettysburg for 50 years (my grandfather is buried in the Annex Cemetery). I have walked the battlefield, looked at it from the tower before it was taken down, rode my bike for miles through the park and outside of town, and have taken several tours. But the use of the satellite and topographical maps with zooming in and out really helped follow the battle. On the ground with modern structures and large trees, sometimes it is too hard to get the big picture. Job well done. I need one for Vicksburg. I visited there during Covid (visitor center was closed) and I just couldn't figure out how they fought such a battle in a heavily wooded area. They didn't because the Park planted the trees during the 1930s. The overlay of the satellite and topographical maps would be helpful because modern day ground conditions are confusing and hind so much.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! I can only understand it myself if I lay it out on the maps. Vicksburg will be done in the future. That is an amazing campaign, and Grant sealed the deal there.

[@christophergreen6595]

Thats funny... I was just thinking that their must have been much more forested territory back then, and wondering what the satellite would have shown.