Cemetery Hill - Ranger Jim Flook

From its use as a rallying place for the Union Army on July 1st, 1863, to the brutal night attack that swept across it on July 2nd, Cemetery Hill was one of the most important locations on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Victory would belong to the army that controlled the hill. Join Ranger Jim Flook for a guided tour of this vital location and the harrowing events which occured on its slopes in July of 1863.

[@TheStonedstone]

I am from Poland and absolutly amazed such knowlwdge, passion and engagement of this ranger. Thats the kind of attitude which had made this state global superpower. Another imortant thing is very clear, uderstandable diction and pronunciation, which is important to foreigners to catch the story

[@thomaspick4123]

TheStonedstone I am so very happy to hear you enjoy these programs and appreciate them.

[@decimated550]

I think the park rangers who you see at gettysburg are the best of the best in the whole national battlefield system, only the ones who pass the audits and exams get to serve the public at this most popular battlefield

[@jeremymoorer7033]

@@decimated550 it is considered a Great Honor.

[@faughaballagh5273]

This dude is a true professional. Brilliant answer at the end. All the National Park Service employees are top class.

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

Excellent program. Jim is clear and easy to understand. These rangers are worth every cent of tax dollars.

[@sesquashtwo]

These Rangers make Gettysburg come to life...and I am so grateful they are there for us....wonderful Cohort of them all!

[@tylerarrigoni7700]

Completely agree.

[@npdcpa]

Ranger Flook brings the scenes alive with his enthusiasm. A+ work!! I could listen to his presentations all day.

[@fredfester8096]

Excellent performance Mr. Flock !! - Your enthusiastic and complete recital gives more than a lecture at any University by a Professor

[@brucelee8068]

MY HAT GOES OFF TO THESE RANGERS......THEY DO AN EXCELLENT JOB....

[@decimated550]

are you wearing a hat now, or do you wear one regularly? or just using a phrase? Send a picture of your supposed hat, SIR, if i am to believe you!

[@Cachoeira1986]

One of the best guides I've ever listened to.

[@habituallinestepper8839]

I have agree. He’s very skilled.

[@davemachoukas6175]

This guy is good...enjoyed his presentation.

[@detsportsfan18]

Love these videos! Jim Flook is an excellent speaker & guide for these programs.

[@870Rem12gauge]

These orators present history as it was.

[@refugeeca]

I agree, he's great.

[@thomaspick4123]

detsportsfan18 Jim’s perspective into the mind of Jackson, Yule, and Lee were very insightful.

[@JH-wq1gl]

Lee's words, "if practicable", are probably why I am here today. My gg grandfather (one of those beer drinking Germans) defended Cemetery Hill with the 74th Pennsylvania Infantry. From what I can gather, it wouldn't have ended well for the Union that day if Ewell had attacked.

[@BlueSideUp77]

The gentleman's question at the very end, about how Lee might've been considering a different response from one general to another, I think is a good point. I can understand both possibilities of the questioner and the ranger's response.

[@harolynallison485]

Then I thank your relitive for his service

[@Paranormresearch]

Great Job Ranger Jim Flook. Thank you

[@badvoodoo4090]

My hat is off to the men and women of the NPS, keeping the stories of these soldiers alive across all of our battlefields if a priceless service. Keep the videos coming!

[@AtunSheiFilms]

Audio quality is great compared to the tourist-shot ranger walk videos, thanks for mikeing him up!

[@eliyahuohiyon7461]

Hi Andy, I love your videos man.

[@Wilderness_Recon]

Jim is the best guide in the park!

[@montvilleo]

My name is also Jim. And this makes me proud ! 🤣

[@paulmacomber7340]

You really see the skill of this ranger at 27:57 ... not only does he answer the question but offers a metaphorical example that really hits the point home on the fly. Great teacher and my hats off to him.

[@angelawheeler7825]

Wow I love this gentleman he makes the stories come alive thank you sir so much

[@theroclastnamehere9167]

Jim Flock is the best presenting these programs!!! Thanks Jim!

[@JoeNicks389]

My wife and I were there on 9/2/19 and believe the ranger when he says, the video is not the same as being there. It's much larger than it seems in the video. When you look down the hill, it seems impossible that the rebels where able to climb up there, but the night made it possible. Great story telling. Thank you, JN

[@bruceborneman]

Wonderful job of explaining all of this!!!

[@mrSarcastic1984]

Had Jim for the Picketts Charge, Devils Den and Little Round top hikes last week. Very informative, great speaker and paints a great picture of the scene at the time of the battle

[@tworivers71]

These video tours are Absolutely Excellent !!!!!!

[@sbishop6450]

Love watching these Ranger Talks. Jim Flook is brilliant in his clarity, knowledge and very interesting. He is a credit to the ranger service. GETTYSBURG NP he would make an excellent full time ranger.

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Jim Flook your knowledge and presentation are first rate! Thank you and GNMP!

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Really enjoying Ranger Jim’s walks. Well done, Sir.

[@catdaddy3302]

My 2x great grandfather, Joel Hamilton Carpenter, fought at Cemetery Hill. And he lived to go back to the farm in Mississippi.

[@MendTheWorld]

Great presentation! Passionate and well- informed. I appreciate that this ranger does not try to crack jokes that fall flat and fail to illuminate the battlefield history. I’ve had to quit watching one of the other ranger’s presentations for this reason. Just my personal preference.

[@blukeblue1235]

I've watched a lot of these Ranger Talks and so far Mr. Flook is the best. Some of the others are too long winded. Mr. Flook is more precise and deliberate and keeps the story going. Thank you!

[@angelawheeler7825]

This ranger is really great I really appreciate and love him so much.

[@JP-ez8ks]

What a great vessel of information. Great job!

[@Flagrum3]

Ranger Flook is one hell of a ranger and guide. All the rangers seem pretty good, but Flook is my favorite. Glad he wore a mic too. I hope to visit Gettysburg some day soon and hope he is still there to follow.

[@harolynallison6876]

Gettysburg is one of my favorite places to visit, these park rangers i mean all of them are very skilled at their profession. the knowledge and dedication of these well trained young men is truly a gift and does relay just what happened, and the dangerous time in their lives and the danger that all faced, both north and south. thank you rangers, thank you to all the brave boys north and south that sacrificed their all to take their causes to the highest level. to both sides, sleep well with the Lord and rest in peace.

[@chuglyc]

That was an excellent presentation thank you posting this wonderful tour

[@RIchardDavidson007]

Jim is very good at explaining an making you feel like you there and living that time again.

[@ejdotw1]

Absolutely outstanding presentation - thank you so very much, Jim!

[@BerserkerVision]

Ive watched these so many times I could give the tour but nowhere close to Jim Flook. Hes great

[@joannegingertrump4presiden799]

Awesome presentation, thank you for this education. People should never forget .

[@Mysterian96]

This Ranger has the best explanation of the battlefield I have ever seen. It really puts you there for the events of the battle. My favorite part is at 24:00 when he describes the terrain and talks about Stevens battery.

[@prospectord8437]

Dude youramazing!!!!!!!!! Love the energy I have been there and wish I could stay a week and take all the walks with you guys

[@davemachoukas6175]

Wonderful presentation, felt like I was there

[@Dacos127]

Awesome job & wonderful storyteller! Knows how to not only translate history, but sets the mood as to that moment in time.

[@tsimmons121]

well done Jim Flook...enjoyed the whole talk...thank you

[@RobertPaskulovich-fz1th]

Ranger Flook has an impeccable speech pattern.

[@northwesttravels7234]

Great presentation. Thank you for doing it.

[@raymondhummel5211]

I enjoyed your presentation very much. What these battles entailed is very complex. They were truly brave men fighting for what they believed in.

[@tommygray7542]

This guy is great it takes an interesting subject and makes it even more interesting if that's possible great speaker I hope he still does this when I go I'd love hear him speak plus the beard is awesome lol

[@geraldmyers6618]

Ranger Flook , knows his stuff, would love to meet him.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Jim gives the best tours and talks.

[@bradmcgrath9903]

A good teacher can go off script because they have read. And, to teach you need enthusiasm to compliment knowledge. Thanks JIM

[@lanemeyer9350]

GREAT JOB by this guide. Very well done!

[@dannygreenii5611]

Good sir..... Well Effing done. If I could I would shake your hand and want to learn more. Gosh darn Great job!!!!!

[@decimated550]

I think he's the youngest ranger of all the Gettysburg tour guides on this KZbin channel. It's great! Not every ranger has to be a horse voiced 71-Year-Old or a twangy 52-year-old good to see some young blood in there

[@jamesbarlow6423]

Flook is a legend!

[@brucesheehe6305]

This fine gentleman is an EDUCATOR!

[@BlueSideUp77]

Excellent tour

[@davidspencer6384]

Jim is an excellent speaker

[@dmytroy]

Amazing video, it is incredible that they tried to attack that position head on. Seems like an absolute suicide.

[@markkelly9621]

excellent presentation.

[@jacquelinesmedley7853]

thank you from Southport Uk so Informative and well done

[@InLawsAttic]

Thank you!

[@dtran262]

Very good presentation in detail. Thanks

[@disco0752]

Oliver Otis Howard not only followed the civil war to Its conclusion, but was instrumental in the development of the Freedman's Bureau and founded Howard University so Blacks could become self sustaining and remain free. Slavery was no joke and needed to end once and for all!

[@country3608]

Very good 👍. Thank you!

[@davidrobinson9043]

Very Good Presentation.

[@nareniyer4405]

Great Job!

[@goatmilk9431]

Jim Flook is the best

[@maryberry6955]

Thank you so much for putting this on you tube I am enjoying this very much. God Bless 😃 😃 😃

[@7bootzy]

Incredible storytelling.

[@francissullivan6400]

Ranger Jim Flook is a TRUE PROFFESIONAL ..He should Teach Milirary History at V.M.I or WEST POINT U.S.M.A GREAT PRESENTATION

[@TyAndras]

Awesome!!

[@dmralph1]

Excellent retelling of the event, but He's mistake about it being pitch black at 8PM... it's full sunshine on July 2nd till 8:40 PM and early Twilight is another 40 min until full darkness...

[@OldePete]

I would have liked to hear more about the evening attack on the NW side of Cemetery Hill. Also, I think its fascinating how perceptions of the importance of different parts of/actions on, the battlefield change over the years. In the 1880's it seems ECH may have been considered a lot more "important" or popular than today, with the first? observation tower, first stop on the trolley, etc.

[@frankgioia514]

there was no evening attack on the NW SIDE OF CEMETERY HILL.RHODES WAS VERY LATE GETTING INTO POSITION AND WHEN HE FINALLY WAS EARLY,S ATTACK ON EAST CEMETERY HILL HAD ALREADY FAILED.RHODES WHO FOR REASONS UNKNOWN PUT RAMSUER IN CHARGE DECIDED IT WOULD BE SUICIDE.

[@jaywinters2483]

this guy is the best

[@Bullpuppy1]

these videos are practicableyest the bestest

[@gshockley100]

This guy is awesome! So many details and aspects of the battle, that I didn’t want to miss a single word that he spoke. On a funnier note... It kinda sounded like he said “They fart as hard as possible” at 19:54. 😂 Anyway, amazing job he is doing bringing the battle to life to those he gives the tour. The memories of the men who fought and died there will live on because of him.

[@gshockley100]

Char Sui If I’m boxed in a corner, I would fart as hard as possible too! Whatever it takes to defend myself. 😂

[@alo9409]

Possible conflation with Cemetery ridge and Culp's Hill here? (At least in initial preamble)

[@thedukeofswellington1827]

I work for the Dept of the interior but i would LOVE to take job like this. He said its seasonal...wondering if he works for NPS full time. I was never much into 'military history' but i majored in political economy and did my seminar comprehensive on comparative colonial systems. Im sure i could use that expertise at positions all over the east coast and southeast

[@jameskilcoyne1955]

On that last question If Jackson's presence would have changed things, the answer is a 100% definitive YES! But...how much of a change, and more importantly how would that have changed other things, the actions, reactions of the other key players. For instance, I think the ANV would have remained as just two corps and as such those Confederates who attacked Cemetery Hill...which included two of my ancestors from Louisiana...would have done so under totally different circumstances. In fact, we don't even know and cannot say with any certainty that the 11th Corps and those 30 guns would have even been holding the hill by nightfall on July 2nd. Just my own humble opinion, but I think if Jackson was still around and in command of 2nd Corps as he had been just a couple of months before, at best Gettysburg would have been a one-day battle and not nearly the scope it became on July 1. Maybe Buford's cavalry fights some kind of engagement, but Jackson would have had more troops in the vicinity of Gettysburg and brought superior numbers earlier in the day, such that Reynolds and Howard would have been compelled to take different action than they did. I think there would have been no Battle of Gettysburg at all, history would have shown it as a mere skirmish and the big fight would have developed down the road, maybe close to Taneytown or that Pipe Creek(??) where Meade had already planned to make a stand. I am not saying the Army of the Potomac would not have won the big fight, just that it would have taken place elsewhere. My point is, we cannot simply lift Ewell out of the picture and insert Stonewall Jackson on the ground July 2nd and go from there. Huge differences in events would have already unfolded.

[@moochythecat3435]

I like watching on my computer... There are no ticks in my living room like on the field in Gettysburg.

[@RobertMattison-pp6uf]

You can tell this guy really like his job.

[@chrisevans2726]

very interesting

[@matthewkeaneone]

Amazing

[@rexfrommn3316]

It becomes very apparent to anyone listening to some of these lectures that Buford's cavalry and Reynold's Infantry Corps for the Union on the first day shaped the battlefield for the second and third days. Despite getting beaten back by superior Confederate numbers on the first day, Buford's decision to keep the Confederates off of the high ground outside of Gettysburg was the key decision of the entire battle. The time delay caused by the encounter battle with Buford and Reynolds forced the Confederates to be unable to make any attempt to take Culp's Hill, Cemetery Hill and other key terrain until late in the afternoon or almost night time. Union General Hancock came with more reinforcements to the high ground. At this point it was too late for Confederates to have much chance at success. The seeds for Confederate defeat were also planted by the fact Heth's infantry Corps took significant losses fighting Buford and Reynolds on the afternoon of the first day. So the skirmishing and initial battles shaped the rest of the battlefield for the other two days. Once the Union artillery and infantry got entrenched on Cemetery ridge and Culp's Hill the chances for Confederate success in any attack became an extremely low probability event. So if you study Civil War battles, you have to understand the opening skirmishing battles the day before the battle or right before the main battle starts to get a true picture of why events transpired the way they did.

[@MendTheWorld]

You da king of these Comments!

[@birddog7492]

Once more I find that the Rebels are out gunned and out numbered but still fought so gallantry up hill bouth ways . My hat is off for the union solders who stood there they're ground so well. However it seems to me that they fought perhaps a better shoulder. Had the union shoulders ever been in battle or are these guy's Green horns.?

[@fieryweasel]

My OCD is not letting me forget that the subtitles refer to Ewell as 'Yule'. Great presentation though.

[@OldSchool-px1xk]

The conferderate commander's name is wriiten Ewell and not Yule if I am not totally mistaken. His decision would become one of the key elements of what later would be called the 'lost cause' of the South. Many have said would Stonewall Jackson still have been alive and in Ewell's position, he would have attacked. And likewise many believe, right here on day 1, not only the battle, but the whole war got lost for the Confederacy. I doubt that, but if Lee ever had had a chance to win the battle, then here on Cemetery Hill. But there were other obstacles, like he acted without having proper intel, his cavalery at large. By the end of the day we today know a lot more than these conmanders did.

[@daviddifonzo7938]

This Flook kid is good.

[@donstrong7878]

Would Lee have given the same order to Jackson that he gave to old Baldy that first day at Gettysburg?

[@mrs.witchyperfect9846]

I thought he told Ewell to take Culp's Hill?

[@gbemmx3]

The video text has Yule the General's name is Richard Ewell

[@NoelG702]

I'm confused as to where they are facing. Are they facing east? Most of the confederates were west of cemetery hill. It's like they are facing away from main action. Confusing.

[@JBurn244]

Ltrain44 not sure who you mean by 'they' but the two confederate brigades attack ECH from the northeast due to curve of the fishhook.

[@NoelG702]

JBurn244 Yeah I realized that after looking at a map, lol. I was like oh duh, im dumb.

[@dperson9212]

Any relation to Alice Clunt?

[@RobbyHouseIV]

I would kindly disagree with, and remind Ranger Jim Flook regarding the fighting on the 1st of July as being Ewell's first bit of fighting with his Corps. At the Battle of 2nd Winchester 2 weeks earlier in North Virginia Ewell demonstrated a level of stealth and cunning every bit on par with Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign in 1862 bagging a nice catch of supplies, food, and more than 4,200 Union POWs.

[@alexdejesus62]

I thought Gen Doubleday took command after Reynolds??

[@MendTheWorld]

He did assume corps command after Reynolds fell on July 1st, but then was replaced by Meade the following day. Some reports hold that Doubleday played a critical role in defending artillery positions on Cemetery Hill on the night of July 2nd by arming his men with baseball bats, but these remain unconfirmed.

[@michaelamos8271]

He said veterans from other wars are buried here , I not fully understanding what wars ?

[@mwhyte1979]

Michael Amos This is a National Veteran Cemetery. There is a section in the cemetery for U.S. veterans to be buried. Not sure how many and what is the criteria to be buried there.

[@jerrywarren3900]

Civil, Spanish-American, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.Gettysburg is a National Cemetery akin to though much smaller than Arlington.

[@johnzajac9849]

July 2: Longstreet attacks the southern end of the Federal line with 14K men. July 3: Longstreet attacks the center of the Federal line with fewer than 12K men.

[@andyheitkemper9499]

I absolutely loved his answer about, "But what if Gen Jackson were here?"

[@bribribewry5496]

No notes. Flook is a Stud.

[@Quantrills.Raiders]

@5:34 grandma has no business having a dump truck that big

[@kbarrett63]

A game of capture the flag on steroids !!

[@MrRickraspberry]

Yule.....................Ewell

[@decimated550]

aww cute question 27:09 by the kid "will there be craters in the ground from cannon balls?" His question comes from the inaccurate way cannon fire effects are often shown in civil movies. On screen we often see what look like mortar explosions blooming out of the ground, but that is not how civil war cannon balls acted. they did not blow up on contact

[@camrillem]

decimated550 actually there were cannons that shot explosive rounds but the union had a limited number of them for what i have read

[@MendTheWorld]

I suspect the explosions from ground level are the only safe option from the standpoint of Hollywood re-enactments. The location of placed charges can be precisely marked.

[@decimated550]

​@@camrillemthose would be mortars used in sieges. Civil War. Cannonballs were made of solid shots, designed to fly through the air and punch through the bodies of men, they did not explode. The case shot and canister which were two different ways of projecting metal balls or fragments through the air. There were no contact fuses in the way that we would see in world War I. But civil war movies show exploding ground effects just because it's easier to do with the pyro charges of the special effects crew

[@thomasdudley6514]

How bout the 4th which would have been the forth one since four score and seven years as pres Lincoln said