Gettysburg, 1st Day: Reynolds Arrives

Fighting continues as Reynolds' First Corps reinforces Buford's cavalry.
From the movie Gettysburg.
www.imdb.com/title/tt0107007/

[@OroborusFMA]

"I can't understand why I have not heard from General Stuart" is the most important line in the entire clip.

[@tenebroussapiens2800]

Stuart was a glory-seeking showboater who had no sense of responsibility or accountability.

[@dennisdouglass7688]

@@toryquinton2677 The problem was that Lee was an excellent battlefield commander and tactician, but was a rather poor campaign strategist with little grasp on how to truly fight a war on the scale he was assigned.

[@re9498]

@@dennisdouglass7688 I disagree, Lee absolutely knew what he was up against. He was adamant that the South could not outfight the North, that defeat was inevitable unless foreign intervention occurred or northern resolve wavered. Hence, why Lee favored an aggressive strategy in trying to control the pace of the war. He believed that if he could deliver a decisive enough victory that he could acquire those conditions: much like how Washington did at Saratoga in the Revolution. Lee knew over a long enough time the North would win. The Peninsula Campaign in 62' demonstrated how hopeless the South was if a large enough force came right at them. He only extricated the Confederacy out of that campaign by being boldly aggressive which intimidated the cautious McClelland. What Lee always was dreaded was that a general with more resolve would do what McClelland did not and refuse to retreat from Virginia: exactly what Grant would do in the Overland campaign. He needed to prevent such situations from occurring by blunting Northern incursions and keeping the initiative on his side. Thus, Lee favored bold, aggressive maneuvers because passivity in the face of a superior enemy was defeat by other means. Either take the fight to the North or accept a slow defeat. There is no scenario where the South wins by just being defensive. In the wake of Fredericksburg, the Mud March, and Chancellorsville, Lee knew that the conditions for a winning scenario were possibly up for grabs. But he also knew the Confederacy was on the backfoot in the West and was deteriorating daily, Vicksburg would fall soon, Joe Johnston was dallying in Jackson, and Bragg was being pushed out of Tennessee. Lee was the only one in a position of command to remotely have a chance. Thus, Gettysburg was the product of Lee's strategic analysis.

[@JGlennFL]

Lee's orders to Stuart were vague. Stuart was spending time taking Union wagons and supplies, while Lee actually need the intel much worse. But Stuart had always done that, in fact it was a necessity for a traveling army like that.

[@SuperChuckRaney]

He was drinking whiskey, while giving the beer to his horses

[@MMSMikey]

The Iron Brigade was almost annihilated the first day at Gettysburg in McPherson Woods. But they fought for every inch of ground and did just as much damage to the rebels as they were taking being outnumbered 3 to 1.If it was any other unit in that position they might not have held on as long. Giving the rest of the Army time to come up and take defensive positions on cemetery hill. The Iron Brigade was never the same again after Gettysburg, but what they did on day 1 will never be forgotten.

[@Dadecorban]

It will almost certainly be forgotten one day.

[@dhaqq18]

​@@Dadecorban😅

[@timothybarham6374]

​@@DadecorbanSeeing how our education system is owned by the libanuts, they hate our American history.

[@seanbrittain2625]

My home state ( Wisconsin) was part of the iron brigade

[@rjsamp4194]

​@@seanbrittain2625Madison says hi 1:26

[@williampaz2092]

The relief on John Buford’s face is indescribable.

[@rolandmiller5456]

I'm quite sure that the relief on the real John Buford's face probably came very close.

[@gazlator]

The relief is palpable. Brings a lump to throat, knowing how enormously important the arrival of the First Corps must have been.

[@haynes1776]

General Reynold's death was a big loss at Gettysburg, but he did bring his 1st corps up to where they were needed. They suffered heavy losses on the first day: the Iron brigade- an crack elite unit, took a lot of punishment that day and was finished off as a unit, but their service and sacrifice was not in vain.

[@russellcollins52]

The Corps was finished after that day. It was combined with the 11th and sent west.

[@briankorbelik2873]

A close friend of mine's ancestor fought with the Iron Brigade. My friend had all the post-war unit reunion invitations, and so much of his great-great-however many "greats" uncle's papers. He was not much into history, the way that I am. My friend was proud, yes, and I filled him in on details. He was happy, I was thrilled to death. I had a relative on my maternal grandfather's side who was with the 1st PA Brigade, and managed to survive the Battle of Cold Harbor.

[@haynes1776]

@briankorbelik2873 Awesome. I learned the Iron brigade got their famous nickname during the battle of South Mountain before Antietam. I belive General George McClellan described this brigade fighting with the tenacity of Iron. The nickname stuck. The Brigade had their many baptism of fire: Antietam: The Miller Cornfield. The iron brigade lost a lot of good soldiers. After other battles, the real baptism of fire was at Gettysburg, the first day. Heavy fighting at McPherson's woods just decimated the brigade. But their sacrifice was not in vain. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@davidbuckley5837]

⁠

[@SantomPh]

@@haynes1776 The Iron Brigade's choice of headgear was believed to be the first universal use of what we now call the cowboy hat.

[@deidryt9944]

It is great how Reynolds shows up looking prestine, gloves a bright white, buttons gleaming, uniform immaculate. A stark contrast to Buford and his staff... and even his own staff, who had been riding hard directly behind him. A striking figure to inspire men forward.

[@jusnuts1443]

Officers do not get involved in enlisted duties. It's that simple.

[@lavern007]

Sorry to report but the pristine Reynolds died that day.

[@briangulley6027]

@@lavern007 But looked good doing it.

[@wayfaerer320]

I like the scene where "Fife and Drum" is playing and the Iron Brigade is forming up in the field. That music with a mass of blue and the regimental colors flying across that field...*chills*

[@DakJackal_Films]

You aren’t kidding. That is wonderful music and wonderful cinema!

[@DakJackal_Films]

War is hell

[@mattjones8254]

​@@DakJackal_FilmsIndeed..... Tis not fun

[@josephwalukonis9934]

When the Iron Brigade was first arriving the name of the tune being played is called "Hell on the Wabash" which originated in the early 19th Century and most likely refers to St. Clair's defeat by the indians in the old northwest territory. The tune appears in published civil war songbooks.

[@illinoismotionpicturestudi5065]

@@josephwalukonis9934 While I think 'Hell on the Wabash' sounds better and more cinematic for this scene, the tune the Iron Brigade actually played when marching into Battle was 'The Campbells are Coming'. The tune doesn't sound nearly as urgent or really all that intimidating , so I think it was a good call to change it.

[@jdsmith542]

The moment where the victory at Gettysburg was sealed. The dynamic initiative of Buford and Reynolds changed the course of the entire war.

[@drnick5439]

Maybe. But if lee listened to Longstreet and left after the first day to find a hill near DC then this would be a different story too.

[@gonzaleo]

With some Col. Vincent assistance of course come 2nd day

[@jdsmith542]

@@drnick5439 Lee couldn’t. He knew that Vicksburg was on its last legs. The south’s only chance was victory on northern ground while they still had strategic initiative. The instant Vicksburg fell, cutting the south in half, there was no saving the cause, and Lee knew it. So did Meade. Lee also knew that falling back after day one would be called a victory by the north. The south had to have a uncontroversial win, and Lincoln knew that, which is why he appointed Meade, the cold poker player.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

Rebels : " Hey, it's those black-hat fellers again. This ain't no militia " !

[@realtooreal]

One of the most touching scenes - Buford´s eyes filled with tears upon Reynold´s arrivial!!!

[@ronaldshank7589]

Yes...and if you listen closely, you can hear him offer two distinct words-"Thank God"-as a Prayer of thanks. Come to think of it, many Brave Men, both North and South, were staunchly devout Christians. Many loved the Lord, and were willing to fight for what they thought to be right.

[@briandfallon74]

@@ronaldshank7589except one side was right; one side was wrong. The side fighting to own people was wrong.

[@Slapdash1]

Love how Gen. Lee is all like "Can you believe this guy?" when listening to Gen. Heth's report. At about 3:20 he already knows that things are messed up.

[@raymondlee3414]

Lee was a dipshit at Gettysburg. He was too spoiled with Stonewall bailing is ass out.

[@masons9541]

Buford's cavalry and Reynold's Iron Brigade was one of the all time great right time right place moments

[@RobertLee-wi5kc]

Nice to stop the rebs for a short time but little bearing on the battle. Reynolds wasted troops. Look at the map and you will see the land that was fought for was given to the rebs. Reynolds would have been better to just take up lines on cemetary ridge right away and defend Culps hill. Same thing that happened with less loss of life.

[@wnchstrman]

​@@RobertLee-wi5kcTheir purpose was to oppose Lee's advance, entangle Lee in battle on ground of their choosing, and buy time to bring up the remaining Corps in the AotP. They succeeded, but at a high cost. Their actions allowed the victories on the 2nd day, and the full defeat of the rebels on the 3rd day.

[@RobertLee-wi5kc]

Oh I understand the concept. But Buford could just as easily withdrawn an hour or 2 later and taken up defense on cemetary ridge. The land he held was given up anyway. When the infantry got there they could have just lengthened the line and played defense which is what happened on day 2 and 3. Better ground to defend and the losses of Iron brigade advancing through the woods would have been better spent defensively behind the little rocky fence. No big deal if they had not concentrated at Gettsyburg as Meade never intended for it in the first place. Not to mention if the confederates wanted the high ground they could have it as they were the outnumbered invaders and certainly Meade could just let Lee sit there and wither on the vine.

[@Derek-je6vg]

Hindsight is twenty twenty - believe me when troops are out of direct line of sight and all you have is hearing to determine how the fight is going it’s an entirely different command environment - been there done that - you react to what you can see and hear - not to what might be… and once battle is joined command becomes radically different from a battle plan. (No plan survives first contact) Reynolds’s not only denied the rebels the ground but also denied them the initiative. The value of that cannot be overstated. He basically forced them to put up or shut up … engaging a larger and better equipped army on an unequal footing. That and the terrain sealed the victory.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

Far anyone curious the red legged units are a Zouave regiment. They were distinctive in dress and formation. The units moved in a more open type of formation vs the standard line formation of the Napoleon era. The uniforms were different too to allow for faster movement they were looser and gave greater freedom of movement. Zouave units also engaged more often from prone or laying of the back. This minimized the chances of them being hit while improving their survival chances. I believe the 163rd Pennsylvania was a Zouave regiment that fought there. The other being the New York Fire Zouaves. By 1863 most Zouave units were wearing standard Union uniforms but their style of fighting didn’t change

[@ronaldfry1138]

They are reenactors portraying the 84th New York, also called the 14th NY State Volunteers or the 14th Brooklyn. They were 2nd division, 1st Brigade, 1st Corp. The other two uniformed Zouve regiments of the Union Army at Gettysburg fought at the Peach Orchard, 114th PA, and Culps Hill, and the 23rd PA, Birney's Zouves. There were six other Zouve regiments present but all in the standard union blue.

[@BeefCake1012]

There were also a few “Brooklyn” Regiments from NY of the 11th Corps that fought near McPherson’s Ridge, The Railroad Cut and other areas on the first day. They were also Zouave units.

[@ronaldshank7589]

This is the definitive War, in which a lot of things changed. You still had the Soldiers, to a large degree, advancing in Rectangular Columns, but some units learned to fight from behind trees and boulders. The Smoothbore Muskets were, at least to a considerable degree, switched out for Rifles, with grooves in the barrels, which, of course, increased the accuracy, distance-wise. Then came the Spencer Rifles. These babies could be loaded with up to either 6 or 7 rounds of already prepared Ammunition . They were comparatively easy to load, aim, and fire, and you could shoot all of those bullets in a matter of seconds.

[@d23g32]

Sam Elliot is the definitive John Buford. Buford's boys slowing the Rebs down and helping to deny them the high ground that day changed the course of the battle and therefore likely the course of the war, at least in the East. Any scenario that ended with Lee holding Cemetery Ridge on the evening of the 1st could have turned Gettysburg into another Fredericksburg, and left "Washington City" vulnerable. The stakes were immense.

[@samueladams3746]

Read a much fuller explanation of Bufords tactics several years ago. He’d thrown scouts out on every approach and had skirmishers positions behind a couple rises well before the Seminary. The delay of Heath started well before what is portrayed in the film (there’s a time limit in cinema) It was a brilliant deployment of dismounted cavalry to both delay and fool the enemy into believing they faced a much larger force.

[@joshuasitzema9920]

The Iron Brigade also did much to stop the confederates here. The 24th Michigan, (one of my state's regiments) lost 80% of her unit here but captured several generals.

[@LordZontar]

Unlikely. Meade was no Burnside and would never have made the same mistake as was made at Fredricksburg. He always had the option to retreat back along his own supply line to Pipe Creek and establish a defensive position on good ground there if holding a position at Gettysburg wasn't viable. Meade was the first Federal general in the East who would not let himself get sucked into playing Lee's game. But forcing the battle at Gettysburg, with the Union holding Cemetery Ridge, did indeed affect the outcome of the war, not only in the East but the West as well as Vicksburg was about to fall to Grant while this battle was raging, and there would be no Confederate reinforcements rushing to rescue Pemberton. The major effect of this battle was to break Lee's aura of invincibility, and the Army of Northern Virginia -- largely stalemated for the remainder of 1863 -- was never again able to attempt such an offensive. From July 3rd onward, the Confederacy was forced into a losing defensive struggle in which time was not on their side.

[@Psalm144.1]

Well, the Confederates took Oak Ridge and Seminary Ridge on Day 1. They were the main “high ground” positions that Union forces were trying to hold. So no, Buford and Reynolds did not really do what the novel Killer Angels and the movie fictionally portrayed. No one knew about which hills would then eventually become key until like 9pm on Day 1.

[@ddvette]

Buford had fought in the plains Indian wars and knew how effective dismounted calvary could be when outnumbered. Plus his men had breech loaders, a 3x force multiplier. Right leader, right tactics, right weapon, at the exact right time. Coincidence?

[@BeachBoysJanDean1]

What a terrible loss of one of the finest generals on either side. John Fulton Reynolds will always be rememered for his heroics.

[@terryrussel3369]

Yes. Matter-of-fact comprehension of events and tactical prowess.

[@inthedarkwoods2022]

I see you have been swayed by the lost cause narrative

[@MrErizid]

Reynolds was offered overall command before Meade was. Reynolds demanded "zero political interference", which basically meant he wouldn't take orders from Lincoln. So he was passed over. If he had just taken command, he'd probably would have survived Gettysburg.

[@1961Tuber]

Corp Commanders should not lead from the front.

[@sirus976]

@@1961Tuber He had too, the day one fighting was so scattered that it required him to be there.

[@CrazySC833]

Lee's admonishment of Harry Heth is extraordinary. Lee was renowned for being stoic and never showing anger. The fiercest admonishment that he could deliver in front of other high-ranking officers is "Mr. Heth, is there any way in which you could have misunderstood my orders? ......[Heth] "No, sir."....[Heth goes on to describe his predicament to Lee like a small child who has just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar].............[Lee's response]......"Mr. Heth, things WILL get confusing........that's why we have orders......]......... to the unacquainted this might look like a passing comment, but, THIS is a SCATHING admonishment from lee. Absolutely SCORCHING.

[@bobbyricigliano2799]

Heth did inadvertently commence the battle prematurely, but Lee thought very highly of him and was responsible for much of Heth's advancement in rank.

[@manilajohn0182]

It's a Hollywood film. As it actually happened, it was Lee- and not Heth- who escalated the battle. Pettigrew's brigade of Heth's division moved on Gettysburg on 30 June but withdrew after observing enemy combatants there. On 1 July, Heth moved on Gettysburg with Hill's authorization. After Heth was engaged, Lee made the decision for additional Confederate forces to attack. Lee's lack of information from Stuart was Lee's fault entirely. Lee gave Stuart two objectives for one force which coincided in time. Stuart lacked the strength to accomplish both simultaneously- and he lacked the time to accomplish first one and then the other. Stuart attempted to accomplish both objectives as directed and predictably failed.

[@scotts148]

But his boys got their dander up…

[@SantomPh]

@@manilajohn0182 Stuart took the bulk of the cav with him, some 3 divisions. He failed to send back riders with updates , instead looting a baggage train and moving as a mobile force.

[@manilajohn0182]

@@SantomPh Stuart's entire command consisted of only one division. He took three brigades of that division (approximately half of his force). He later dispatched two messengers to Lee to inform him that the AotP was moving northward, but neither of them got through to Lee. Lee twice sent Stuart orders specifically instructing him to both gather information and provisions for the army.

[@umbrellacorpsoldier1]

Its sad that reynolds did not live to see the end of this battle. Both buford and reynolds knew each other. Another example of friendship , strong friendship even during wartime.

[@caras2004]

Hancock and Armistead

[@64098]

145 years ago this morning, Major General John Fulton Reynolds is shot dead. May his memory live on.

[@alanjefferson1127]

Beautiful and tragic. The danger of leading your men from the front, but the loyalty and courage it inspires in the soldiers.

[@chrishooge3442]

There is a statue of Reynolds on horseback in front of the Philadelphia City Hall. Go see it. And go see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Washington Square. You'll understand why when you get there.

[@Beergut222]

Agreed. The Iron Brigade was one of the best outfits in the North.

[@badguy5554]

Another unit from Wisconsin was the one that charged up the large hill overlooking Chattanoga. They were never ordered to. They just thought it up and did it! Several Flag carriers were killed on the way up, but the one that held the flag as the unit reached the top was given the Medal of Honor for his action. That 18 year old "kid" was Arthur McArthur...General Douglas McArthur's father. Arthur would eventually, also, reach the rank of General...like his kid!

[@harryanders2877]

Such good acting in such a perfect, gripping, just all out wonderful film. Martin Sheen as General Lee is pure perfection. (Robert Duvall may look like Lee more, but Sheen inhabits the persona, the character, more superbly, I think). I like both the actors playing General Heth and and Gen Reynolds, all the casting in this movie is so perfect. Of course Sam Elliott is epic, and perhaps Stephen Lang being the most perfect casting of all of them..(Even John Diehl, c'mon such great casting bringing him into this)...Just such a superb movie in every way. Love every part of it. Even the musical score is great. I thought in Gods and Generals, the music was a little off...In this movie everything fits like a glove. So good.

[@lavern007]

Sheen was drunk and addicted to drugs at the time. His performance was dismal. His accent was a joke. Duval was so much better. Duval is also a horseman and a Virginian.

[@robotkiller99]

Sheen's accent is comical.

[@TheJonathanc82]

Such a terrible loss of life on both sides. I tear up whenever I watch this movie. So many of our own died fighting each other. A terrible moment in our country’s still brief existence. I still sometimes am not sure we won’t end up in this situation again. We have yet to truly learn from our mistakes and handle our differences constructively.

[@madcyclist58]

@TheJonathan320 "So many of our own died fighting each other", all war is sad, but death in a civil war seems more poignant; and this was the second one on American soil. The first of course was fought between 1776 and 1783.

[@Casanovaelrey]

The Confederates were NOT "our own". Stop humanizing these evil ass people. Every Confederate soldier killed had it coming.

[@Shafeone]

I agree with your assessment of Buford who was first to see the value of the terrain and vowed to hold it until I and XI Corps arrived. But then give credit for Reynolds for committing his infantry and artillery without hesitation to battle. Before he died he sent Meade a dispatch vowing to fight for every street if needed. "Good!" said Meade. "That is just like Reynolds!" Then finally Hancock and Warren for formally selecting the field in Meade's stead. And Meade for trusting their call.

[@johnbertrand7185]

Even though it does get some of the history wrong, as do almost all movies, its hits the mark about 90% of the time. Well cast and edited so a Civil War novice can follow what's going on, probably the best Civil War movie ever made.

[@BeachBoysJanDean1]

I get all choked up watching this scene. From the dramatic effort by Buford to hold out until the 1st Corp arrives to the untimely death of Reynolds. What a moment in our history!

[@ordinarypeople20]

I have learned that I had a relative who fought for Buford that day. His cavalry also helped the 1st Corps make their strategic retreat later that day -- that part I have just learned about. Bravo Buford and his Boys!

[@Tyrunner0097]

The Black Hats, also called the Iron Brigade, were mostly made of Wisconsin regiments. This is why Reynolds kept shouting "Forward" during the fighting; Wisconsin's state motto. As a Wisconsin native, we're proud of our Iron Brigade, the unit that one officer claimed, "Could march a mule right off its feet."

[@tomawen5916]

Well said! Forward the Iron Brigade!!

[@contagious881]

i had an ancestor that was a sharpshooter in barksdales brigade. there were 1097 men that served in his regiment.... 75 were there at appomattox, my ancestor being 1 of them. out of his entire company (100 men not including officers) 8 survived the war

[@moserr11]

I live a stone's throw away from this battlefield and this movie is just scary. I have walked over all the places in it and that really brings this story home.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Interestingly enough, I live on the edge of a very ancient battlefield, the great battle of Brunanburh/Bromborough 937AD, where King Athelstan with Mercian Angles, and Saxons from Wessex, defeated the Scots and Norsemen, Wirral archeologists are still turning up weapons from the site...E..

[@Shafeone]

This battle has so many great characters. Better than any fiction. Buford was one of them. He was probably the only man North or South who on the evening of June 30 knew without a doubt that July 1 would bring fighting down on Gettysburg. He was a hard soldier and a hard man and did his job first as scout and then as a stall to force Heth to deploy his men in line of battle waiting for the 1st and 11th Coprs to arrive...saving the town for most of the day and possibly the battle.

[@ordinarypeople20]

If one studies the whole of Buford's Civil War career, it was a remarkable achievement. He appears not to have made a mistake.

[@BeachBoysJanDean1]

Very emotional scene if you are a 1st Corp and General Reynolds fan . I am both. Black Hats forever !

[@Setebos]

The scenes involving Buford always remind me of the scenes in "The Longest Day" involving Richard Todd as Major John Howard ("Hold until relieved . . . hold until relieved"). In both films we see examples of two competent officers doing one of the worst jobs a line commander can face: being required to hold a position against unknown (and usually superior) opposition, and using only the resources you've brought with you.

[@Nmax]

Yes very good comparison. It is the toughest job for a commander. But they do it so professionally and without fear or hesitation

[@logon235]

Another good comparison would be Colonel Frost at the Arnhem bridge in "A Bridge Too Far" except they weren't relieved.

[@GordonDundas-bn6lm]

​Richard Todd was actually at "Pegasus " bridge in the early morning of 6 June. With the Ox & Bucks . He was one of the battalion's officers. Talk about perfect casting.

[@tomawen5916]

Excellent scene. The 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin, the 19th Indiana and the 24th Michigan regiments of volunteers plus 1 battery of Regular U.S. Army artillery. Go Badgers, Hooters and Wolverines!! Love the stirring of Hell on the Wabash (6:40) as Reynolds salutes the Iron Brigade marching into battle!!

[@BeachBoysJanDean1]

Three cheers for the 1st Corp, Generals Buford and Reynolds and the Iron Brigade! Saddened greatly by Reynolds death. Reynolds was my favorite general--from my home state of Pennsylvania.

[@hovanti]

PA is my home state, too, and Reynolds and I were both born in Lancaster.

[@rekke41]

If a certain cannonball would have killed Hooker at Chancellorville, Reynolds would have taken command of the AoP and probably would have won the war by 63 at the latest. He was a heck of a commander and the North really suffered for his loss.

[@rjsamp4194]

He was offered command of the Army of the Potomac in June, 1863. Turned down the position.

[@christopherpeck9957]

I love a, 'what if..', scenario. I agree, Reynolds was the superior general to Meade. Equally, and also at Chancellorville, what if Jackson hadn't been killed and had been at Gettysburg on that first day instead of Euell?

[@Fitzwalrus06]

​@@christopherpeck9957 THAT is an interesting scenario....🤔😎

[@SantomPh]

if McClellan was willing to finish his Peninsula campaign, the war would have ended earlier as well.

[@deriter64]

Hard to imagine what General Buford must have thought when he saw Reynolds coming on with reinforcements. He had taken a fair chance trying to hold with his mounted infantry (even with their breech loaders) against some of the best infantry in history led by General Heth.Unsung hero and nobody could play him better than Sam Elliott,

[@andrewnlarsen]

And not to mention he had already had a similar situation in an earlier battle that turned south very badly...this time time it was completely different.

[@paterpatriae645]

​@@andrewnlarsenwhich battle was that?

[@SantomPh]

Buford had special tactics that slowed down Heth quite a lot, but not indefinitely. he dismounted 2/3rds of his men and built barricades across the roads, pushed horse artillery forward and combined his brigades. He knew he wouldn't hold on his own, but would drive Heth's men back and prevent them from charging in one movement. In real life the rebs charged thrice as each time Buford formed more defense lines. Not sure if this is the best infantry in history, they got pretty chewed up and General Archer was captured along with his brigade, annoyingly by West Point classmate Abner Doubleday. By the second day Heth was himself wounded in the head, surviving only due to the quality of his hat and extra padding placed there due to a poor fit.

[@Darthbelal]

Not the artillery, wbaker7, it was the rifled musket. The old Brown Bess muskets were smoothbore and wasn't accurate much beyond 50 yards. The Springfields or Enfields used in the Civil War were rifled muskets and could kill at 300 yards. This was why Pickets Charge, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor and Kennesaw Mountain were such bloodbaths.

[@RC4386]

The final camera shot is clearly inspired by the The Death of Wolfe painting by Benjamin West. Nice touch for such a poignant moment.

[@firstbasedawg]

General Reynolds was indeed a helluva officer. Read his life story and what an admirable man.

[@cherylannemason]

Heth was not only a friend but cousin to Lee--and he was indeed the only officer Lee addressed by first name, other than his sons. Explains Longstreet doing a double take toward the end when Lee addresses him by nickname.

[@kenkaplan3654]

I personally know the actor who played Reynolds- John Rothman. He was in a lot of Woody Allen films, Sophie's Choice, many oter more minor roles in many films, and had a guest star on Law and Order. We had a pretty amazing encounter in 1967. His brother Tom is one of the most influential men in America. He has been a studio head for decades and currently is head of Sony pictures

[@tachikoma747]

I like how during this whole fiasco JEB Stuart was on a joyride around southern Pennsylvania. good job JEB

[@stigmajosh]

148 years ago and we must never forget what those men sacrificed and accomplished on those fields.

[@Mathview]

The scene of General Reynolds surrounded by his mourning men is a memorable composition. I've often wondered if this scene comes from a period painting, and the film maker's version is an homage.

[@warblerab2955]

That is what I think too.

[@LordZontar]

The tableaux here mimics two famous paintings: Benjamin West's depiction of the death of James Wolfe at Quebec during the French and Indian War, and John Trumbull's similar depiction of the death of Richard Montgomery at Montreal during the Revolutionary War.

[@ericeverett510]

Either Don Troiani or Kuntsler. Think it's straight out of a Don Troiani painting. Google will tell you

[@Fitzwalrus06]

It is based on a similar period painting, although the original depicts the death of a different general than Reynolds (cannot recall who atm). The framing of that shot in the movie (and the immediately prior background movements setting up the scene) are exceptionally well done.

[@edwardcarson81]

It's based off of Don Troiani's death of general Sedgwick, who was killed almost a year later at Spotsylvania court house.

[@bobbyricigliano2799]

There is a marker on the battlefield at the spot where General Reynolds was shot. Having seen this film and reading a good bit, it was not hard to visualize Reynolds there, with a wooded area nearby from where the Confederate soldier would have taken a bead on him. That spot is also close to the cupola where Buford would have been watching for Reynold's arrival earlier in the day.

[@kdog543]

This was awesome movie 🎬 I remember younger days watching it on TV.

[@Chubachus]

starting at 7:08, the song fife and gun is my fav from the soundtrack, really goes well with the scene too

[@badguy5554]

The song, "Hell on the Wabash Fife and Drum", evidently, was not played during the actual battle. One source said it was "The Cambells are coming".

[@batallonzepita]

Very good picture. I'm peruvian. Honor and glory to the soldiers of Gettysburg. Long live to the Virginians.

[@davidbarderas3386]

Here a Fire & Fury wargamer from Spain. Gettysburg is my best film ever.

[@jamesb.2064]

Unfortunately TV channels don’t have the gumption to air this great movie again. The best history of the turning battle of our civil war. Great loss for the young generation not to see and understand why this war was fought.

[@grindlbebe]

This movie is one of the greatest of all time. "Gods and Generals" was terrible, of course, but "Gettysburg" is classic. What music! Acting, plot, all of it. I am so very thankful it was made.

[@Xxfen1xphyrexX]

wtf are you talking about? what a moran.

[@ddvette]

The extended version of Gods and General is better. Many reenactors are active military and could not participate in it because it was being made right after 9/11.

[@Shafeone]

For once the Potomac Army had the right men at the right time. Buford saw the defensive possibility of Gettysburg's terrain and vowed to delay the Rebels until Frst Corps' arrrival. Then Reynolds acted without hesitation to fight for Gettysburg to hold that high ground. To Meade's credit, he gave Reynolds (then Hancock) authority to select the battlefield. Unlike Heth who "stumbled into this fight" a decisive Reynolds threw down the gauntlet leaving the Gettysburg battlefield as his legacy.

[@ilmsff7]

7:10 Beautiful, haunting musical arrangement.

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

What a nightmare. Standing in open field tactics in lines of men. You had to have balls of steel ❤

[@BeachBoysJanDean1]

1st Corp rules! It had the Iron Brigade and a regiment from my Westmoreland County , PA ---the 11th PA. They have a splendid statue on Oak Ridge. At the base of the statue is Sallie, their mascot dog who lead them at every battle.. What a tragedy that Reynolds was killed. He was first rate.

[@Shafeone]

The interesting thing is that Lee had actually hoped to catch the Union army strecthed out on the march, pounce on each piece with his entire united army and defeat it corps by corps. With Stuart MIA he couldn't set it up, but the situation on July 1 with the 3rd Corps attacking from the west and the 2nd from the north to engage first the 1st and then 11th corps (Union corps were smaller than Confederate ones) the situation was as he had hoped. He recognized that and attacked.

[@TheCrierman1863]

I was there for the 145th Anniversary of the Battle and Fought w/Vincents Bde! Had a great time. I stood at the sight where General Reynolds was hit! A Great leader and Pennsylvania Man! General Buford is the MAN!!! What great insight and understanding of terrain, troop movement and battle formations. HUZZAH for BUFORD!!!

[@Montecruz]

I think the writer and director did a very good job showing Lee reprimanding Heth in this scene in his typical gentle way... "Things will get out of control Mr Heth, this is why we have orders..." I agree to the much-heared saying, he was a perfect gentleman indeed. A more severe reprimanding wouldnt have done Mr Heth injustice, thats for sure :)

[@Antihippie24]

Thanks to the Iron Brigade for holding the line and gaining the Union a superb field advantage during the battle of Gettysburg!!!!

[@morrisvanderslice1735]

Let’s don’t forget Buford’s division for choosing the battlefield and develop the situation until MG Reynolds’ troops arrived. My family rode with BG Buford in COL Devin’s brigade. They were tough men serving under commanders who were just as tough.

[@scottfisher352]

A desperate struggle for the soul of the nation. Gettysburg is hallowed ground forever more.

[@JohnMcDonald-ef5gz]

@scottfisher352. Gettysburg is the most seminal battle this nation ever fought. Had The Confederacy prevailed America would not be the nation we are today. And the world would be a very different place.

[@williambamann1845]

This movie really was fantastic

[@I_Hate_Craig]

The Iron Brigade aka The Black Hats. Arguably the best the Union had. Consisted of 3 Wisconsin regiments, 1 Indiana regiment, and 1 Michigan regiment. The Big Ten.. kicking ass since the 1860's.

[@balladofathinman]

The original northwest territory, being the PAC-12, their best year ever before the dark star implodes. See you deep in the woods.

[@FireEyedMaidOfWar]

Well, I must confess that this Gettysburg flick is so far the best war movie I have ever seen, as in it the troops and officers appear quite real and so are the fighting scenes; and it does justice to both sides and avoids all morale judgement. Shame that there are no such movies about other wars, except maybe Waterloo of 1970; as especially the 20th century wars are depicted in a ridiculous good and evil fashion and have generally pretty poor fighting scenes, in which the guys win always.

[@rikk319]

Yeah, wouldn't want to portray World War 2 as good versus evil, huh? Wow.

[@stevep5408]

They set up a camera and fired a cannon in it's direction. The whistling sound and knowing what that was scary even just listening! To face that when it is with deadly intent is just fearsome! Plus it is shocking how accurate artillery was.

[@mickharrison9004]

When men ,cared about fellow man ,all respect to these very brave men 👊

[@Lonovavir]

Go Iron Brigade, I finished reading the book about those men. A truly amazing fighting unit, it's a shame it was basically destroyed at Gettysburg.

[@littlenapoleon1321]

What book?

[@007ndc]

They gave their all for the sake of our beloved Union

[@Shafeone]

He thought he saw a breach in the Union line in that vicinity late on July 2. And that was just with a few brigades. He felt that if ge could hit that same spot with a mass attack and link up with Stuart's cavalry on the other side he had a chance to burst the Union lines wide open. The problem was he never gave Meade the credit for seeing that same breach and addressing it, as he did. He in fact read Lee right, telling Gibbon in the center that he would bear the next assault on July 3.

[@Fortaker]

Man, you have GOT to try watching this with the Transcribe Audio on. You'll be in tears!

[@Shafeone]

Agree. The !st Corps. at Gettysburg on July 1 put up an amazing fight. The Iron Brigade's stand was a true epic...but one it sadly never recovered from.

[@Shafeone]

The Iron Brigade's stand on McPherson and then Seminary Ridge was a true epic...but one from which they would never recover so heavy were their losses. As one Reb soldier supposedly muttered when he saw them deploying: "'Taint no militia. It's them damned black-hatted fellows again!" They earned their lofty position that day: 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps.

[@Tapmann]

The song is named "Hell on the Wabash." It was written in honor of the Battle of Tippecanoe which occurred on Nov. 7, 1812. Chief Tecumseh led a surprise attack at dawn against U.S. forces under the command of Gen. William Henry Harrison, later a President, near the meeting of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers in Indiana. After a day long battle, Gen. Harrison's forces were victorious.

[@peteholtz1402]

I think Tecumseh was absent from Tippecanoe and his brother, “The Prophet”, was in charge that day.

[@Shafeone]

I Corps marched cross-lots, by-passing the town and veering northwest off the Emmitsburg road heading overland straight towards the fighting as per Reynolds' orders...he even had his staff tear down the fence posts to clear the path and sat on his black charger at the point they veered off letting his men see the general sending them into battle. It was a stirring sight I bet. The Iron Brigade to my knowledge never marched through the town. But you are right about the song.

[@robertnymand9889]

Reynolds played a important role too the 1st day. Buford may not have been able to hold much longer.

[@mwduck]

As filming started, Sam Elliott's mustache arrived two days before he did. Thus space a local.

[@2snowgirl520]

The actor that plays Gen Reynolds’s is a good rider.

[@Bruce-1956]

A shame the third film of the trilogy was never made. Excellent films.

[@bobdelaney3126]

Bufford was the unsung hero of Gettysburg

[@QED_]

@Nexus974 Do it (!) I managed 3 years ago -- on a July 3rd anniversary date. Pretty amazing. But think a litle bit about how you'll do it. Don't just show up on the road in the middle of things . . . but think instead from what direction you first want to see the layout. I came in onto Seminary Ridge . . . and then walked across to Cemetery Ridge in the footsteps of Pickett's Charge. What I learned from that geography . . . is that Gen. Lee must have gone temporarily insane.

[@Antihippie24]

Love the Iron Brigade!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for saving the United States.

[@wrongtracksuit]

It wasn’t worth saving; look at it now…the laughing stock of the world.

[@mickywanderer8276]

You can add 1st Minnesota to that thank you as well. On the 2nd day when the Union line was buckling with 2 brigades incoming they charged and kept the Confederates busy so reinforcements could pull up. The 82% casualty rate stands as the largest loss by any surviving U.S military unit in a single day's engagement ever. Most were lost in the first 5 minutes.

[@DanBeech-ht7sw]

​@@wrongtracksuitrest of the world speaking. You WERE a laughing stock with that filthy cretin Trump in charge, but your government isn't despised any more. Internationally, the US commands some respect again.

[@mpetersen6]

One of the bigs "ifs" on the ACW is Renyolds declining to accept command of the AotP just prior to Gettysburg. If he had he most likely would of persued Lee and run him to ground somewhere in Maryland. If he had the war most likely would of ended much sooner with less suffering on both sides. And perhaps some of the bitterness of the post war years eased

[@MrOccyc]

If you ever get a chance to visit this battlefield, do it.

[@joseteran5823]

I love this movie

[@Darthbelal]

I'll go further into saying that while England liked Southern cotton, at the time of the Civil War, what they NEEDED was Northern wheat. The North was able, through advances in farming machinery able to feed itself and supply Britain. That was another factor in play when England was considering interfereing in the Civil War. Wbaker7, if you are able to find it, bring home a copy of Bruce Catton's "American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War" it'll get you up to speed on the Civil War.

[@gjohnsoningary]

I like this movie! What folks may see as "bad acting" is in truth actors speaking the way folks spoke back in 1863 which is a daunting task to do these days with people seeing this time from contemporary eyes. Dialogue coaches have a great to do when it comes to getting people to speak in a manner of a past era.

[@Gundamez08th]

Thank you I love civil war era band music but with such a large amount of it finding one song is near impossible

[@ralphgeigner5497]

The display of the many CSA uniforms is excellent, cannons and weapons excellent The Tune segment 6:41/8:56 is a excellent marching tune ! A almost haunting tune ! What's the name of it ?? My unit ( CSA ) was at the 135th event in 1998, we vacationed a full week before the event, The Best of Times !

[@phillipbrown8346]

THE BLACK HATS...the BEST the UNION had...

[@Shafeone]

Lee's biggest mistake was leaving the opening moves of the battle to his two newest Corps commanders, Hill and Ewell. And the Hill in turn sent out a massive force of two divisions and a battalion of artillery for a simple reconnaissance. And he put his least experienced division commander, Heth, in charge of the enterprise and then hung back in his bed at HQ "very unwell." It was a battle that Lee never had control of and yet he stubbornly refused to disengage. And so Meade whipped him.

[@Tadju50]

A Classic movie for all time...

[@robmullins2026]

Great movie and so many true heroes fought here and died here

[@LesterMoore]

Where are the reparations for the descendants of these Union men?🤔

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

If, historically, Chamberlain has been overestimated, then, even more dramatically and unfairly, General Buford has been understimated. General Buford was one of the finest tactical military minds who ever lived, and his performance on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg proves it. A master of that most difficult military manuever - the fighting retreat.

[@Egilhelmson]

Unfortunately for Buford and his reputation, died from complications of Typhoid Fever before the end of the year. Much like Strong Vincent lost familiarity by dying on Little Round Top early on the third day, after setting things up for Chamberlain to reap the fame.

[@USHistorybuff1776]

awesome movie

[@Montecruz]

I re-read about it this afternoon, and I was in fact wrong: It was the 12th corps under Slocum which rested on Baltimore Pike. He later cited an "acoustic shadow" for the delay (hence his nick "Slowcome"). The 3rd Corps approached from the South, most likely, I reckon, through Taneytown or Emmitsburg Road. If it was delayed, and if so, why it would be, I cannot say.

[@Bear44mc]

Civil War armies would only fight with about half their force, IN THE BEGINNING of a battle. The reserve force would be for defense or to stem a break or exploit one

[@Zappiss]

@KnightOwl2006 In the dvd commentary track it is mentioned that the scene was actually imitating a painting by Don Troiani of Reynolds' death.

[@robertnymand9889]

I really don't care what ever anybody else says about the 1st day. Buford was the hero for that day!

[@fishing569]

When Reynolds’s arrives reminds me when I am at work and being pushed around by management I don’t report to about getting things fixed my boss told me not to fix because of office politics, and then my boss arrives and put this other mangers in there place. Lol

[@alexiaNBC]

still this is one of my best films

[@user-ut9ui5us3v]

I have always wanted to surprise Harry Heath.

[@opetke]

@bigblondman1 Quick correction on the Zouaves part...the soldiers depicted in this scene are actually 14th Brooklyn Chasseurs. This is an easy mistake to make, as both wear red pants. The Zouave uniform is more baggy and features a vest with red piping and fez. The Chasseur, by contrast, wears straight wool slacks, a red kepi, and a Chasseur-style coat with 84 brass buttons and sewn-in vest. They were coined the "Red Legged Devils" by Stonewall Jackson after 1st Bull Run.

[@henrys4838]

I always regret that the movie did not show the chaotic retreat through Gettysburg. It was such a confused melee. Unit cohesion was lost, each to his own.

[@1helluvaguy738]

160 years ago today.