Gettysburg Battle with Maps | History with Maps: American Civil War | Strategy | Pickett's Charge

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the site of the climactic battle between the United States (North) and the Confederacy (South). Between July 1 and July 3, 1863, the Federals and the Rebels fought over the rolling landscape.
July 1 (Day 1):
Buford's Cavalry holds off Confederate infantry long enough for General Reynolds to arrive. However, the Union is pushed south of town, but they get solid ground on Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill.
July 2 (Day 2):
General Lee orders Longstreet up the Emmitsburg Road to attack Cemetery Hill while Ewell attacks Culp's Hill. However, the South gets bogged down with Union General Sickle's Corps in the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Devil's Den, and Little Round Top. Ewell is unable to take Culp's Hill. However, Wright's Brigade momentarily reaches Cemetery Ridge and Hay's Brigade momentarily makes it to Cemetery Hill. Union General Hancock plugs up holes along Cemetery Ridge.
July 3 (Day 3):
Union General Slocum pushes the Rebels off Culp's Hill in the early morning. Lee orders Pickett and Pettigrew to launch the infamous Pickett's Charge from Seminary Ridge to Cemetery Ridge. Almost half of the Confederates in the attack are lost.
Gettysburg was a major battle of the Civil War and possibly the turning point.
Visit your library to learn more about Gettysburg and the American Civil War.
Narrated and researched by Jeffrey Meyer, college librarian, Iowa.
Satellite images from Microsoft Bing Maps
Images from the Library of Congress
Jeff recommends Shelby Foote's The Civil War: A Narrative, Stackpole's They Met at Gettysburg, and Clark's Gettysburg: The Confederate High Tide.

[@jd.3493]

I’ve seen so much about this battle, but your breakdown shows so much more of how everything came together. You covered details of the battle that many other gloss over as trivial or understood by the audience. Thank you for covering the entire battle in detail!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks so much for the nice feedback. I have always been a details guy with history. You're right. Big events are usually just glossed over with a sentence or two.

[@NYCYankInTexas]

Video starts with Warren on the hill that became Little Round Top- but it meant nothing to Lee, Longstreet, Hood or Law. Oates acted against orders and sans theatrics from Warren (Which is why Sheridan would hate him later in the war) Lee could have done nothing with LRT. It's the biggest myth of the American Civil War.

[@BuddWX]

@@NYCYankInTexas lrt?

[@NYCYankInTexas]

@@BuddWX Little Round Top

[@brutusbarnabus8098]

@@NYCYankInTexas Aside from flanking the union army at Little Round Top, the rebels would have been in control of high ground on the union's left flank where they could have set up artillery. You don't know what you are talking about, sir.

[@druballard8929]

I consider myself an amateur civil war historian and have visited the battlefields you talk about in these videos. You have done the best job I have ever seen in describing the flow of the battle and the way the topography played a roll. Outstanding job!!!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@Lizerator]

Thanks so much for this very clear description of the battle of Gettysburg. My great grandfather was wounded while fighting with the 27th Pennsylvania and laid on the battlefield for 3 days before getting taken to the field hospital. This makes clear how the battle processed and where he was wounded (Cemetery Hill)

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching! That's great that you can trace an ancestor at Gettysburg. Mine was in Pennsylvania cavalry there.

[@Lizerator]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian you deserve a lot more views. I only found your videos my accident. I will share the Gettysburg one with my cousin who shares that great grandfather. Loved your Pompeii video also

[@Janetsfear]

1st Minn had 262 men they charged against about 1500 under Wilcox, drove them back and held I believe 15 min after being told 5 was essential, 47 men returned. And this poor souls were called on to fight the next day resisting Pickets charge.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I agree. The 1st Minnesota's story should be better known. I can't imagine what those men must have thought when they realized what their orders were.

[@johnhardiman1970]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian Do you have the when and the where for the Irish Brigade plz?

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

@@johnhardiman1970 The Irish Brigade was in the Wheatfield during the late afternoon. They were activated as Sickles' Corps was pulling out. They went up against Hood. There is a monument to them near the Wheatfield.

[@beyondthepale9071]

Great book: Richard Moe- The Last Full Measutre.

[@sjmuri]

I've heard everyone from the 1st minnesota was either killed or wounded.

[@jaywinters2483]

Thanks for not ruining it with music

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@MaverickSteffen]

Truly an excellent description of the events. This is easily the best video description of the Gettysburg battle.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much!

[@josephkirn9413]

I agree

[@danmatthews1504]

Fantastic video! I’ve watched numerous videos, several presentations and visited the battlefield in person. This was fantastic and very informative, thank you!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@gogelgebenec5270]

Auch meine Meinung. Auch ich habe viele Bücher, Filme über die Schlacht von Gettysburg gelesen. Auch bin ich alle Stellen des Schlachtfeldes abgelaufen, das Monumentalgemälde in der Stadt angeschaut, aber dieser kleine Film hat die Vörgänge an den drei Tagen im Juli 1863 am besten erklärt.

[@brummel4606]

@@gogelgebenec5270 Ja das wäre auch mein Wunsch mir die Schlachtfelder des Bürgerkriegs anzusehen. Unsere deutschen Vorfahren kämpften dort.

[@saldamico2204]

@@gogelgebenec5270 Ll L L

[@ebetz50]

Great breakdown of the classic battle that signaled a turnaround in the Civil War.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks so watch for watching! Much appreciated. Tell everyone "hello" for me.

[@JoeOvercoat]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian To heck with ‘hello’, they all need to watch this video.

[@chrisvickers7928]

In 1978 I walked much of the battlefield. The thing that impressed me most was the walk from Seminary to Cemetery Ridge. Neither slope is terribly steep when you are walking but there was a split rail fence running more or less north-south and a small creek parallel to it, not deep but with short, steep slopes on each side. The thought of trying that walk while wearing a pack and carrying a musket while under fire the whole time made me stop and think. Longstreet was right.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, Longstreet knew what was coming.

[@kennethgoldberg83]

In July

[@Janetsfear]

I was there in 78 as well, on my honeymoon! Dang she's a lucky woman.

[@mchrome3366]

Your videos are the best detailed and mapped with front lines easy to follow as the battles evolve. Before I came across your channel I never came close to grasping the layout of key landmarks in relation to the big picture of this historic clash of armies. Finally after years of knowing the names of all the major skirmishes in this battle I had a face to go with it. Thanks

[@chidy9699]

For anyone who hasn't been, I highly recommend a trip Gettysburg for any civil war history fan. The town has great taverns and such, and the battlefield is fkr the most part well preserved. It was also from my understanding, the first civil war memorial nationally recognized. I would plan 2-3 days as there is A LOT to see on the battlefield alone, and there are also some other tourist areas nearby if you have extra time. Being there really gives a feeling of the immense size of these battlefields, especially an event like Picketts charge, where just hearing the distances really doesn't compare to standing where the lines started for the north or south. The vast open field is about a mile long and completely open, and imagining being a soldier there can give at least a semblance of an idea of the courage these soldiers had. Sites like devils dens rocky outcrops, or little roundtops towering presence are truly awe inspiring when being there. It not only amazes when thinking of fighting on the terrain, but the many memorials really impacted me. They inspire as well as terrify, and give a perspective that I don't think can be captured anywhere else on the war as a whole.

[@michaelcalland801]

And it’s haunted as hell too…

[@ronjohnsonlefthanded2399]

This is the best pictorial of the battle I have seen! I understand the movements now like I have never before.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks!

[@itsmedanah]

I totally agree Ron!!! Thank you Jeffery the Librarian!!!

[@sandramosley2801]

This is the explanation I’ve been looking for! Many thanks. Marvelous!

[@NP-ui3tr]

Bufords actions that day are often overlooked and underappreciated. From the moment he and his 2 brigades of cavalry arrived outside of Gettysburg, he immediately saw its potential for defense and realized that if his troopers could hold their ground long enough the approaching Union Corps would have incredible positions up on the high ground. Even though they were terribly outnumbered Buford's men had one Huge advantage, their carbine repeaters. While about 1/3 of his troops held the reigns of their mounts. the rest of his dismounted cavalry could pour great amounts of fire on the advancing Rebels. So this small force of cavalry was multiplied by the fact that they could fire 7 aimed shots without reloading while Heth's men could only shoot 3 times in a minute. Buford also had 4 or 6? cannons which he placed on McPherson's Ridge to further bolster his combat power, they were also easily and quickly maneuverable as they were horse artillery and not big field pieces. Buford's men held off a division for hours and just when they were about to be overrun (as elements of Ewell's Corps began to descend on Gettysburg from the north) Reynold's I Corps and the Iron Brigade arrived in the "nick of time". Four names everyone needs to know when it comes to the Battle of Gettysburg: Buford (for his actions on July 1), Hancock (he assumed command of the US forces after Reynolds' death and chose to stand and fight, utilizing the terrain perfectly to "his" advantage) Chamberlain (for the 20th Maine's stubborn defense of Little Round Top) and Reynolds (for his quick decisions, troop deployments and for leading the counter-attack which ultimately resulted in his death but it bought the Union time for the rest of Army to catch up and concentrate on the ridges and hills east of town)

[@Zeus-wl2pl]

Good description of events.

[@peterwerner651]

You nailed it. A good, substantive addition that added greatly to the fine video as well as the comments section.

[@patrickbrinkmeier2691]

Everything you said is accurate. But I would say there is one more name to remember and that is General George Meade. His decision upon arrival on Day 2 to stay and fight against Robert E Lee rather then withdrawing and setting up a blocking position to defend Washington D.C. mere days after he had just replaced Hooker as overall commander and not buying into the Lee and his Army can't be defeated attitude that had paralyzed the Army of the Potomac up to that point is severely under appreciated. I love Gettysburg and have been there at least 15 times. I live in Winchester, VA ( look up our town during the Civil War ) and am fortunate to be so close to Gettysburg, Antietam, Cedar Creek, ( the battlefields here in Winchester ), New Market, Manassas, Fredericksburg, The Wilderness, and Chacellorsville to have been to all the parks many times. In addition, although I am 44 now when I was younger I was a re enactor with the 5th Virginia Volunteers and was fortunate enough to be part of the movie Gettysburg when it was filmed as I was 13 years old at the time.

[@snakewinslow2046]

I never saw a more clear and understandable explanation of the battle. Using aerial photography was brilliant.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I really appreciate your nice comments. Thanks!

[@Rsama60]

I visited Gettysburg in 2012. I had to provide a 2 week training near Baltimore and used the weekend inbetween to drive to Gettysburg. I took the long bus tour and the guide took us to all the places on the battlefield. This experience and the videos provide a good perspective of the battle. Danke für das ausgezeichnete Video.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Vielen Dank!

[@borromine]

Very very well done. I’ve read a lot and yet this is the clearest description I’ve seen!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@patrickmoan6709]

Thank you for the clarity. I have two great-granduncles who fought with Battery H, 1st Ohio Light Artillery on Cemetery Hill and you've helped me place the in the battle. Interesting note you provided about Union soldiers holding their fire near the end of Picket's charge out of respect for those the few Confederate soldiers who made it to the top.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching, Patrick. It's great that you located your ancestor at Gettysburg. I had one in PA cavalry at Gettysburg.

[@robertshepherd8543]

Lee was deeply remorseful. After the battle. it seems Longstreet had a nit of a superior attitude. (See, I told you so; Lomgstreets gut instinct had been right; And the great Lee had been wrong.) Alfter the war, Longstreet contunued with the attitude, even becoming Republican and become affluent. One day I hope history will revere Lee for the greatness of his charactter. He got the blame for the tragedy at Gettysburg. Lincoln is honored for his poignant Gettysburg address. All Lee got was the shame.

[@lamwen03]

@@robertshepherd8543 "The buck stops here".

[@DornCounty]

@@robertshepherd8543 not sure what you are arguing for here. Lee made two big blunders. No committing to capturing the round tops early and pickets charge. A good commander listens to his subordinates. Especially ones who have been through a lot with you. Lee's Hubris cost the S this battle. Take the round tops barrage the union for a couple days. Attack in mass, and the union has to retreat.

[@johnhardiman1970]

I'm absolutely delighted I found this video,I always wanted to know the when and the where and having it visually described on a map is just brilliant. Thank you!!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

[@carterl369]

Great video, I was at Gettysburg the other day and realized as much as I like civil war history I didn’t know much of the tactics used on those hot days in early July.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, there was a lot more surprise and using terrain to mask movements than many people think. It was also very confusing, because communication was limited to horsepower.

[@chasstone5048]

Finally, somebody using topographic overlays with movement of..excellent

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! Maps are the best way to do it!

[@markwright6045]

I have accumulated hundreds of hours studying Gettysburg.by watching utube videos. Your presentation gave me compass bearings and depth perception and battle in chronological order. Great job, I now can picture all of the significant landmarks by memory.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

There are so many things happening at Gettysburg that maps are the best way to put it together. Thanks for watching!

[@DanTheManIOM]

Jeffrey, thanks for doing this. I'm Going to Gettysburg in July 2021. My dad has wanted to go for a few years now, I thought he liked WW2 and to fly in a P 51, or B 17, of B 29, but no, he said, he wanted to go to Gettysburg...smoke filled the valley, I heard trees were made into poles by the gunfire...

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Enjoy your trip to Gettysburg. The amazing thing is how peaceful the gently rolling countryside is there.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

I've been binge watching all kinds Gettysburg videos and this is by far the easiest to see and understand the geography of history in the making. With any host on the field pointing this is the Rebs coming from the West and North, me sitting on the couch only know where the bathroom is. Thank you so much

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you for watching. That means alot to me.

[@jondickinson1056]

This was great...a very clear, concise description - probably the best that I have ever seen. Thank you for putting this together...unbelievable how many Minnesotans died in that battle in order to free a people from the evils of slavery. Most of those poor boys had most likely not even seen an African-American but still sacrificed themselves for their brothers in arms and fellow human beings.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much for your nice words. Yes, Minnesotans shed their blood at Gettysburg, and it is an important part of the battle that should be better known.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

Absolutely crystal clear now. This was the best lesson on this battle I ever saw. You should be given an award for your concise documentaries. You really do a fantastic job! The satellite views combined with the animation, plus the simple explanations ... I would call this a definitive work. American Battlefield Trust, are you watching this channel?

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian Oh trust me, you deserve it. if only other KZbinrs could aspire to your level of clarity.

[@Bareege]

Outstanding presentation of what occurred on those three days. I learned a great deal from watching this video. Thank you

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks so much for watching. I appeciate it!

[@Revolver1701]

This pictorial is great. I’ve never had it explained as well visually. Thank you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Much appreciated!

[@persimmontea6383]

This has to be the clearest description of the battle I have ever seen. Excellent! Wow!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Much appreciated!

[@Bcross1]

Outstanding presentation. I’m going to Gettysburg in two weeks and I’m sure this will prove extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Enjoy the trip. Gettysburg is a beautiful part of Pennsylvania.

[@timpotter3272]

This was the best explanation so far of this battle. Thanks so much.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@timpotter3272]

I’m taking my girls to Gettysburg this Thursday and Friday. If you are there dinner is on us!

[@Gitarzan66]

I've been interested in military history since I was a kid in the 70's. Unfortunately I've always been unable to visualize or put things into perspective. Your video going from the start of the battle to the end really helps me connects the remaining dots. Thanks for your time. Instant sub. P.S. I'm hoping to retire to Gettysburg in the summer of 2022. I almost have my wife talked into it. (Almost lol)

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! I need to visualize the information, too. There are so many moving parts.

[@brianb4327]

Enjoyed it. Had 8 relatives in the 50th GA. Seemes Brigade McLaws Division. And 1 in the 8 th Florida. Went to Gettysburg August 2001, it was miserable the humidity. Father in law didn't stop much someday I want to go to Rose Farm.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@strattonshartel1244]

Extremely well done. Just detailed enough to understand the basic movements. Not so detailed to get lost in the action. Nice job.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you for watching!

[@patrickg301]

Thanks for the visual of this battle. It has re-education my idea of how the battle played out. I was always of the idea that it was farther SE of Gettysburg and could never in my mind visualize accurately the events of this battle. Now it all makes sense. Thanks again

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@ArmyVet82ndAbn]

I've walked the fields of Picketts charge and you cant help but get a chill.

[@shanghaibennyii6565]

understandingtragedy. We took both the night and daytime tours...unforgettable!

[@Giwu2021]

Very helpful to be able to visualize. Thank you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching.

[@kenbash2951]

Union General Sickles- a politician from NY with no military experience, almost single-handedly lost the Battle of Gettysburg on the second day by disobeying orders and marching his men down from Cemetery Ridge to be slaughtered in the wheat field and peach orchard. During Pickett's charge on July 3rd, the 71st regiment from Pennsylvania abandoned their position behind the rock wall and fled in panic to the rear. This cowardly act allowed Gen Armistead's men to breach the rock wall on Cemetery Ridge. Fortunately, Hancock sent in reinforcements to subdue the rebels. Gen Armistead was killed during this battle.

[@Lizerator]

My great grandfather was with the 27th Pa. regiment, wounded as they fell back through town. He was very proud of his service, was a GAR member until he died in his 80s.

[@markdicesare7936]

great video, I like the use of the aerial pictures for the maps

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks, friend!

[@acpacp7480]

I’ve read books and seen movies about this engagement but this illustration simplified the movements in that battle. Thank you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks!

[@bookaufman9643]

These videos are some of my favorite civil war videos on KZbin right now. I just wish that you made more of these. I like the slow and steady layout and I find these very relaxing and a wee bit informative as well. I just wish there were more.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! It takes a few months to get a big one produced, but I will keep plugging away.

[@PumaTwoU]

These are very useful videos. It should be noted here that the Confederates were 'all in' as the losses they had already taken meant they had no reserve left to draw from. Meanwhile - repulsing the attack on the Union right flank early in the day, along with the shape of the Union line, meant that the Union could reinforce from behind their own line when Lee attacked the Union center. Having walked the grounds over which Pickett's men advanced, it is plain why they suffered so many losses. The ground rises and falls with rills, and Union infantry would see the heads of the Confederates appear above the ground as they came back upward, and could fire on the Confederates before they could bring guns to bear.

[@lhaviland8602]

Even having been there in person, I never really realized until now just how lucky the union got with Sickles' "mistake" on day 2. Very informative and great video!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Westcoastjazzer]

Now I have a better understanding of how it all came down! Thank You for a very clear explanation of the time line and location of each battle and the officers who led!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@1rwjwith]

Excellent, this is how Battles should be taught.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@johnkolinski8298]

Very informative. You made it easy to visualize what was happening. Well done!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@badinhbk]

Your explanations for terrains are excellent with much more details than other videos, not only with this famous battle but also with other ones.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@luizfortes6045]

As all your other videos, this one is extremely informative. I've read many descriptions, seen many videos and films of the battle. Your collection of videos are the best of all. Many thanks!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I really appreciate that! Thanks!

[@dzonthego]

I appreciate you making the point that it's easy to confuse Seminary ridge, cemetery hill and cemetery ridge but then you proceed to leave out cemetery ridge (one of the confusing 3(!)....from your map. In otherwords...you helped what I found to be a common problem but then dropped the ball. A suggrstoon...please put ALL 3 confusing locations on every map that is large enough to show...all 3. Thank you for this effort. You did better than most but you fell just short of hitting a home run.

[@masons9541]

There is so much to unpack in this battle I am sure you had to resist having this video be 2-3 times as long easily... The Upper Midwesterner's were crucial to this battle. It's pretty amazing on the first day of the battle, the Iron Brigade was actually gaining ground and taking prisoners while being outnumbered. They were, I believe, the first Union unit to engage the enemy and then as other units broke around them, they provided a fighting rearguard through Gettysburg itself that allowed the Union Army to take the high ground. Then the heroic sacrifice of the 1st MN to keep their line from collapsing on the opposite side of the battle. It's no wonder these units all suffered terrible casualty rates. Their courage is inspiring, even to this day.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, there is a ton to cover. I have done a few focus themes (little round top and Culp's Hill). I plan on covering every sector. The upper Midwest really sacrificed here, especially on the first day and then again on day 2 with the 1st MN. Many of these men were first generation German immigrants.

[@PhonciblePBonehimself]

Thanks from Germany to this splendid piece of work ! I was lucky to have visited the Gettysburg myself ... and was in awe about the actual distance between Seminary and Cemetery Ridge

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Vielen Dank! Es gab viele Deutscher bei Gettysburg. Mein Ur-Urgrossvater kam aus Deutschland, und er war in Pennsylvania Cavalry da.

[@riverwildcat1]

Very well done. Clear and concise.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@belamoure]

IMO best exposé with maps and real natural obstacles shown with their natural geographic traits.

[@luisfigueroa5072]

Thank you. The presentation was very well made. Thanks to your video I have a better understanding of the battle.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Excellent!

[@BillCatching]

Really well done. Just outstanding.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I really appreciate that. Thanks!

[@knightwatchman]

Many years ago, reading a book on the battle it opened with "July 1, 18663. The South came in from the north that day and the North came in from the south."

[@PatrickClarkin]

Thank you for this. It helps tremendously to see everything mapped out this way.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnschools6617]

This video is a most clear and understandable description of the battle in its entirety. Highly educational. My only disappointment is that I would like to see this video include the cavalry battle between Stuart and Custer that took place on the third day just to the west of Gettysburg. If Lee was expecting Stuart’s cavalry to attack the rear of the Union positions on Cemetery Ridge in conjunction with Longstreet’s frontal assault, Lee’s ignoring Longstreet’s misgivings about Pickett’s chances of success would make more sense.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I've had a number of folks say they want to see cavalry action at Gettysburg, so I will do more videos that discuss those actions.

[@bdickinson6751]

That cavalry battle took place to the east of Gettysburg.

[@dusterbuster3799]

Fabulous, easy to follow and to understand what really happened at gettysburg. Many thanks for sharing.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffstewart3860]

Excellent! Great presentation and description

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@SandraParker-dw2bf]

Delightfully good. Love this .

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@ozymandias2178]

Your Channel is amazing. Please keep making these. Truly, well done.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! I am working on the maps for the next video now. It should be up in the next few weeks.

[@tomace4898]

*R.E. Lee:* "General, you must look to your division." *George E. Pickett:* "General Lee... I have no division."

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

The neat thing is that some of the dialogue in the Gettysburg movie is actually derived from historical dialogue.

[@jrwaters31]

The best description I have heard/seen terrible casualties - out of the fire comes Iron. Cheers John from Devon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks, John! Hello from the cornfields of Iowa, USA.

[@imanrobota4849]

Excellent video. I actually understood what was happening and why, unlike most of these other videos that try to be all flashy, but only end up confusing the heck out of you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! Yes, there is a tendency to show a map for three seconds and then jump to long action shots. It should be the other way around.

[@12thDecember]

Excellent narrative, makes everything quite clear with a bird's-eye view of battlefield maneuvers. The noise at approx. 7:45 forward was distracting.

[@Blueeeberrry]

I can understand and appreciate the movie "Gettysburg (1993)" much better now... thanks to you.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

That is a great movie. Thanks for watching!

[@chidy9699]

I'd love to see more videos like this. I really like in depth breakdowns that show even to the regimental level. I had 4 great, great uncles in the 30th NC and one in the 31st NC, I know where the ones who were wounded recieved them, and where 1 died, several were wounded,, and 1 was captured down the battle and day from their pension applications and such, but not which specific engagement in those battles. Seeing what actions their regiments were engaged in shows me potentially the location of said wounds. I also really enjoy the tactical breakdown, and most videos only give a broad overview of what happened while mentioning a few noteworthy events.

[@stevearchtoe7039]

This deserves an algo feed. Good job!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I would appreciate that. Thanks!

[@pandemicdogclub3852]

Very well done and much appreciated.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@annabellowman6151]

Fantastic description of this battle, the best I have seen. I now have a much better understanding of the topography and how the battle progressed over the three days. Are there any more? I'm from the UK and never likely to see the actual sites.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I am currently working on a new mapping history video about colonial America, which I will be finished before Christmas. I've had such positive feedback about Gettysburg that I will do another Civil War battle after my current project is done. Hello UK from the USA!

[@michaelwoehl8822]

Lee seems to have forgotten the reasons he won the battle of Fredericksburg on day three, Longstreet didn't. Great work.

[@jamestyrer6067]

THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION. ENJOY ALL YOUR VIDEOS

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@Odonanmarg]

The best rendition/synopsis of The Battle of Gettysburg I have yet seen. Should be viewed 1st, before the numerous more detailed presentations.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I really appreciate your kind thoughts! Thank you!

[@crippledcrow2384]

Wright's Brigade did make it to the top of Cemetery Ridge and the NPS has a marker several yards down the hill from the crest claiming that is as far as Wright's men got. I have read Wright's report and he clearly described the hole in the rock wall where his artillery had to go to make it through. There is no doubt about them making the crest.

[@kenbash2951]

During Pickett's Charge Almost half of Pettigrew's/Trimble's Divisions on the Confederate Left (3,500 of 7,700) largely fled the battlefield. Most never made it closer than 200 yards to Cemetery Ridge. Of Pickett's Men- 4,800 stepped off at Seminary Ridge- only 600-800 came back. The true heroes and brave men of the South were from Virginia that day and fought and died under Pickett.

[@mgunny05]

Well done! The graphics made it easy to understand. Again, well done sir!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.

[@sjsupa]

Best Gettysburg video ever.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@oat138]

Wonderful breakdown of the Battle. Thank you very much.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@daviddavey1727]

I remember 0:22 seeing the electronic board at the visitor’s center as a kid , that showed how the whole battle unfolded.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes. That exhibit was the inspiration for this series. I saw the electric map at Gettysburg on a class trip in the spring of 1994. It stayed with me. I think that was the best exhibit in the whole park service.

[@tomball7009]

I think this is very good for someone visiting the battlefield or watching the movie for the first time. Nicely done.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much for watching. I really appreciate your nice comments. Thanks!

[@tomball7009]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian Well make more videos. It's a talent you have. When you try to get people interested it history the long road will make people wonder away. This is concise and would be appreciated by anyone. After that it up to them I guess. Thanks again.

[@geek49203]

Applause. You seem to know the points that confuse folks (ie, Southerners come from the North, Seminary versus Cemetery, etc) and deal with them well. You don't bog down into military jargon, military organization, etc etc. Thank you! PS -- I told my daughters, age 12 and 14, it was the world's biggest, and most deadly, game of "king of the hill." And then challenged them to run up Little Round Top -- while I threw clumps of debris at them....

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericbales82]

The main reason why Sickles moved into the position of the peach orchard and whitefield was the better utilize his artillery. Pettigrew and Kemper were part of A. P. Hill's Corp so Longstreet actually suggested to Lee that Hill should lead the attack.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thanks, Eric! The Peach Orchard is raised terrain, and Sickles might have felt that he needed to take some initiative. The strange thing is he might have accidently bungled Lee's plan by moving his corps unexpectedly.

[@ianedwards3482]

This is excellent, thank you!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much!

[@paul1x1]

I have been to Gettysburg,Pickets charge with today's weapons not one living thing would have survived the first third of that field. Courageous no doubt, but Lees order was suicidal

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Many people look at that field and wonder why the attack was given. Imagine what the guys who heard what they were expected to do thought that afternoon.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

I am so glad that I found your channel. You give concise, interesting lectures without any imitation to distract from the content. Your maps are through and well made. I can't say enough how much I am enjoying your videos. Thanks.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@idontcare1762]

Very much that matters was left out. For one, the failure of Ewell to attack Culp's hill toward the end of day 1 as ordered by Lee. Ewell was in charge of Stonewall Jackson's men after Jackson was mortally wounded at Chancelorsville. So, he had men under his command who could have easily taken Culp's Hill that afternoon before it became heavily reinforced during the night. Also, Barksdale's Mississippians made what was the most awesome charge perhaps in the history of all time. They overran one Union brigade after another as they made their way toward Cemetery Hill but did take significant casualties as they went. By the time the 1st Minnesota was sent in Barksdale's brigade was a shell of what had begun the charge. There were still enough left to wipe out the first Minnesota in hand to hand combat but only a fraction of Barksdale's men were left by that time with Barksdale himself, always leading from the front, was kia.

[@manilajohn0182]

Lee never ordered Ewell to take Cemetery Hill. Lee issued a discretionary order to Ewell regarding Cemetery Hill- which left the final decision on whether to attack up to Ewell. Ewell's decision not to attack Cemetery Hill on 1 July was absolutely correct based on the information which he had at decision time. It was only after the war ended that it became clear that Cemetery Hill could probably have been taken.

[@idontcare1762]

@@manilajohn0182 No. Most of Lee's generals knew his writing style and they knew that if he said, "take the hill if possible" meant 'take that damn hill'. Your excuse provided to excuse his decision that day is simply false.

[@manilajohn0182]

@@idontcare1762 I'm afraid that you're mistaken. Written orders in armed forces of the world are just that- written orders. They allow no room for interpretation of "writing style". The order which Ewell received was a discretionary order which left the final decision on whether such an attack was "practicable" or not, up to Ewell. You have no knowledge whatsoever as to what Lee's subordinates knew or didn't know of Lee's writing style. Consequently, your statement that "Most of Lee's generals knew his writing style and they knew that if he said, "take the hill if possible" meant 'take that damn hill'." is your opinion only.

[@idontcare1762]

@@manilajohn0182 No again. The facts I presented are well researched and true. I do have knowledge of what I am talking about from the memoirs of those involved.

[@manilajohn0182]

@@idontcare1762 You haven't presented a single fact- only your opinion. It takes, OTOH, just a few minutes for anyone to establish what a discretionary order is. But you're free to believe what you like.

[@JohhnyMost]

Sickles - his original line had a view with an uphill slope. He couldn’t see a thing. Not saying he was right/wrong to move up but if he stays put, it’s a totally different battle. I was there in August and checked it out. Interesting overlooked part of the battlefield

[@MrVinnyable1]

This is so cool, glad I found this channel!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you!

[@maxwaggoner823]

Nice map, it looks like you had fun. Shelby Foote is awesome; I would have mentioned Bruce Catton. Vicksburg's surrender the day after is the turning point. Gettysburg was the climax to the second invasion of the north, but not to the war. Thanks to Meade's slowness and Pettigrew's defense at Falling Waters on July 14, the Confederate Army got away and it took 21 more months to finish the Army of Northern Virginia.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, the Union made swifter progress out west. Thanks for watching!

[@lamwen03]

It strikes me that Meade was right to delay. Chasing Lee and his cavalry in the open is a great risk. This way, Lee has no chance for a gallant counter-stroke. He just loses badly, with nothing to show for it.

[@ubergenie6041]

Great videos…visualizations are extremely helpful.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Maps make everything easier.

[@robertshepherd8543]

Good presentation. Well explained

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Much appreciated!

[@chasemurraychristopherdola7108]

And just saying but General Greene is second cousins to general Nathaniel Greene

[@pcarnold9]

One addition might be helpful..Longstreets men had to March a significant way to reach their starting positions. They had to skirt behind the seminary ridges to avoid being spotted by the Union. Certainly had an impact on the later assault.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, they were delayed also by a guide that got turned around, and they had to back track.

[@Marmocet]

Gen. Lee really dropped the ball at this battle. Lee's cavalry had gone AWOL, depriving him of reconnaissance, and he had no real reason even to fight a battle at Gettysburg other than the fact that Heth bumped into some Federal troops there and the Federals seemed willing to fight a battle at that spot. Lee probably should have moved on to fight a battle somewhere else - a place of his own choosing - after the end of the first day, and his decision to order a charge against the Union's center was just bonkers. When I went to visit the battlefield with my wife, even she, who knows next to nothing about the Civil War and nothing at all about mid 19th century military tactics, intuitively understood that an uphill charge across over a mile of open ground to displace men and cannons occupying a protected position they've been sitting in for almost two days is questionable. When I showed where the charge took place, viewed from the Confederate starting point, and showed her where they were supposed to go, she said, "That's a long way. Where were they supposed to hide when the guys on top of the hill started shooting at them?"

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Yes, it was a terrible decision. He was farther north than he'd ever been, he had long supply lines, he got stopped on day 2 when he was used to winning, the north was actually standing their ground... he was indeed out of sorts. All the makings for a bad decision.

[@ronaldshank7589]

@@JeffreytheLibrarian Two other things factor into this Confederate loss. 1:Gen. J. E. B. Stuart never even showed up, until the evening of the second day of battle. You can bet your bottom dollar that Gen. Lee chewed him out up one side, down the other, and right back up through the middle! Gen. Stuart caught a huge tongue-lashing, and he deserved it! He even tried to tell Gen. Lee that he had brought extra wagons and supplies, to which Gen. Lee retorted:"Yes, and they're an impediment to me now"! 2: Rumor has it (& this has surfaced in more recent years), that Gen. Lee had quite possibly suffered at least a minor Heart Attack sometime previously to travelling to Gettysburg. 3:The Pickett's Charge part of the Gettysburg Campaign? I just don't believe that somebody as brilliant as Gen. Lee could've done something so utterly and totally stupid! Sending between 12,000-15,000 Confederate Troops out over an open field, having them out there under Artillery Fire, Enfilade Fire, and, when they were close enough, Rifle and Musket fire from the Union Troops! Not only did those Brave Men have to march out there, with, of course, many of them knowing that they weren't coming back alive, then, they encountered another problem that slowed them down dramatically:Not one, but two fencelines, that slowed them down even more! Those poor Men were sitting ducks! No wonder that the Casualty Rate was so high, with all of that going on. It is estimated that the Confederates lost at least 50% of the Manpower that matched across that field! Gen. Pickett never forgave Gen. Lee for this, and brooded on the loss of his Brave Men until the day of his death. On that subject, his words were these:"That Old Man had my Division slaughtered"! It goes to show you, though, that no man should ever consider himself to be invincible. Only God is invincible!

[@manilajohn0182]

The AoNV was foraging off of the surrounding countryside, and had no supply line in the campaign. Just sayin...

[@donschultz2903]

I suggest that Both victories are turning point; Gettysburg and Vicksburg on July 4. Gettysburg, stopping Lee. Vicksburg. cutting south, open Mississippi River.

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

That is a very good assessment. Everything after July 1863 was different.

[@lostpapertown]

Boss finsh this work until Friday if Practicable ! Workers: Hell no! Same things stay, the same

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

That word leaves a lot of leeway. No pun intended.

[@ericanderson6884]

Great video! Wonderful work

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

I really appreciate it!

[@garymurfee4290]

This is fantastic!

[@JeffreytheLibrarian]

Thank you! I am making more Gettysburg videos with greater detail.