The Peach Orchard at Gettysburg - Ranger Matt Atkinson

Join Gettysburg National Military Park Ranger Matt Atkinson and explore the Sherfy Peach Orchard on the Gettysburg battlefield. Valued by both sides because of its high ground and open fields of fire, a brutal battle for control of the Peach Orchard would shatter the landscape and result in some of the most brutal fighting of the battle of Gettysburg.

[@jeffkillmeyer1517]

Matt is positively one of the best all time commentators on the Civil War. He is fluent and flawless with his delivery and adds a very real intangible human element. Thank you truly

[@MiggerPlease]

I'm gay too buddy 😂😂😂

[@amybeth5776]

I'm amazed how this guy can remember all of that info, all those little details, with no notes or anything! That is incredible! I'm really, really impressed.

[@pizzafrenzyman]

The Gettysburg guides are an elite group of professionals.

[@johnries5593]

Storytelling is an ancient and honorable tradition, dating back to the days when books were rare to non-existent. The capacity of the human mind to remember things hasn't changed, but technology reduces the need, so people tend to do it less.

[@PutDownTheBunny]

It's part fascination of the subject, passion and repetition. Just like a good teacher.

[@billyo6710]

Gettysburg is I think, the 2nd most visited national park in America. To ranger there they take only the cream of the crop and the most learned. Multiple degrees are the norm for some of these guides and they do a great job at interpretation.

[@TicklerDude]

The Black Sox Scandal portion of the video at 16:56 sounded a little bit fake. Perhaps that kid was given a clue to respond to that question?

[@darinweeks9330]

Whatever they pay Matt Atkinson and Gary Cross, it is not enough. These 2 are modern day Gettysburg legends

[@AmericanBedell]

Totally agree!

[@FetchTheSled]

He should try and learn the boy's real names though, imo. He sounded a bit condescending.

[@angry4193]

He's an amateur who's only education is the movie.

[@TheWeatherbuff]

Darin Weeks - I just now found these videos, 3 years late. You are quite right.

[@jasonpakkala9015]

Really? i don't remember any of that info from the movie.

[@jackhays1194]

matt has become something of an internet star. with good reason, his delivery is that of an excellent teacher

[@fingtechnology2222]

Ranger Matt, your sense of humour is brilliant. History comes to life... Appreciated.

[@brutusvonmanhammer]

His sense of humor is terrible and it takes away from the immersion. He needs to stick to telling the story of the battle. His cringe inducing jokes need to be saved for the bar

[@melodymakermark]

You are part of a small minority. Matt is the most requested guide at Gettysburg.

[@michaelvaughn8864]

@@melodymakermark He's so by popular demand, sir. There's always 1 idiot in the group who knows no better than to make an asinine comment as such

[@richrodeman]

I am so glad that I found these NPS videos. It is refreshing to see these very knowledgeable and passionate rangers describe Gettysburg and the battle that took place in 1863. Gettysburg National Military Park should be very proud of all of these rangers and their ability to paint the picture as well as they do.... I know that I am. Keep up the great work GNMP.

[@chrisbarlow9741]

I came across from the UK for the 150th in 2013 and spent a couple of days looking around the battlefield and I must say that your National Park Service do a hell of a job preserving places like Gettysburg. Putting guys like Matt out, with his amusing anecdotes, to do the the field lectures is great. It takes the dryness out of the subject and creates interest in the finer details of what actually happened on the day.

[@ypass3651]

Rich Rodeman I

[@michaelvaughn8864]

@@chrisbarlow9741 No doubt, Mr. Barlow👍 That's certainly correct concerning Ranger Atkinson

[@mijuajua4820]

Please stop leaning on that cannon😢

[@ricklude]

Some day soon, the wife and I are going to stay near by and explore every inch of this hollowed battlefield, where SO MANY Americans on both sides died for their ideals. I do hope Park Ranger Matt Atkinson {that rebel right there :-) }, is still posted to that area, as I would love to meet him and attend one or even all of his field tours. He, IMO, is not only a wealth of historical information and little known factual items of interest, but he is a showman as well, who injects humor and tiny diversions into his presentations, which serve to assist in keeping one's interest. Also, the use of visitors, children AND adults, as visual aids to help in explaining battlefield occurrences while out on the battlefield, is something I have noticed by viewing all the available videos on this Gettysburg NPS KZbin site, is unique only to him and is quite helpful in understanding clearly the actions taken on the field by both federal and rebel forces. This as well helps in holding the interest of his audience. This man is worth MORE than his weight in gold in his service to Gettysburg National Military Park, the NPS, and the many visitors to the battlefield's areas.

[@arkansaswookie]

+ricklude If you can, spend as much time there as possible, and cover as much of the battlefield as you can. Walk through the wood lines too. If you're able, visit the areas not closed at night. I printed out maps showing where the regiments where positioned and the fighting took place and it was a great way to orient myself on the battlefield and do some self guided touring. Cheers.

[@SantomPh]

hallowed, not hollowed. Although so much cannon shot fell on it back then.

[@Architectureguy]

Man, Ranger Atkinson makes me want to take a trip up there and hear him tell these live! What a storyteller!

[@stevepoland1406]

I lived in Gettysburg for 25 years and have learned more watching Ranger Matt Atkinson videos along with other Park Rangers then all of the history lessons from school. We go back a few times a year and would love to know if Matt is still there and giving tours. Thank You sir for bringing history to life with your amazing tours.

[@williammckee5273]

He gave a pickets charge tour I was on 2 summers ago, signed my book! He’s probably still there

[@steveperry6492]

I had the pleasure of meeting Matt Atkinson a few years ago at GNP. He seems like a really good guy who truly enjoys his work. His videos are always quite good and understandable to a wide ranging audience.

[@donbadz1]

This park ranger, Matt Atkinson is sooooo wonderful to follow. He should have is own show!

[@mbaker224]

1:40 No laughs at Pickett's Buffet, "Just charge it"???? Comedic GOLD

[@manuelkong10]

Love this guys presentation

[@FtheDo]

Outstanding presentations by Ranger Atkinson. The next best thing to being at the park. Excellent resource! Thank you so much for sharing your passion with the American people.

[@michaelvaughn8864]

1 of my cousins and her hubby traveled to Gettysburg 6 years ago in August, 2015 from Youngstown, Ohio. They were there about a week and had Matt Atkinson give them a group tour of the battlefield starting at McPherson's Ridge where Gen. Reynolds was killed. If they'd gone there the prior year, they might've been on 1 of the KZbin vids

[@michaelvaughn8864]

Talk about a day late and a dollar short😂😂 haha

[@LisaStrahan]

My husband and I are frequent visitors to Gettysburg, traveling several times each year. We truly enjoy Ranger Atkinson's tours. He is very thorough and well informed in his tours. He involves the audience in his tours, and is very humorous, making his tours interesting. Kydos, Ranger Matt! Thanks for sharing!

[@cynthiagonzales9131]

Love watching and listening to Matt. He knows his stuff. I've never been to Gettysburg but on my bucket list. He puts you right there during the war. So much knowledge. Bet the spirits of Gettysburg sit back and listening.

[@jonathanc4347]

Spectacular narrative of the battle of the Peach Orchard. Matt Atkinson seems to know the participants like they were his friends and speaks of them with reverence and respect. A great preserver of the history!

[@gregking9935]

18 months and counting till I get to come over and visit Gettysburg Battlefield, look forward to going on a tour with the Park Rangers , brilliant presentation Ranger Atkinson.

[@Framer_Mike]

You go yet?

[@guycalabrese4040]

Watching this from Sweden. Wow, what a guy!

[@williamdarnstaedt3118]

I had the pleasure of speaking to Mr.Atkins july 2 2023. Can't wait till next year.

[@MrBBaron]

As a student of the Civil War, I've to the Gettysburg battlefield 3 years in a row in 1994. 1995 and 1996. My ancestors fought with NC units. Visiting the site was a dream of mine as a kid. Being an old boomer now , It still remains one of my most cherished memories of my life.

[@plantman5545]

My grandfathers name was Horace Pope Foster. He was in the 17th MS. It’s an honor to hear the story and get an idea of what he went through with Barksdale. Fascinating

[@travisbayles870]

I too had an ancestor in Barksdales brigade

[@christophergerardi1921]

Kudos to Ranger Atkinson! I have to brief this battle for my US Army Senior Leaders Course and he brought to life all the maps and words I have poured over. I couldn't be more excited and humbled to be able to visit Gettysburg tomorrow and present to my class a brief of the battle at the Peach Orchard. Ranger Atkinson, I won't be able to do it the justice that you have, but wish me luck.

[@lumbeetv]

this dude has fun with history

[@JohnnyRebKy]

There is a video of being down range from a Napoleon cannon firing live ammo on KZbin. You can hear the shell come whirring and whistling all the way toward the camera sitting at the target. The sound of that shell coming will make your blood turn cold when you think about a whole battery firing those things at you!! Everyone should watch it. It puts a whole new perspective of what it was like to have all that artillery firing. The sound of those shells are blood curdling when you hear it. So not only do you have the boom of the cannon you also have the whiiirrrrrrrr zooooommm and scream of the shells. I had no idea they made that much noise!! Movies make it sound like fireworks but that’s not what it sounds like

[@RichardSteelUK]

I live in Essex, England and I won't be able to visit Gettysburg for a good few years to come so thank-you for these videos. Matt is very entertaining and the information is interesting. Moreee!

[@Framer_Mike]

#Freemantle

[@chippledon1]

Are there any counterpart videos about English battles which can be accessed that have a docent leading it?

[@jayb276]

edge of my chair, stirring, heartbreaking, the horses and their innocence moved me to tears.

[@liedenier]

Mr. Atkinson is better than sliced bread. Thanks Matt.

[@danwoodliefphotography871]

Better than sliced bread tastes without angry hornets swarming you.

[@PrimeTimeChris420]

As someone highly interested in Civil War history, especially Gettysburg I really appreciate each and every upload. I'm from South Carolina and live about fifteen minutes from Fort Sumter and can't wait to visit up there on vacation one year.

[@toohi2cu]

I understand. I grew up skipping school as a teenager and going swimming at the apex of the Confederate line on the North Anna River, travelled through Mechanicsville, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fredericksburg, learned to swim in the South Anna where John B. Gordon (under Stuart at that time) crossed (my great uncle owned 87 acres there), I could go on and on. I knew about the Civil War but I didn't know it happened there. If you love History one bit, take the trip to Gettysburg. I'm surrounded by battlefields and been to and relic hunted many (on private lands with permission only) but Gettysburg is Awesome. Chancellorsville is a big battlefield but no other I've been to has the scope of or sheer size and magnitude of Gettysburg.

[@mattmc5069]

Many historians become so used to the complex battle they forget there are those new to this who don't know a brigade from a division and know maybe Lee and Picket and thats about it. This brought the choas down to a understandable level and introduced all the key players and the locations. The camera man is excellent in showing pans and zooms when needed for visual refrence. It was intended for everyone, not just people who read 100 books on it. Easy to understand with just enough humor to keep things moving. Great presentation.

[@Vort317545]

Matt is an amazing lecturer he puts you right in action with extreme interesting detail and respectful humor. So glad we are at peace as asingle country. Matt's a national treasure ..

[@CrazySC833]

I gotta tell you guys, it is a TREAT watching the battlefield walk-throughs. I would absolutely be delighted to watch more NPS battlefield walk videos for Gettysburg or any other battlefield under NPS jurisdiction. Thank you so much for posting these!

[@billysublett4697]

This presentation of The Peach Orchard battle is outstanding, very well done! The NPS ranger Matt Atkinson is an extraordinary instructor---makes it all come alive, right before the viewer and visitors. Thanks for this video and the job you all are doing!!

[@BFerry10]

I'm so glad I found these videos. They are first rate. I've been to Gettysburg before and there was no way to see all of the Ranger talks. I'm headed back tomorrow. This is a great refresher course.

[@crcanassr]

We visited Gettysburg and Antietam this past July were really impressed at the way park rangers bring history alive. The young ranger at Antietam described the battle so vividly that you could see the battle unfolding in front your eyes, this from the observation room on top of the visitor's center. Gettysburg is a more larger battlefield but still the rangers knew what they were talking about. The same thing happened when we visited Manassas a few years ago.

[@toohi2cu]

Chancellorsville is that way too. Incredible tour.

[@Cryptocracy_Now]

Matt Atkinson was born to do this. When you're listening to him describe the battlefield you can see it almost perfectly in your mind. He puts you right there in the middle of it all. Names, dates, and even the tiniest little details. He paints a perfect picture.

[@ehcir]

Matt is an excellent guide, I really enjoyed his tour.

[@VSdrummer010]

I could listen to Ranger Atkinson speak about Gettysburg for a month straight, with an undivided attention span the entire time. What an articulate, knowledgeable, and detailed speaker and guide this man is! Phenomenal video too! 💯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@wdc9633]

I love these by Ranger Atkinson. He reminds me of Don Knotts.

[@johnries5593]

A reminder that the most important part of "history" is "story".

[@indy_go_blue6048]

HIS story. Mankind is just an actor in a cosmic event.

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

Disagree it is clearly "ist"

[@helpmenowmark]

I cannot begin to describe my thanks to the Gettysburg NPS for their dedication to the study and description of this battle. I've watched every video (and others) that they have produced. I was there during hurricane "Sandy" but obviously the park was closed. I hope to return one day (from SC). Please keep these videos/documentaries coming. Thank you.

[@dannyrampey8300]

Matt, you bring us into the day, into the battle, into the minds, and into the souls of each man that fought at Gettysburg! I havent had rhe priviledge of walking w you on one of your tours, but please make sure u continue this telling of true history of our country. Hope to be there soon. Danny Rampey, Georgia

[@margiehenson2440]

MATT. YOU. PUT. US THERE......HOW DO YOU. RETAIN. ALL THIS. TO REACH. THE PEOPLE. THE. WAY. YOU DO.... .!!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU. SO. MUCH.....!!!!!!!!!😊

[@NancyLouKiser]

These rangers are the history teachers we all wanted. This series should be mandatory studies for all students.

[@ImJustKaren_]

Absolutely love Ranger Matt's presentations. Spent a week in Gettysburg years ago and was fortunate enough to attend a few of his tours.

[@mfs2778]

Hornets analogy...right spot on!

[@gettysburgghost]

Ranger Matt is a National Treasure awesome guy. Love randomly running into him and his groups out on the Battlefield!

[@acousticshadow4032]

Here's to the men of the 2nd NHVI who perished in the Sherfy Peach Orchard on July the 2nd of 1863. Rest In Peace.

[@HotTip2000]

For Mishawaka Post: Up through WWII, a brigade was several regiments "braided together." The regiment was a maneuver unit as well as a principal administrative unit. From the Revolution to the Civil War, the regiment would be the primary unit to take care of the soldiers and was the major focus of loyalty and spirit. A soldier would sound off that he was from (as an example) Company A of the 69th New York Infantry (the "fighting 69th") of "The Irish Brigade" in Webb's Division. In those early days, the battalion was a temporary unit to use as a "battler" to be handled by the regimental commander as his (usually three) battalions. The Regimental Commander had "field grade" officers, majors, to lead those battalions in combat. After WWII, as the U.S. Army reorganized for modern war in NATO Vs Warsaw Pact combat, the Army realized that regiments were too unwieldy (think tanks and APC's) for mechanized combat. So the brigade with maneuver battalions was born. The regiment became an office with a regimental flag. There are some regiments still. Each U.S. Army division has an Armored Cavalry Regiment. The 82nd Airborne Division has Parachute Infantry Regiments. The Marine division is comprised of Marine regiments. The British are deep into the "regimental system" with famous regiments that have history going back centuries. I was in the Marine Corps in Vietnam and the Army in Iraq so I got deep into this.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Vietnam era naval vet... thank you for your service.

[@Tupelo927]

Tip Boxell Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge in this interesting post. More importantly, thank you for your service and sacrifice, sir.

[@Tupelo927]

indy_go_blue60 Thank you for your service & sacrifice, sir.

[@gregallen4333]

This is amazing video. Matt is a great story teller. So knowledgeable about the battles and players. You come away with civil war tactics and appreciation of just the confusion that a major battlefield provides. Men/horses/guns/death.... all circling around.

[@dadgad68]

This man does such a fine job in his presentation. a joy to listen to. Cheers from Canada.

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Absolutely sensational presentation of the Peach Orchard and the command decisions from both sides. Matt Atkinson is the best!!!

[@garneroutlaw1]

16:40 the kid who knew what the Blacksox scandal has a bright future. :-). Matt is awesome, such a great performer. Rare talent he has. Hopefully I can catch one of his performances next year.

[@tomservo5347]

Matt's the best! He reminds me of a drill sergeant I had in Army boot camp with his wry sense of humor. Sure Dan Sickles likes the position he occupied but I've never seen such an exposed position with absolutely no cover.

[@pizzafrenzyman]

I have to disagree with your "no cover" comment. The terrain is actually quite defensible. His challenge was that he didn't have enough men to man the line of choice. He would have needed 20,000 men. With that said, his position was "exposed" as you stated because both flanks were in the wind. The line is elevated with great lines of fire. In an era void of indirect fire, occupying elevated terrain is paramount. There are a few salients which are undesirable (including the peach orchard), but Sickles concentrated his available artillery to bolster those points. With the lines occupied, he also had interior lines, which is highly desirable if he would have had 20k men. Please note that we are always reminded that Sickles is not a professional soldier, however, his subordinates were quite professional and capable. They knew how to occupy the terrain to its best advantage.

[@tomservo5347]

pizzafrenzyman I do know that Sickles asked Meade repeatedly about where exactly he was to locate. Meade didn't think much of Sickles so basically ignored him until he sent I think General Hunt over to look at things. About 5 minutes after he arrived the attack happened and Hunt basically said it was too late to do anything.

[@bribribewry5496]

Matt’s passion is awesome. Love these tours.

[@TheWeatherbuff]

I'm just now finding these videos and this channel. I had the honor of doing six years of hard-core CW re-enacting in my younger days. Every young adult should get a chance to experience that. Ranger Matt and Camera Man Matt are excellent storytellers. I've only visited Gettysburg once, even though I'm a PA native. It's time to go back and walk the field again.

[@seatravelers]

This was an excellent presentation. I happen to agree with General Sickles' decision to move forward and occupy the Peach Orchard. Yes his corps was wrecked, but this forced the rebels to fight well ahead of the critical ground. Which, (IMO) saved the Federal position at Little Round Top and Cemetery Hill. By the time Longstreet's men got there they were spent and did not have the momentum to take the ground.

[@justint.holljr.6746]

I’ve always felt the same.

[@REb-om8vj]

Matt, your "work reflects your attitude", nice job. Thanks

[@bencowen2096]

This is the second video I've seen by Ranger Atkinson. I really appreciate his expertise. And he has a great ability to explain-- "Corps-Division-Brigade-Regiment." He's insightful- comparing Longstreet to being like George Foreman (big, can take a punch, but can deliver a devastating counter punch). A man with a sense of humor, I like his delivery. Appropriately reverent, but at the same time ("Junior and fake Orioles fan over there) funny. My only concern is that I think Ranger Atkinson is a bit of a Southern sympathizer! Thanks for the great presentation.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Matt is definitely in the camp of "The South shall rise again!!!".

[@garys5203]

I can't tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate these video walks. Thank you NPS and especially Matt.

[@hardy3089]

It’s not just remembering the facts it’s telling the same story with enthusiasm all day long every day

[@marilynmulkey6095]

Matt is the most interesting teacher. And with a sense of humor to boot. Have you ever been a history professor?

[@indy_go_blue6048]

July 2, 2020. 157 years ago today, and we're still fighting this damned war.

[@Keith52188]

Great job Matt! You are a great teacher!

[@crmay72]

This gentleman knows his history. Thank you, sir for an excellent presentation!

[@marymoriarity2555]

Great video. Very informative with a sense of humor. I’ve been to the area many times but never on a guided tour

[@scottishhellcat]

I visited Gettysburg for the 147th reenactment. Thank you for posting this. I took a bus tour of the battlefield and when I asked the guide if we would be visiting the Peach Orchard he looked at me and said "this bus will not be going anywhere that the Confederates were winning". This Georgia "Peach" (excuse the pun) said "excuse me?" in my best Delta Burke tone. The tour guide and I had a Laurel and Hardy act going before it was over with. Unreconstructed here showed him why Sherman feared the women of Georgia. I went to Gettysburg to find the marker noting my ancestors' contribution to the battle. I did not find the marker and after returning home was really disappointed to find I was within a stone's throw. I did enjoy my trip and I hope to go back now that I know the exact location.

[@arkansaswookie]

+scottishhellcat Many thanks to the incredible women of Georgia that tended to the wounded men during the civil war, nursing them back to health, enabling many to return to their families and homes. Including my great great grandfather. Capt. Jacob G. Danner, 24th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. wounded at the battle of Lookout Mt. Chickamauga Ga. Who were your ancestors with at Gettysburg? I hope you can return there and stand where they fought.

[@scottishhellcat]

arkansaswookie I just now found your post. The particular ancestors' marker that I was searching for was The Ashland Va Artillery also known as Woolfolk's Battery. Capt Pichegru Woolfolk, Jr was wounded the first day and turned leadership over to younger brother Lt James Woolfolk. By that time if I remember correctly, the two younger brothers Clarence and Edmund's were also in the unit. I affectionately call them "the boys". They are buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. The ladies of Columbus, Ga ran several hospitals in our city and proudly so. The ladies of the South looked out for our men and eventually the ladies of the north did so as well. I also have an ancestor on my mother's maternal side who became a POW at Point Lookout. He was in the 4th Alabama Cavalry. Your ancestors did some fierce fighting down our way. Daddy used to take us to Lookout Mtn every summer.

[@colleenengelmann7896]

THAT Is SO Wrong, what that tour guide said to you, says this "Yankee" girl! Also a Scottish "hellcat"- (Clan MacPherson & MacNaughton). Respect and Love, for all those souls; when there were men that actually stood, fought and died for what they believed in-on either "side!" THIS is our shared AMERICAN History and ALL of it and those who were part of it, need to be honored, respected and preserved! And it must be TAUGHT to our progeny... I hope you are able to return and visit your beloved ancestor's marker

[@crossface222]

This is awesome. I’ve been to Gettysburg and have studied it quite a bit but I don’t think I could ever know as much as Matt. I love the way he presents the information. That man must absolutely love his job.

[@sparks1504]

This guy is truly amazing, he paints a picture of heroism, and how war is hell...my hatt is iff to Mr Atkinson

[@sandidopirak9260]

Matt Atkinson is one of my favorite Rangers in Gettysburg, I will try and schedule his walks always interesting and knowledgeable .

[@ozzy5150376]

I really thoroughly enjoy these "presentation's". I watch them all weekend long. Especially Matt's presentation. I really like his "post war Lee" lecture. thank you for making these lectures.

[@birddog7492]

Matt you express the same emotions I have when I stand on a civil war battle field or I read the history of the fight. I bet you also like a little time alone on those fields. It's not unpatriotic to have feeling for the men on both sides of the battle field. It makes you an American. Thank you for what you have done to help tell this story.

[@kuban311]

Thank you so much for these great videos. We are very grateful for everything you do!

[@LanceisLawson]

Matt is IMHO the finest guide at Gettysburg.

[@azbdizzy4176]

Good video. One of my distant ancestors won the MOH capturing the battle flag of General Kershaw later in the war. It was interesting to hear this account of Kershaw at Gettysburg. He was in the Ohio cavalry Sayler's Creek along with George Custer and his brother who also won the MOH. My ancestor returned to farming after the war and did not suffer the same fate as George Custer and his relatives in the 7th Cav at the Little Big Horn. What Sickles did at Gettysburg reminds me a lot of what Custer did at the Little Big Horn. They chose the ground to fight on poorly. It's true the confederates could have placed their cannons on the mound of the peach orchard. It's also true the confederate artillery would have been in full view of the union artillery in a crossfire. The irony of the peach orchard is Barksdale who "won" the day died in the process while Sickles lived to be 94 years old.

[@JoeNicks389]

We just returned from Gettysburg this week 9/2/19. It was our first time there and we were over whelmed with the size of the battle field. It is hard to imagine the fighting that went on and the site of all those who died on both sides. We also got to view the last day of the "100 days of Taps", very emotional to hear. Everyone should view this place, men died on both sides fighting for what they believed. I'm not happy that Americans fought Americans, but they did and the results are history. With the courage displayed on both sides, we are a hard country to defeat when we are together. JN

[@opensecret4451]

Thank You for sharing your eperience at Gettysburg. I've never been except in these videos which of course helps me to somewhat understand the enormity of what took place which makes me wonder why there was no other way. 600 thousand or more lost on both sides in those 4 yrs. of the best and bravest that America has ever produced. Hard to believe we have ever been the same and seeing of what has become of this place. - I doubt if either side would have made the sacrifice at such a terrible cost!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

You lucky devil!! I need to go because it’s so hard to take in the size of the place in pictures and videos. Our minds want to compress it into a small space so we can visualize and digest it. But it’s several miles one end to another and just no way to take it in unless there in person. Do you have kids or a spouse who really isn’t into this stuff?? I’m afraid my wife and daughter would drive me nuts while I spend every second in awe lol. I want to be on every tour possible and I’m afraid they might poop in my fruit loops lol 😂 if you know what I mean

[@JoeNicks389]

@@JohnnyRebKy My wife saved for 2 years so we could go. It was a surprise birthday present. She's was not into it like I am, but was a good trooper and let me view what I liked. It's great to have someone who will do that for you. You need to go, the battlefield is 25 square mile large. You need to take the bus trip to get a great view of what, when, and where it all happened. I'm 75 and will never go again, but am so happy I did. Good luck.

[@theoutsider4066]

Superb presentation. Thank you Mr. Atkinson.

[@wingwhacker7500]

If you plan to visit Gettysburg, researching what happened at each location will enhance your experience exponentially. I wish these videos were available prior to my visit five or six years ago.

[@dkstryker]

That was an incredible description of the Battle at the Peach Orchard! When I go to Gettysburg next Thursday with my good friend Terry, We shall walk the path General Barksdale and his Brave men took as they charged so gallantly through these fields!!

[@AmericanBedell]

These videos were good ideas. Only been to Gettysburg once on a school field trip but didn't get to see much...been dying to go back...really enjoying these videos. I laughed so hard when I got the George Thorogood joke by the way!

[@tonystoakley5816]

Amazing pesentation Ranger Matt Atkinson i could watch your pesentations all day so interesting

[@pat0311]

Matt is a great teacher. Thank you sir!

[@mr31337]

Thank you so much for this! I'd been having problems sleeping, and this video fixed that.

[@funsmasher7018]

I love these videos. He really knows how to explain the battle.

[@rgbrin]

Matt is awesome and does his job so well....I always wanted to be a Matt at Gettysburg but life took me down a different path...I love Civil war History!!

[@stacymcardle]

Excellent. Thank you. Would love to hear details about Berdan's sharpshooters on this day in perhaps another video. :)

[@davidhardwick3816]

Another fantastic presentation! Ranger Atkinson paints such incredibly vivid and relatable pictures of the action, and much of the thought behind it - he really brings the battle to life.

[@chadelliot2021]

Another great video full of unique content. I’m loving this video series. Thank you so much for taking the time to shoot it, and share it with all of us that thus far havent meade it down to the hallowed ground of Gettysburg. Cheers from your Yankee brother 👍👍

[@indy_go_blue6048]

"Meade" it down to ... Gettysburg"? Nice unintentional pun, Chad.

[@sdingeswho]

Great and highly entertaining presentation! I lost my sense of direction a little at the first, but pulled up a satellite photo-map and followed along. One thing that I didn’t know was that the Peach Orchard was relatively “high ground” - it now makes more sense, that Sickles kind of defied orders in creating a salient from the Union lines. Oh, and hadn’t seen that one particular monument at the Trostle Farm, but knew what it was immediately: It’s a gigantic Minié-Ball 😂!

[@Agggggghhhh]

I like how the guide personalizes the battle participants with their names and motivations.

[@EthanTweedie]

Great job Ranger Matt. I would be so honored to listen to one of your history lessons.

[@4325air]

My uncle, Private George H. Poole, 17th Mississippi Infantry, Barksdale's Brigade, was KIA at the Peach Orchard. He had mustered-in with the regiment when it was first organized, and he had survived every single battle up to Gettysburg. He had been captured earlier in December 1862 at Fredericksburg, but was immediately parolled. Loyal to his brothers in arms, he immediately returned to the 17th. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery at Richmond with other men of the 17th and Confederate dead from Gettysburg. I have his small Bible, pocket watch, and his original parole certificate signed by the Provost Marshal General, Army of the Potomac. In the back of the Bible, someone wrote in old script, "Killed, Getisburg (sic), Pennsylvania, July the 2nd, 1863" George, a student, was 21 years old.

[@leeh.4453]

The Gettysburg park rangers are skilled and knowledgeable. And they're very entertaining. Thanks all of you. .

[@bonitaenjem2765]

Love watching true history Matt does a very good job and involves the kids and families

[@dkl1n1]

What terrific story teller! Enjoyed it very much. Thank you for posting.

[@badvoodoo4090]

Please make more videos like this! Thanks you so much.

[@markcostigan7172]

Excellent presentation! I thought for sure he was going to end saying Dan Sickles didn't have a leg to stand on.

[@thomaswilliams1381]

Thank you sir for your superb analysis, and conveyance of it to us who have the privilege to view it and hear it on youtube! Amazing and insprational!

[@jccouldbe]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@shanelanham5827]

I went there in 2016,it was a humbling experience hands down the best place I've ever been. It was hot that day so I didn't get to see everything but first place I went was big round top,beautiful view I love Gettysburg!!! It just felt heavy that day soon as I stepped out of the car.

[@lukang72]

Top notch. Tactical details are fascinating