In the footsteps of Robert Gould Shaw at Antietam

[@Ozai75]

The fighting at and around the Cornfield at Antietam is often cited as some of, if not *the* most brutal of the war. Just an absolute massacre on both sides as they kept funneling troops into the meatgrinder. The one thing that always gets me, and that is hard to contextualize on film is the sense of knowing that no matter where you walk on a battlefield that it was the last place a young kid ever saw the sky, ever saw his friends, ever thought about his family and his life. So much tremendous sadness.

[@faeembrugh]

I had a similar feeling walking WW1 battlefields like the Somme or Ypres. The number of enormous cemeteries are a stark reminder but picking up shell splinters as big as your fist and thinking about being struck by something like that sends a shiver down your spine.

[@psinclairjr]

Fantastic take, as a CW reenactor we are given access to battlefields at night. Having slept on Antietam, Shiloh, Fredericksburg, Perryville, and others I have had those same thoughts and feelings, it's very powerful and quite emotional

[@TheGentleIndifferece]

I cry like a baby every time I watch Glory.

[@Gl6619]

The one scene that brought tears to my eyes was when he choked up asking the reporter to hold his personal belongings if he was to fall in battle

[@bogtrotter17]

Antietam is a great battlefield to visit. It's often very quiet, nowhere near the hectic activity at Gettysburg. It's a really good place to reflect.

[@johnsullivan3060]

It's a surreal place Antietam. Your videos of it are absolutely gorgeous. Peaceful, almost heavenly. 160 years ago it was hell.

[@micahfodor8433]

To VTH, I just have to say. I'm a Pool Technician in Brisbane, Australia, a town famous for.... nothing really. I listen to your content while I work. I don't too often listen to your original content because I think it better to watch. but this video was really well done, it was fascinating, well balanced, nicely worded, well paced. I just want to say well done and thank you for sharing the story of RGS.

[@devonmiller113]

I’m in Massachusetts on business right now and this popped up. I’m so incredibly glad to have been able to see the 54th Massachusetts Monument here in Boston. Just such a tremendous swarm of emotions that come up in me. To see such a great display of self sacrifice and courage is truly awe inspiring. Thank you for the video Chris! I love it as always!

[@emerald_tigress]

Glory is my favorite movie. Thanks for doing this.

[@cyndiebill6631]

Love this. Being from New England Shaw is one my favorites. The 54th Massachusetts is a honored regiment here in New England. Coming from Boston which had one of the largest slave market in the country before it was made illegal to import slaves 1808.

[@stephenrrose]

You brought Antietam History to a personal level, one that I found myself getting emotional over your telling of living life and loss! The letter to his Mom, the short love of marriage pulls at the heart strings! Oh and in there is the History of the back and forth of war and the hell it unleashes! Very well done Brother, very well done!

[@yo-saiffcaleb6213]

I loved the movie myself. God bless the 54th and Shaw

[@jasonladd3682]

As much as I love learning about huge military engagements and the overall strategy of the war, videos like this really humanize these men. Chris walking where they were, excerpts from letters and what really got me was Wilder's blood stained letter. Thanks for the great video VTH, I know these don't get nearly the views of reaction videos but they are among my favorite content from you.

[@dcbeast0891]

I was a park ranger at South Mountain State Park for a summer a few years back. It was surreal to stand at the top of the original Washington Monument and look out over the valley below knowing that the Battle of Antietam took place right below. Not to mention the farm where John Brown planned the attack on Harper’s Ferry is just a few miles away. So much history in my home state of MD, I miss it

[@paulm3033]

I'm English and I'm fascinated by the American Civil War, Antietam in particular has always interested me .I own a Union officers saber with scabbard and the blade is date stamped 1862 . Unfortunately I can't find anything about its history from any records as the blade doesn't have a makers number.I thought the video was very moving and informative and the sound track was perfect for the sombre subject matter.

[@traceymcintire7754]

Thank you for filming this. My ancestor fought with the 2nd Mass. and I have walked in his footsteps at Antietam many times.

[@gitzogutz]

I was at Antietam on Monday! That battlefield was an incredible and intimidating thing to walk through.

[@jasonwilliamson8416]

This battle is near and dear to me because I had three ancestors that participated in it. My great great grandfather fought at Bloody Lane with the 7th West Virginia Infantry but I had two great great uncles that faced off AGAINST each other in The Cornfield. One served in the 19th Indiana of the Iron Brigade. He survived this fight but would later be killed in action on the first day at Gettysburg. The other was one of the original members of Wheat's Louisiana Tiger Battalion. By the time of Antietam Wheat was dead and the remnants of the Battalion had been merged with Coppens 1st Louisiana Zouaves. He was listed as missing after Antietam and was never heard from again.

[@nonamesplease6288]

I think it's hard for our generation, a generation with a volunteer army and limited wars, to picture the trauma and sadness the Civil War inflicted on society. It's hard to imagine the pain of the thousands of young widows, like Anna Haggarty, that the war created, all of the orphans and bereft parents, like Wilder Dwight's poor mother, that even smaller events like the fighting in the Cornfield, the Weatfield, the Muleshoe, and thousands of other places, left in their wake. It breaks the heart and boggles the mind.

[@peggyscott66]

You and JD are mighty good at making these videos of our history. God bless you for telling their story like you do.

[@davemartin4183]

Very emotional episode Chris, thank you for sharing this story

[@misternacho9951]

Wow the editing on this is so good. Great videos as always

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Great video Chris, also loving the podcast!

[@moriver3857]

Seen the movie more than once, and it's superb. Great video. Well presented with that magical music. Well done.

[@zacharyclark5617]

Glory jumpstarted the career of Denzel Washington. The greatest actor that ever took the breath of life.

[@Sebastian244.4]

That's a little farfetched.

[@atlasmasterdmind4070]

@@Sebastian244.4 lol I'll give you that it's his opinion. but it is a good argument to be made. I will say Denzel is not only one of the great actors, but also a great human being despite his fame.

[@burtreynolds8030]

@@Sebastian244.4 he’s definitely top ten all time

[@mattfaulk8724]

Eh, top 20 at best, but not the greatest by far

[@lauramichael498]

When I was in high school, our teacher (a nun) had our entire class watch Glory. She felt it was important for us to watch and pay witness to the sacrifices of men who died in the Civil War. Glad she did

[@jcamisa50]

Beautifully put together. I have the movie and when I watch it I still have tears in my eyes for the loss of all the men who fought along side of Robert Gould Shaw. 🙏🙏👍👍❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@troy242]

I was blown away by your vid! Been watching History Underground, and was turned on to your channel via the Antietam vids. The letter by Wilder Dwight was beyond words. The way you developed it to its sad end was brilliant. That letter has a permanent home in my mind. Very, very well done sir. Thank you.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Appreciate it, Troy!

[@chief117s15]

Absolutely fantastic video. Very informational and the camera work was superb. I'm really glad you said that your favorite war movie was 1989's Glory because it's my favorite as well and even though it's been awhile, I feel like it's not talked about enough today. I watched it weeks ago and was unable to hold back my tears as Shaw led the attack with the 54th regiment on Fort Wagner, just for it to be an unfortunate Union defeat. The musical score and the fighting choreography was just fantastic. If you haven't made a video about the 54th, you absolutely should. Again, thank you for this fantastic video.

[@jeffreylc]

Was just at Antietam last week. Always enjoy your content. We need an “in the footsteps of John Gibbon” my favorite Union commander.

[@bethann0808]

I too love the movie Glory. I'm glad you gave this overview of Shaw's participation at Antietam since I didn't know he fought there. I'm loving the videos about Antietam. I live nearby, and have been there quite a few times, but I can never get my mind around the battles. Your video helps quite a bit.

[@DeepRiverAsheville]

Your video about Shaw who’s a hero to us (and Wilder who we learned about in the video) is so tastefully done with your minimal but informative commentary, gorgeous cinematography (We’ve walked this entire battlefield) and beautiful yet mournful acoustic guitar music, which just made us cry bittersweet tears.

[@stpnwlf9]

This is an excellent exploration of that moment. Also, very interested in what music that is in the background. It's really lovely.

[@rodneylove8027]

Thank you for adding more humanity to such a tragedy laden event.

[@1psychofan]

Great episode!!!!!! So glad @TheHistoryUnderground turned me on to your channel!

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Me too, Lisa. JD is a great guy that I'm proud to call a friend (and I'm a huge fan of his channel)

[@1psychofan]

@@VloggingThroughHistory well, I’ve never met JD…but I cannot-not-watch his channel! Lol 😂 just posted that to annoy my fellow grammar Nazis! Lol 😂

[@CTESPNNetwork]

I remember the week you said you recorded this and as a Marylander, I remember how beautiful the weather was that week. So glad you had that gorgeous weather for your trip to the “land of pleasant living”! You in front of those clouds in the beginning is almost such a perfect background it looks fake! You the man Chris 👊🏽keep it up💥

[@arnegreve1019]

This morning, I first saw JDs Video about the Battle in the Cornfield and then I saw again your Video about Robert G. Shaw. Thank you both for this view of different sides!! Greets from Germany

[@tommcdonald1873]

Chris, once again, an outstanding job as always. I had not realized that the Mass Memorial at Antietam was the high water mark for the 2nd Mass Volunteers. If you ever do something about the 5th New Hampshire or other New Hampshire units in the CW, I can assist.

[@elquapo24]

I too loved the movie Glory and I thank you for this wonderful and sad but proud documentary.

[@zookeeper510]

Beautiful soul-stirring music to accompany your poignant presentation...

[@joeparvana9549]

Thanks for this, the story in the story.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Just watched History Traveler - Corn Field. Reared in Boston, Mass. Great complement to the Battle at Antietam. Nice touch with Wielder and the Letter at the Mass. Monument and the music. Glory. Great Movie. Thanks so much.

[@Steve-dg3md]

I love the history of your vids... but.. your heartfelt presentation sends it over the top. It place us the viewer in the battle with a deep appreciation that it's a life and death struggle. Thank you soo much!

[@michaelhaakenson8067]

Excellent video. Great Iron Brigade T-shirt. Keep the videos coming.

[@JoeSchmitt1975]

Great job on the video, you should do more in the field.

[@davidlavin3492]

I’m here from ABT and the history underground. You do a great job! Keep it up. Antietam is my favorite ACW battlefield. Thank you for this. New subscriber. Where did you get your tshirt?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

The Iron Brigade shirt? At the store in the temporary visitors center at Antietam.

[@ajbaumgart4774]

I think robert gold shaw is a incredible man what he did with the 54th Massachusetts infantry unit was incredible but also his leadership and bravery is what is fascinating to me just sad he ended up losing his life at such a young age but his memory and legacy shall live on in American history forever

[@ajbaumgart4774]

Gould shaw i ment to say

[@magneto820]

What a great video quality was excellent very informative as with your other content keep up the amazing work much respect

[@meredithsmyth7059]

Thank you for this, "Glory" is one of my favorite movies too. And I'm quickly becoming a big fan of VTH. ❤

[@oriole21bird]

I had wondered where on the battlefield Shaw was with his regiment. This was a really well done video. Made me a little misty eyed at the end.

[@1psychofan]

I love the movie Glory! As most movies it took some liberties but it’s still so good!

[@toreeadams9873]

Went to Antietam in July of 2018. It was easily 100 in the shade that day so walking the park was not happening lol. Still got to see many landmarks. The whole area is stunning and serene, hard to believe the carnage that took place there on that fateful September day

[@BlueSideUp77]

Well spoke. Thank you for this video.

[@f00dify]

I love the music you use for these videos, really adds to the depth of the videos.

[@scottmeeker9971]

The Union must and shall be preserved.

[@stuarthumphrey1787]

Once again, fascinating

[@swinkyy7846]

You must be some kind of good luck for me, my Dad just surprised me with a new car while I was watching this video! LOL

[@johntriplett3188]

My 3x Great Grandfather fought in Shaw’s brigade, 12th corp 1st div 3rd brigade. The 27th IN and 3rd WI sat exposed outside of the cornfield as Ohio regiments fell back. I remember reading an excerpt about a soldier in the 27th who had been hit and turned away from the line only to come back and continue shooting after seeing he had already bought the farm… My grandfather was detached for cattle guard shortly after antietam but thats the only note on his record besides muster dates, makes me wonder if he was lightly wounded or had lost his nerve after the fighting 😢

[@jamesearly8518]

Beautifully done, Chris. Keep them coming!

[@outfield1988]

Been there it’s amazing hollowed ground.

[@TheNapoleonComplex1]

Glory is an amazing movie.

[@paulnienhaus5359]

Great Job Again!

[@vilangel78]

¡¡Largo recuerdo a los héroes del 54° Regimiento de Infantería de Voluntarios de Massachusetts y su Coronel el Exc. Sr. D. Robert Gould Shaw!! Saludos desde España 🇪🇦🇪🇺

[@MarkMeader-e4r]

I Had 2 Ancestors in the Second Division, 12th Corps, Gen. Greene in the 28th PA.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@phantomtitan9792]

Vary fascinating soldier

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

During the Civil War regiments never got replacements so as they fought in battles they got smaller and smaller. Towards the end of the war as the federals brought out some regiments who had been defending Washington, many veterans asked "What division is that?"

[@historycentral8543]

Love the content Chris I love your desire and love towards history I would be intrigued to seem some videos of the English civil war soon anyway take care and keep on killing it

[@sirnetflix7162]

"She never remarried." Jesus, that is brutal to read. War is horrible, and at the same time, necessary to maintain peace.

[@jonathanvillanueva9206]

I loved this. Thank u!

[@kenfox22]

I'm a Southerner and both of my great grandfather's fought. It's a hard pill to swallow but we had to lose because of the unholy institution of slavery. All this could've been avoided if America wasn't hypocritical in 1776 All Men Are Created Equal

[@Agnoletta]

It’s my favorite, too.

[@CodyChepa88]

Another great video 👍

[@gaaralives]

Hi, love your channel! I wanted to suggest you react to "Man in Cave" by "Internet Historian". It's a little more comedic and less historical than the the videos you typically react to, but it takes place in 1920's US and still has plenty you could add too. It's a real, gripping event and a great fit for October. Again, love the channel! All the best from across the pond.

[@Gl6619]

That almost brings tears to my eyes when his father said he was glad that his son was buried with his men…it was definitely a slap in the face to the confederates who probably thought that would be the worst insult to a white man to have him buried with blacks, let alone unceremoniously thrown in a mass grave/pit

[@stevetye81]

I had an ancestor in the 2nd Mass Infantry. Fought at Antietam and Gettysburg.

[@niesenjohn]

There would be no 54th Massachusetts without the 1st Louisiana Native Guard. They were formed out of remnants of a civil guard unit in New Orleans and of escaped slaves and were led by black officers like Captain Andre Callioux, a prominent member of the community of free blacks in New Orleans before the war and a former slave. Callioux and his men, like the 54th MA later, understood they had to be outstanding and fearless to be used as proof the concept of the black soldier. They were ordered to attack a position at the highly defended rampart along the Mississippi at Port Hudson, Louisiana that was essentially impregnable (they would only surrender once hearing Vicksburg had done the same). Throwing themselves up against huge ramparts they took massive casualties and showed no fear. Callioux was shot in the arm but continued to lead his men. As they advanced up the massive rampart, the charge would falter and stop. Callioux would each time yell to his men “let us advance, one more time!” Restarting the charge up the hill five or six times before a cannonball nearly tore him in two. The white officers who witnessed the attack said it was one of the bravest attacks on a totally impossible position they’d ever seen. However, the Union commander also refused to clear the dead from the field allowing them to rot where they fell for the last 47 days of the siege despite the complaints of the Confederate commander. Eventually, Callioux’s body was returned to New Orleans where they held a massive funeral procession and Mass led a local abolitionist priest. Some say this procession was partially responsible for the local tradition of 2nd Line Funeral Parades in New Orleans. The attack at Port Hudson made the newspapers across the country and the world. It was the proof needed for a regiment in the north to be deployed to combat duty to further test this concept: the 54th Massachusetts. Captain Callioux was one of the first black officers in the US Army and like Shaw understood he was likely going to be killed proving his men were more than worthy of being soldiers. Yet, he is almost unknown even in Louisiana today.

[@chriseverett9190]

My number one movie in the world glory

[@normagrimstad8869]

Glory is one of my favorites. Robert Gould Shaw and Joshua Chamberlain, two of my Civil War heroes.

[@BlueSideUp77]

Where can I pick up an Iron Brigade shirt?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I got that shirt at the visitors center at Antietam

[@jimkelly7305]

Sgt Mulcahy got them ready

[@PathfinderHistoryTravel]

I didn’t know about his marriage and widow who never remarried. Tragic.

[@tacobowler]

Weren’t these supposed to be teamed up with another channel? I thought I was subbed to the other channel for this but I haven’t seen anything but your videos

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

He hasn’t started doing his Antietam videos yet

[@sergioventura2595]

What a great story Can you watch puppet history it’s a adult history game show with puppets

[@brendancripps8890]

Wow, am I glad I clicked on the link in the description of JD's (kzbin.info) video on the Cornfield. As a big fan of RG Shaw- thank you so much for an excellent video. Can't wait to check out your other content!

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Thanks Brendan and welcome! JD is a great guy and a good friend (AND I'm a huge fan of his content)

[@beach7138]

Yaaaaa

[@Animaster89]

Robert Shaw the Goa'uld?

[@a.leemorrisjr.9255]

Unfortunately the tactics didn't keep up with the weaponry & lethality of the era. Losses were horrible as troops were massed & run into concentrated small arms fire & artillery.

[@skybeard3113]

I feel like Chris needs to change up his original content style in order to get more views

[@royalirishranger1931]

They should never have made that charge a Wagner.

[@scottiramage317]

25 years old - absolutely heart breaking

[@asherwheddon4017]

@goldshowfarm