Civil War 1863 - Gettysburg July 2nd - The Wheatfield Attacks

[@joncavallo4391]

You should have been at the 135th Reenactment of Gettysburg in 1998. Unofficially, we had over 50,000 reenactors there for those 3 days. Picketts charge had the full compliment on both ends, it was magnificent to look down the ranks and see men lined up as far as one could see in battle lines. When we were in the trees you could here the roaring of cheers rising up as Generals Lee, Longstreet, and Hood rode past the lines from one end to the next. Much like the wave and crowds in sync at a football game. Got captured in the railroad cut the 1st day, and wounded in the battle of Devil's Den the 2nd day. But did tour some of the battlefield before we went into camp. All one needs to do is stand at the wall, the Angle, the corpse of trees and look at what the Confederates had to accomplish from that distance under fire from front and flank. At a terrible price, and nothing but Glory! Same for the Yanks at Fredricksburg, and Cold Harbor. Americans one and all. This country would never be taken down from without after these two came together, but taken down from within as is going on in this present age and time!

[@michaelvaughn8864]

I actually had a cousin by marriage who was an 8th Ohio Regiment reenactor at the same event you're referring to, Mr. Cavallo. He was also an extra in the Gettysburg film as a cavalry trooper riding in Col. Gamble's brigade under Gen. Buford's(Sam Elliott)division

[@buckysimmons5164]

I was there. I was also there 2 July 1997 when they buried the bones of an unknown soilder found in the railroad cut two years before when I was there in 95. That was an awesome experience as well.

[@jerrymail]

I am French and passionate about the American Civil War. I am always amazed and enthused by the reenactments of the battles of this period. It's really fantastic! Thank you very much for your videos.

[@uglyfrog7263]

In my 72 years I have never cried for movie soldiers but this was so overwhelming I could not resist. Superb reenacting, the sound made it too real. Never forget this video or the Wheatfield battle again. Thank you to all who participated.

[@malafunkshun8086]

The fighting in the Wheatfield was some of the most chaotic and intense fighting of the American Civil War. This video does a very good job depicting that combat, particularly the death of Colonel Jeffords. But no re-enactment can every truly recapture the terrible carnage in the Wheatfield. It was a bloody, gory mess of a battle. And no re-enactment or movie can ever truly depict that. The courage that the soldiers on both sides displayed in the face of such horrible combat, and the resilience that helped them endure such a fight, is one of the reasons why I respect and admire the American Civil War soldier. Aloha ❤️🙏🏼

[@gegalvezge]

God Bless all the brave men who fought their hearts out in Gettysburg. Both North and South. May God have them in His Holy Glory.🇺🇸

[@mikegrey5663]

@Will Allen no he didn't say glory hole

[@mrd6869]

@@mikegrey5663 .haha..i almost thought thats what they said😂

[@markponn544]

God Bless The North.

[@martindriver6026]

God bless the South.

[@MyBlueZed]

These productions must cost a fortune! Top quality and very much appreciated. ❤️🇦🇺

[@kinocorner976]

Everyone else gets the days praise from Gettysburg, but the the US Regulars as a whole are the ones that truly should be praised. The U.S. Regular divisions in the Wheatfield actions are often overshadowed by people like Joshua Chamberlain’s charge at Little Round Top. The Regulars were calm and collected and held the ground, not totally breaking and chasing tail, The Regulars began an orderly retreat, stopping to deliver delaying disciplined volleys into their enemies-remarkable actions considering the tempest they were in. they proved to be tough and held the ground as long as they could. They had a 50% casualty rate during the battle of Gettysburg. Most of these men were hardened Veterans of past major battle. A union solider in the Regulars wrote this: “For two years the U.S. Regulars taught us how to be soldiers. In the Wheatfield at Gettysburg, they taught us how to die like soldiers.”

[@pigurine]

1st Minnesota saved the day. 82% casualties. Highest mortality In all US history.

[@noface4176]

pigurine MACVSOG in Vietnam had 100% casualty rate

[@garge7676]

Pretty sure there was one regiment in Gettysburg who's only survivor was the drummer boy..

[@noface4176]

TheOldBattalionProductions whole teams would sometimes go missing like there’s a bunch of stories of 5 to 20 men going up against whole NVA Regiments

[@garge7676]

@@noface4176 Wasn't Roy Benadivez (I think I butchered the name) a part of one of these teams that actually managed to get out alive?

[@noface4176]

TheOldBattalionProductions yep so is John Stryker Meyer, John Plaster and the infamous most badass person Jerry MAD DOG Shriver

[@erikforry6058]

Hopefully you guys can make more of these flims..great job..plus this footage is from the 150th Gettysburg reenactment..I was definitely there..best reenactment I've ever been in..

[@michaelbruce6190]

WOW!!!! This is the best reenactment I have ever seen.... absolutely fantastic. That would be an amazing experience to witness that in person.

[@juanmar4712]

Great Re-enactment, But I can barely believe that so many of these men wore wool and long leeves uniforms, in the middle of the summer...

[@WyattB26]

Juanmar well my men and I wore wool uniforms when we took a trip to the sea. It was hot but we got our job done.

[@volkerklass7741]

@@WyattB26 Must have been an unusually warm November/December ;)

[@oliviermosimann6931]

Very good, enjoyable and explicit video. Cheers.

[@Tusk_III]

Great to see so many good hats in any ACW video. Cheers!!!

[@theamericaneaglepatriot9673]

"The Men must see us today. "

[@harrygoodman119]

Currently in 5-20 Reg. Love this for motivation. To the limit.

[@phaedracollins6051]

Very well done.

[@Jubilo1]

Some superb battle-scenes-thanks !

[@johnr4171]

Exceptional video

[@tomfighthorse5818]

Excellent !

[@melvynobrien6193]

The Irish Brigade fought in the wheatfield. After the battle, they were moved to the center of the Union line, to rest, and just in time to face Pickett's Charge. My great-great-granduncle was Col John O'Mahony, CO of the 99th Regiment, New York National Guard 1861-65. They didn't participate in Gettysburg. After the war he was the leader of the Fenians.

[@PhatPhrank]

My ancestor fought in the Georgia 65th. He survived to be a state senator in Georgia, build a school, and be an outstanding member in his community. Unfortunately, Sherman killed his 55-year old father at the battle of Griswoldsville.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

I see so many real swords being carried by re-enactors...god bless them

[@patrickfrawley6656]

I hate when they group cannon With different types They should be grouped in the same type fucking farbs As batteries Not individually !

[@johnnyroxx9551]

two uncles were in 1st Kentucky calvary...

[@robertwallace786]

all the officers and men from both sides that fought that day fought very bravely their were no cowards that day

[@andrewbuck6269]

I was at that battle as a reenactor

[@songofthesouth5872]

Andrew Buck : the 150th , Gettysburg, me too , 18th South Carolina Vol infantry Co.F , C.S.A

[@TheConfederate1863]

I wasnt

[@DennysCards]

1961 was wild.

[@conversiontherapist4604]

3:18 black confederate. very interesting...

[@steveww1507]

good eye yes there were but in very very small# mostly free black men and many of them in non combat rolls

[@joncavallo4391]

In the 135th Gettysburg reenactment, 1998, I met Black reenactors whose kin did fight for the Army of Northern Virginia. That was pretty cool! We wuz all drawing breakfast rations from a sutler serving McDonald's like ham and eggs, sausage and egg sandwiches! Before the battle of the Peach Orchard and Devil's Den.

[@cadeallan7139]

@@joncavallo4391 blacks weren't allowed to serve in the confederate forces as far as I know, in non-combat roles but not in fighting roles.

[@yeatism2]

@@cadeallan7139 Nathan Bedford Forrest a Confederate General had quite a few of his slaves in his cavalry regiment only 1 deserted his regiment.

[@jacksons1010]

Extremely inauthentic to have a black man on the rebel firing line - that was literally illegal in the Confederacy - but then take a look at all those fat Confederates! I'm a fan of historical reenactments, but those wide bodies really ruin it.

[@Qbus245]

In 1861, attempts were made to create Polish units in the south. However, unlike in the north, the Poles were rather few there. A number of them became part of the 14th and 15th regiments in Louisiana. In February 1863, Union officer in Camp Butler (Illinois) reported that there were many Poles from Texas among Confederate prisoners who were forcefully incorporated into the South and agreed to move to the Union.

[@jebstuart4004]

interesting ! there was also italians, dutches, germans and frenches united in some companies of régiments as well

[@rednek666]

Thats so great and rare on youtube,thank you!

[@strat123]

I know these are reinactors but some aim and fire in the sky.

[@jackmurphy3940]

They do that because they don’t want something to fly down the barrel and injure someone

[@iammelon7803]

Even the paper that the powder is kept in can injure a person, and sometimes not all the powder burns so you have little grains of it hurtling down range. In the actual battle the soldiers had to fire long distances as well, so they would use their elevation sights on the rifle, and you would be pointing upwards for some shots depending on how far you were shooting

[@jackmurphy3940]

@@iammelon7803 yeah exactly.

[@buckysimmons5164]

Every time I see a movie, reenactment, ect and I see soilders wearing knapsacks, and haversacks in a firefight I cringe. No officers would allow their men to commit suicide trying to load, and fire their muskets with these impediments on their backs. Especially if bayonet work was needed. They look cool, but was always left in a pile with the youngest, honest guy that would probably get killed if put into the battleline to guard them from each company. They did a good job finding a guy to portray Colonel Van Horn Ellis. Only thing missing was his salty sailors language from his many past careers as ship captain, lawyer, ect. Well done regardless ! 👏

[@ahmedsalam5919]

Why soldiers when attack they walk so slow?its not better run to attack enemy?because if you run they not have long time to load there gun

[@denisdegamon8224]

You would be exhausted. They would double time the last hundred yards or so. The tight formations increased control and fire power with their single shot rifled muskets.

[@davidbarton8012]

The 4th Michigan lost their colors in the Wheatfield though

[@ASE_Avenue]

Im texan and was curious of my state fighting in the was Tx

[@steveww1507]

some were at devils den

[@lisalovelylpa]

Ok I get the pride of the flag but wouldn’t it not be smarter to win the battle fist.and then hoist the darn flag !

[@kyledolbin259]

The flags were used as markers in a sense during battle. It is very hard to see sometimes in battle and being able to see your flag helps you know where to go.

[@googalacticgoo]

I thought the same. Sounds as ridiculous as gangbangers fighting and dying for colors represented by a bandana

[@willboyd4607]

Lee crossed the Potomac hoping for a tie, not a victory.........and he did not even get that.

[@alonsoalbertocatalanorrego8127]

Si con esta calidad recrearan asalto y toma del moorro de arica(55 minutos) seria un gran logro(chile)

[@rogerauger7766]

I am curious, does it sometimes devolve into opposite sides screaming at each other, "I killed you! No you didn't!" Sort of thing? I am serious. Does anyone have any info on it? Thanks.

[@russellmay7347]

Roger Auger I'm glad you asked the question !! I'm more of a modern /ww2 era re enactor tbh ! it does get interesting ... sometimes! normally an agreement is understood "ok ALLIED units victors this event ....as AXIS ; GERMAN troops ie had been Victors last event etc etc the PYROTECHNICS guys will have laid out CHARGES etc on the BTLFLD and SAFETY is PARAMOUNT !!!!! SO! large fmns (as on this clip ) need to watch WHERE manoeuvring flanking etc RED markers etc ok my own personal experience (other than Military service and lots of FLDEX LOL )IS some individuals make comments derogatory remarks !! and some younger Lad's IN NEED of extra Weapons handling SKILLS :SAFETY ....and Weapon familiarity (ie basics of types of weapon SMG /Rifle /LMG ...pistol etc ) NOT a skill CLEARLY learnt on 1 or 2 wkends!!!! (young BR AIRBORNE lad had ND with MP40 smg 9mm blank firer !!! sitting in PARA Jeep AWAITING entry onto BTLFLD !!! nothing visual was seen to be done by ANY of his PARA grp or SNCO etc !!) I gather some action was taken after BATTLE!!?? a very fit /KEEN young man ...that for some EXTRA trng and mentoring would be an ASSET to a GRP!!!! ALSO Individuals in teams and other groups WHO are the FACE of Younger members ref:to kit/EQPT etc when most likely £££s are scarce in his wallet and he is possibly checking out Various GRPS ERAs to see what is SUITABLE to the Individual ???!!!! MANY NEG comments on Living History and!!! .....young film makers too!!! from characters with little knowledge or even basic R E S P E C T!!! as an EX REG TA and ARMY cadet INSTRUCTOR (now 60 yrs and still being asked to PLEASE HELP out !!!!) I am very much impressed and inspired watching these WW2 and modern FILM shorts !! GOOD luck to all with that it can/DOES take a lifetime to learn SKILLS and experience with TRNG!! BUT a second of a SLAG OFF to destroy or criticise!!!! thus potential talent wasted!!!! hope the info helps you ROGER A and others!!????

[@googalacticgoo]

Like kids playing GI Joes. Haha 😄

[@carmenpaucar2492]

So sad

[@justinfenningsdorf3741]

Could not imagine fighting like that I would do small unit hitting

[@cptbillhead]

Only took 2 and half years for the hightailing bluebellies to figure out how to fight. Then they preferred to wage war against the Southern civilians... ( Very brave of them🙄)

[@buckhendrix]

What year was the footage taken?

[@LionHeartFilmWorks]

2008

[@charlesrorke2575]

1863

[@thelastaustralian7583]

The 'real' Americans lost the War to the foreign Bankers that still control America....

[@ronstreet6706]

@@thelastaustralian7583 the "real Americans" lost to the invading Europeans, after Columbus!

[@matthewfox3163]

At least I was able to see myself lol

[@MESARIDGEAPTS]

do they still do re enactments of civil war battles????

[@Azula9068]

Yes! I am in 9th Michigan Vol. Inf. and there are many other units! Check your area, if you're in the east or south of the U.S. You may find a unit! And they also do Civil War Reenactments in Europe!

[@cretene1]

@@Azula9068 WHY WHEN THEY RIP DOWN MOMOMENTS TO SOUTH??????

[@cretene1]

OR DO YOU GET WANKERS FROM NORTH TO PLAY CONFEDERATES?

[@googalacticgoo]

@@Azula9068 wow American history is amazing on the international stage. After all it was on brink of world war had France England joined. Mexico was fighting the French at the time so it would have been interesting of who would side with who as England also had sympathy for the South and its cotton interests

[@sjtom57]

I've heard July 2 at Gettysburg was the second bloodiest day of the war with Antietam being the bloodiest. More were killed on July 2 than the next day; Pickett's Charge.

[@gourabguharoy5431]

Highly realistic vedio. But it was outdated warfare for 1860 s.

[@youngkarim6879]

Did I see a Black Reb?

[@Cantz501]

you did there are black reb reenactors. I've meet one before.

[@johnnyroxx9551]

it's possible as free and slave fought on both sides

[@MichaelCasanovaMusic]

You have a few cases of black confederates in the navy, and more rarely the army. The CSA on the whole was opposed to freedmen serving in their military, and actually barred a couple attempts to form regiments. The only documented case of a unit serving in the CSA were a bunch of slaves forced at gunpoint to aid in the defence of Richmond near the end of the war. Most black people in the CSA military were brought along by their masters as servants (ranking officers) or were forced to do manual labour at gunpoint.

[@УланЖумалиев-к2ъ]

GOOD US ARMY GO VICTORY

[@Guerrillakalle]

at 3:18 is this a black confederate soldier i think this is not possible in the confederate army

[@patross60]

Good eyes, there is indeed a black face amongst the confederates. Wholly inaccurate. The 13 black soldiers who did enlist in the CSA did not do so until the last year of the war.

[@gettysburgbuff6320]

Maybe he is a civil war Reenactor who happens to be black.

[@ronaldwilliams7431]

See these documents. civilwartalk.com/attachments/charles-benger-confederate-discharge-jpg.52179/ scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23167951_369876520092258_3909419213698240665_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=8ae1c7bb1552576e37ed68b25f7305d0&oe=5B7486AC From The Nashville Daily Union, March 20,1863. (Nashville was the first Confederate capital occupied by the Federal Army,) This would be a Union newspaper,)

[@josephwolosz3205]

There were reports of officers black body servants who fought when their masters were incapacitated. Also blacks served as transfers on supply wagons on both sides.

[@JustinKing-ug3gz]

Guerrillakalle the southern armies were mixed armies. Most southwest units had Hispanics (Texas specifically) blacks though they didn't generally enlist did get conscripted though there were a few segregated units the majority were mixed race units. So while "rare" it's not impossible.

[@richardstone3473]

OK re enactors are that. Overweight, bespectacled, balding ,greying etc. To show what it was really like, about,1/3 of both sides were under 18 years old. The rest in their twenties commanded by generals mostly in their thirties.

[@docholiday1806]

richard stone you’ve clearly never heard of the senior reserves. There is a testimony of a white haired confederate who died at sharpsburg in 1862. Need for troops only grew into 1863.

[@richardstone3473]

@@docholiday1806 Now I have.And looked up some stuff straight away. Just shows how endlessly fascinating and important the ACW was. I will maintain though that they would be unlikely to be overweight and /or numerous.Exceptions of course occur . look up Jean Thurel. What a story!

[@denisdegamon8224]

The costs associated with each soldiers kit can be quite expensive. Not to mention the days off to attend these gatherings and the travel expenses. Most young folks don't have the means. There are a smaller percentage of younger reenactors out their....many father and son participants.

[@richardstone3473]

@@denisdegamon8224 I get that. What I am saying is that a distorted idea may be presented. I would not suggest that a confederate re-enactor goes anorexic for a month prior to a battle.

[@stevepowsinger733]

I didn’t know there was that much open-field combat on the second day. It looks like a Napoleonic battle. Of course, it doesn’t show the main events of the day. Understanding what was happening was hampered by huge clouds of smoke from rifles and cannons from that old black powder.

[@jaywinters2483]

How come nobody carried a rainbow flag then? Recon maybe they didn't believe in that crap?

[@torbendinesen7121]

😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@stevesanders8474]

More like “Wheatfield Defense”... tired of the Union perspective only. There were two sides on the field and the other one was victorious.

[@acolyteoffire4077]

yes but the victor is the one who writes history, the north won so the north got it's stories written

[@dsmonington]

victorious? I didn't know the Rebs won Gettysburg, TIL

[@williamcarter1993]

uh, the Confederates lost Gettysburg and the war

[@tradssalesone6334]

He's referring to the wheatfield. The confederates won that part of the battle.

[@tomcockburn653]

@@acolyteoffire4077 you mean the lies

[@timetraveler2405]

If only in that year our American Brothers helped us in our Uprising against Russia, instead of fighting one another, Russia would not be the threat to freedom it is today. 🇺🇸 🇵🇱

[@scallen3841]

What threat is Russia to our freedom

[@timetraveler2405]

@@scallen3841 To American freedom perhaps not, to Polish freedom most definitely.

[@scallen3841]

@@timetraveler2405 it's been that way since the wall.came down , the ussr occupied those countries they librated for a long time . And the us government let them .

[@mrd6869]

Who fights like this?😂....Im glad modern day militaries figured out how to take cover,when being shot at.Id be in a trench or in the woods shooting from behind trees.

[@spudwesth]

Cotton brought in 70 % of America's foreign income ; the Northern bangstirs and robber barons and railroad barons wanted that lucre so their political puppets assessed a 37 % and then a 50 % excise tax on foreign goods that the Southerners were bringing in on the returning ships which came for the cotton. The cost of living went way up in the South to pay the Federal government which stole their money , attacking the principle of free trade. The Blue soldiers knew not that they died so that the northern Bangstirs and barons could enrich themselves. The Grey soldiers paid twice , victims of injustice.

[@smizdeazy]

Spud Westhaver is this another attempt to explain the cause of the war without mentioning slavery? Northern barons eh. As per the 1860 census, there was more wealth in cotton and slave property than all of the industry and railroads combined in the north.

[@spartanwarrior1]

Victims of injustice? The rebs unbeknownst to them fought for planters. Period.

[@davemooreforcongress4113]

You are right, as it was called the Value Added Tax. A Southern planter was taxed for the shirts the raw cotton would make. Quite much written about Nullification from 1820-50. Slavery was but ONE issue and not the foremost. Most are unaware Lincoln offered the Cowan Amendment to all states in the South about 6 weeks prior to succession. They turned it down flat as taxation was more pressing. The planters were the oligarchs and slaves were used as strike breakers as well. The majority of Southerners wanted nothing to do with slavery.

[@nora22000]

@@davemooreforcongress4113 Poor Southern whites fought for the expansion of slavery and white supremacy against their better interests. They were told it was "state's rights" so they accepted that lie and fought bravely to dig their own financial graves.

[@tradssalesone6334]

Slavery was wrong, but so was wiping out whole indian villages. Neither side had the moral high ground. Those of you who look down your hypocritical noses at the south better look at yourselves in the mirror if you think the north was any better.

[@linzierogers6227]

The Civil war loss is still stuck in the craw of some southerners. One suspects could it be rearmed with the proper and most technologically modern weaponry it would like another try at "them Yankees."