Robert E. Lee on July 1 - Gettysburg Battle Walk with Ranger Matt Atkinson

Ranger Matt Atkinson leads a battle walk covering the decisions and controversies of Robert E. Lee on July 1, 1863.
Ranger Atkinson and the NPS hold the rights to the notes and lectures.

[@dougkidwell7142]

As a history major I know how dry it can be, but Matt Atkinson has the ability to make it very enjoyable.

[@dwightcrapson135]

Agreed. A fine balance of serious discussion and light hearted humor. He also pauses at times to let a statement sink in, rather like the timing of the best stand up comedians.

[@HUNTERCOPELR]

People should be excited about history! It’s our ancestors struggles that build us stronger in the future and shows us what their victories and mistakes if you will teach us how to make nothing but victories

[@Danjan1208]

IMO There is nothing dry about the battle of Gettysburg

[@analeelish5254]

@@dwightcrapson135 I

[@MrChappy39]

A little bit of sugar makes the medicine go down.

[@aarontataryn3623]

I never tire of listening to Ranger Matt's tours. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for posting them.

[@tombuzzguy]

Glad to see ranger Matt getting the popularity he deserves. He conveys his passion for the history in a way that is accessible and personable . Really enjoy all his videos keep me coming . Think I might have to make a trip to PA soon !

[@Spiritofthewild1969]

I just got back from Gettysburg Battlefield and saw Matt there. He is by far the best guide in the park. I got to little round top and heard his voice and knew that was Matt. What a incredible experience to see America history at its glory.

[@maryrochow3436]

Mr Matt is one of the best I've seen talking about history. I got my love of history from my father he's long since been gone the rest of soul he was over in Korea in 50s. Right now I'm unable to travel I don't have a traveling partner since my beloved husband has headed towards the rewards of eternal life. But I find myself watching more and more of Gettysburg and Mr Matt talking about the Battle I still hope one day to visit

[@jordanox2051]

36 year old white male and I watch all the Matt videos! Thank you for your great programs. I'm glad I'm an outlier on your average viewer 😄😂😄

[@DATDesign]

Love Ranger Matt. Been binging his vids lately. He knows his stuff, but makes it fun. Thanks for these!

[@davidhardwick3816]

He holds his audience's attention for a good two hours - longer considering the breaks. As someone who has done historical interpretation and spoken to large groups for extended periods of time, I have to say I'm impressed. I have visited Gettysburg several times and studied this battle for years, and I have learned a lot from every one of Mr. Atkinson's tour/lectures. Bravo!

[@woodycarlile4730]

Thank you for making the videos. I have been there before to see the park but due to disability can no longer trace that far. Your videos with Ranger Matt A., allow me to continue to enjoy the park with the filmed battle walks.

[@DeePsix501]

Thanks for helping me take a battlefield tour while sheltering in place

[@paulstan9828]

Love listening to Matt Atkinson’s lectures. It’s learning entertaining and a little of a comedy club atmosphere. He’s the best.😁

[@fireman19841]

You Good Sir...are awesome! LOVE THESE VIDEOS and of course Matt doing the battle walks.

[@The_PaleHorseman]

Stuff writer, I have a heart condition, I'm 34, i served in both the Navy and then army for 6 years and deployed over seas, I always wanted to come to Gettysburg but for the last two years been sick, thanks to yours and Mr. Atkinson's videos, I can keep up so I do appreciate these so so so so much! I still hope I can come this coming summer! Hopefully I can meet you all finally!

[@nonamesplease1540]

Matt is very likable and I have enjoyed several of his Gettysburg Battlefield tours on KZbin. I am looking forward to going in person.., as ‘things’ eventually return to normal.🇺🇸☮️🍻🌞

[@trevornewman2147]

I would suggest at least one week, there is just too much to take in even say two days. I was there in 2016 on a guided civil war tour from England and just at Gettysburg for one morning,got see only a few areas of the battle field

[@markmccarty1275]

@@trevornewman2147 agree. To see it the right way plan to spend at least a few days and do some research beforehand. And taking a tour like this is always a treat.

[@calob3927]

This dude is a legend! Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@cherylhagler8500]

Matt you are awesome! I love your tours and your sense of humor is hilarious! Thank-you for increasing my knowledge about this important battle and keep up your wonderful and knowledgeable tours! You do history and all the players proud! I hope one day to meet you and attend one of your informative tours!

[@tomservo5347]

Great vids StuffWriter and Matt! I'll help your demographic dimensions by being a 40 year old white male from a border state. It wasn't just Longstreet with the 'rope-a-dope' strategy-Stonewall Jackson repeatedly advocated adopting a defensive strategy because he knew how near impossible well built earthworks were to crack with the increased range of the rifle and had grave misgivings about Lee's first invasion culminating with Antietam. I read an interesting article in some military history rag that stated Lee shortened the war more than any Union general with his aggressive mindset that drained manpower. I understand that Lee sought the complete destruction of the Army of the Potomac but coming close didn't cut it. Keep the videos coming! This Missouri Unionist in James Country loves 'em!

[@honestabe2726]

This guy is hilarious. Props to camera man! Really enjoyed the vid!

[@cambizkhosravi]

This Ranger is the greatest! I’ve now looked at 4 videos of his and I’m so sorry I’ll never be able to attend one of his walks. But he deserves his retirement.

[@stevepoland1406]

God Bless Matt Atkinson! He makes learning about the battle so much more enjoyable. Hopefully I can meet him in 2024.

[@stevenmay2937]

the best

[@andrewbarlow8937]

Ranger Matt does a very good job ! Please give him a raise, promotion, paid vacation, company car and a generous Bonus ! 😇

[@hoozurmama883]

I've watched several of these with Ranger Matt now. Love him! I'm visiting Gettysburg in July and hope he is around.

[@zettle2345]

Thank You for posting another video. Matt and Stuffwriter, Thank you for keeping History alive,or as our neighbors to the North would say "Lest we forget".

[@robertzelin158]

200% dittos keep them coming thanks again the both of you

[@scotthettrich5078]

We need to clone Ranger Matt- he has the unique ability to make history interesting.

[@Sheilamarie2]

This female loves Civil War history!!! Thanks Matt!

[@texashiker3755]

Always love listening to these tours and the Gettysburg battlefield.

[@terryeustice5399]

Matt is a great guide and very good at making you picture the situation that the Armies of Lee and the Army of the Potomac. Thank you for sharing # Just great

[@Alex-ej4wm]

I plan on going to Gettysburg in the future and I hope I can get this guy as a guide.

[@kingsethos5108]

I have got to visit again one day and I sure hope Mr. Atkinson is still doing these tours.

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

Love how Matt involves the kids for some living history learning. They probably took in more info than just listening. Great stuff, great presenter.

[@jacquievanlaere1805]

Matt Atkinson

[@johnvannoate7784]

I've always thought that people from Mississippi were the best storytellers. Matt Akinson proves my point,.

[@mellowgary156]

Faulkner was one of the best!

[@TheMeatCutter]

@StuffWriter, Next time you meet up, please share with Ranger Matt that I am only 25 and in love with his videos! Thanks for taking YOUR time to record and upload these!!! IN LOVE WITH THIS CHANNEL! :)

[@TAkridge]

I'm 28 and enjoy how Matt presents every lecture. He is the one I always get excited for.

[@TheMeatCutter]

@@TAkridge I am the same! Glad to see there are other Matt nerrds out there!

[@GAFarms]

Matt, you and your fellow Rangers do a great job with your lectures and tours. Very informative for us who cant make it to Gettysburg yet, thank you so very much. I truly enjoy your videos!!!

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

All of the Rangers are GREAT and each bring their own flair to their WALKS. Matt has been a "cut" above the rest. Way to Go Matt, you ARE the GOAT of Park Rangers!!!

[@SeattleRex]

Matt is my favorite ranger on the planet.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

Enjoy your WELL EARNED retirement, we WILL miss YOU!!! You set the bar really high!

[@raymondhummel5211]

Wonderful talk, thank you for sharing your well research information. One of my favorite spots was when they stopped at General Lee's headquarters building. and of course the unique humor of the ranger! So great!

[@stevenmay2937]

Matt is the best...... The GOAT of rangers......

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

Matt i am also not your demographic but you are my favorite ranger. Your humor brings relief to what can be dry facts but more so to the tragedy & horror of what took place there so long ago. Having actually been to Gettysburg that ground oozes sorrow and horror

[@InLawsAttic]

Appreciate keeping our history true and for posting. Thanks !

[@The_PaleHorseman]

I hope you all do some more videos this summer. Would be nice to see you two back.

[@brianjohnston413]

Favorite ranger

[@davidnikoloff3211]

Their are some very good people who have conducted the battle walks over the years. If you want more you can check out the Pennsylvania Public Television website. WITF in Harrisburg. For a fee you can get access to their library of battlewalks.

[@williamhager1872]

Excellent presentation! I learned much about Gen. Lee and the decisions he made at Gettysburg.

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

Image thousands of military men swarming through your town, outside your window, down your street having just fought an engagement and about to reorganize to continue the hostilities. It is epic and amazing.

[@sofly7634]

@Unappreciated Where ya been? Just happened in Portland

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

@@sofly7634 ???

[@stephencalcutt8396]

Have read lots of material about Gettysburg but these tour guide videos really do add something for understanding the tactics and dealing with the what ifs.

[@herodotus7]

Hope you can keep this up StuffWriter. Thank you! Never been to Gettysburg yet.

[@seanbrown3338]

Excellent presentation. Really enjoyed it!

[@devinrobinson9597]

Ranger Matt Atkinson is a f****** legend.

[@hellcat8137]

I love Matt!! Have more videos with him. Loved his Nathan Bedford Forrest lecture!

[@marymoriarity2555]

V J me. I had heard the name but really knew nothing about the man. It was a good lecture. Schools today barely teach any history out of fear it’s not politically correct

[@stevenmay2937]

matt is the best ever.

[@WildManMedia]

Matt is the best ! The ranger with the red beard is good too . Actually Angie has some good battlefield walks as well

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

Matt Atkinson is very entertaining.

[@marshja56]

Impressive how Ranger Atkinson went one level deeper than most historians concerning Lee’s supposed use of the word “practicable” in his order to take Cemetery Hill.

[@tanesha41]

I love the fact that there is an old a smart man in the crowd who has to answer every question

[@dervolkstribun6240]

Matt Atkinson is an icon in my eyes. Next year I ll come over from Germany to join his talks and talks. Deo vindice Long live the confederacy!

[@marymoriarity2555]

Der Volkstribun only foreigners would say such s foolish thing

[@davidlinehat4657]

LoL, you were right until that last sentence. Matt is a national treasure. The Confederacy were traitors and deserved worse than they got

[@dervolkstribun6240]

@@marymoriarity2555 ,yes, its my privelegde. So yours, as an american citizen, may be: Hitler was cool. Wich is foolish as well. And besides foolish, were there not staates in the north, wich treatend with sezession long before 1861? But anyway, long live the condederacy was ment to be provocative. and, in beeing so, cause reactions. I am deeply interested in history and history in beeing. So if this statement is foolish, what it is, because society has changed a lot since then, I am stunned about a BLM movement. Because the civil rights are for all races, wich is reality today. Are there any simularities in the american society to those reasons, wich caused the civil war.

[@raybazzolo2346]

Ranger Matt Rocks!!!!

[@tombuchmann8248]

It's amazing how these rangers are so personable. After years of watching these videos, we feel we know them by their first names. Y'all can come down to the Carolina coast for coffee and a chat anytime.

[@laurapearson8208]

Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. The war is over. Let's learn from our mistakes. For such a horrible and devastating part of our history, I'm glad to see Matt adding a small amount of comical attributes to his narratives. It's not disrespecting these brave men; it's just making the past a little easier to swallow.

[@josiahquincy2744]

Marvelous observation Great work

[@jamestownvirginia8463]

Fredericksburg, cold harbor, total debacles for the Union army. It was a total mistake to invade the north! Lee could have kept the union out of Virginia but he was stretched and he knew it. Being a native Virginian and in Stafford county it for sure still lives here. We need to learn from history hopefully never to repeat it! Thank you for posting this, it will be used in the classroom.

[@mlesmar]

“You can’t beat that with an iron fork”. That whole Gen Lee moment is the best! 👍😁

[@keithhuotari2571]

I thoroughly enjoy Matt's walks. I want to learn on any tour I take, but I also want to be entertained. Make it fun, and Matt does that. Garry Adelman and Tim Smith are awesome at that, also. I can read the data anywhere. Boiling it down into simple components, while tossing in a barb here or there is exactly what I want.

[@marymoriarity2555]

The war is over. I can read data anywhere about the battles. Mr Matt Atkinson’s tours combine data with humor. He obviously knows the area history. Yes The union troops almost list after day I. Had Lee pursued the battles harder right then he ending would’ve been different.

[@marymoriarity2555]

Rangers are all superb. I like the mixture of fact and humor. He engagaed all ages in the group.

[@RaDHeyward]

This is how Robert E Lee should be remembered by those who know and have studied him: - "One of the Supremely gifted men produced by this nation" (President Dwight Eisenhower) - "One of the noblest Americans who ever lived" (Winston Churchill)

[@neilhillis9858]

Allowed the kidnap, traffic, and enslavement of some 1500 free blacks during his invasions of the north. Just because a great man said something, that doesn't make it true/right.

[@willoutlaw4971]

Neither Eisenhower or Churchill knew Robert E. Lee nor did they serve with him or any of his commanders. Their praise of him is more myth and wishful thinking. Lee was roundly criticized by Confederates after his defeat at Gettysburg. The critics were timely witnesses to Lees incompetence. The myth of Lee being a "great" general has been perpetrated and perpetuated by The United Daughters of the Confederacy and " historians" like Shelby Foote and Matt Atkinson. Please know, there is a quantum degree of difference between story tellers like Foote and Atkinson and credible historians.

[@opensecret4451]

RIGHT - Too many of these know nothing comments - Blind to the OBVIOUS that Gettysburg like much of the war was serendipitous

[@willoutlaw4971]

Obviously Eisenhower and Churchill were not the best judges of character. Ike picked the disgraced Richard M. Nixon as his running mate. Nixon resigned his own presidency in total disgrace. Over 40 people in Nixon's administration, including his Attorney General, John Mitchell, went to prison. We are confident that if we pulled back the sheets on Churchill we would find some major character flaws there as well.

[@sofly7634]

@Robert Read book Reading the Man. The people you quote have racist proclivities

[@davidnikoloff3211]

I think Meade and the Army of the Potomac had something to do with the South and Lee losing the battle.

[@michaelpaulpadillamdacgrou7904]

That was a great point, about Lee not knowing what we know! Think on Longstreet, and the way to the right, Lee had know way of know what lay back down the road towards Washington. A fatal knockout blow against the Union was almost an impossibility, due to their capabilities of their men and materials! Lee knew his option were limited !

[@christopherquinn5899]

True that there don't appear to have been decisive victories where armies were destroyed but I don't think that was due to the weaponry. Rather, I think that it was due to a lack of good battlefield cavalry that could charge and exploit successes gained by infantry attacks, and a lack of good light cavalry that could pursue a routing enemy and drive them to ruin. I hope to be able to visit Gettysburg from the UK some day. Looks like I won't be able to see Matt Atkinson though.

[@stevenmay2937]

matt rules !!!!!

[@uglysob]

Matt is top shelf!

[@RockChalk263]

I really enjoy how Matt Atkinson presents history (i've seen 3-4 of his ranger walks on KZbin now) My only complaint and gripe is he does tend to present the confederate side in a much more sympathetic light than they deserve. Even so, I realize there is room for disagreement and I admire and respect Ranger Matt's knowledge and skill in the art of storycraft.

[@natedog1619]

I sympathize with the south more now than I ever have in my nearly three decades. People are so politically correct now it’s ruining history.

[@lespangen]

Agreed

[@michaelvaughn8864]

My cousin, Chrissy, who lives not far off in York, was on 1 of these Gettysburg NPS tours with Ranger Atkinson. It was the Devil's Den one back in June of '14. I saw her with the group when it was posted on KZbin

[@IIVVBlues]

The stories of Gettysburg are compelling and almost addictive, but there is also an underlying and profound tragic sadness to them. I wonder how different the retrospective of the stories would be if able to be told by those who fell instead of by those who survived.

[@marymoriarity2555]

Even the survivors only saw small portions of the battlefields. Those in command had widely differing views AFTER the battle. Gettysburg as you said was tragic. Why didn’t Theconfederates do this or that? Why didn’t Meade Pursue Lees retreat?? all good questions now.

[@marymoriarity2555]

The traffic mouse in Gettysburg is phenomenal. Obviously that interrupts tours. The rangers do a great job with groups.

[@sylviavasquez9523]

Love Matt!

[@snake316171]

I liked that Brewery there too, enjoyed the beer and food before leaving there town.

[@jrjohnryanjr]

Robert E Lee saved the USA when he ordered Pickett's charge

[@tylerjerabek5204]

jrjohnryanjr meh, Lee’s scout losing the order allowed McClellan to get north resulting in Antietam Grant keeping up the pressure in the Wilderness- all 3 campaigns saved it

[@jrjohnryanjr]

Tyler Jerabek it was the defeat at Gettysburg that marked the high water mark of the rebellion After that the North was invigorated , the South was emotionally bartered Lee's great slavery raid in the North was over, he captured 1000 blacks and marched them south to be sold

[@calob3927]

Crazy that R E Lee had as much success as he did considering the sheer number, size and resources the union army and Generals had against him and he lost his best general in Stonewall Jackson.

[@gregorylittle1461]

In his book "More Terrible Than Victory," a regimental history of the North Carolina 11th Infantry Regiment, Craig S. Chapman describes how Col. Collette Leventhorpe, a physician himself, interrogated a doctor taken prisoner by his men. Maj. Gen. Henry Heth had sent them to find shoes. After jawboning a little about their in-common profession, the doctor tells Leventhorpe there are several thousand Yankees nearby. This surprised Leventhorpe. A Confederate spy confirmed this. Leventhorpe informed his superior Brig. Gen. Pettigrew who then informed Heth. Heth had never worked with Pettigrew, arguably one of the most intelligent officers in the Confederacy, and treated the information with little concern, as did A.P. Hill when told by Heth. At that point Pettigrew implored both generals to act immediately; that the enemy was not in Maryland, but only a few miles away. Heth cut him off. Then Hill gave Heth permission to hunt for shoes, as Matt Atkinson relates. It seems that Harry Heth and the South paid a dear price for what seems pure Virginian arrogance towards North Carolina.

[@carywest9256]

Nawth Carolina furnished more troops than any other State that sided with the South.

[@gregorylittle1461]

@@carywest9256 AMEN!😀

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

Good to see that free speech 🎤 still flows in the comment section. That’s exactly one ☝🏾 of the things that makes America 🇺🇸 Great . Your allowed to have and speak your own opinion👍🏾 Anyway else is disrespectful to every service man that’s given his life in defense of this country .In this idiots humble opinion 😊

[@jakecooley4567]

Gettysburg was all time and place. So many forces within a general area that had decent land for strategic positioning.

[@frankmarano7530]

Matt is a seasoned presenter, I really appreciate his style of facilitating. He knows his stuff. I just wish he would use the word farther, instead of further, when he is talking about physical distances.

[@natedog1619]

If that’s all you have to complain about he must be doing pretty well! He’s my favorite park ranger of all time

[@danmathers141]

I love this guy!

[@glue4131]

Matt - a legend

[@The_PaleHorseman]

Also I wish I could ask Mr. Atkinson, but I'm trying to find info on the 59th OVI, my great great grandfather was with the 59th Ohio Volunteer infantry. Then my 5th great grandfather was with Truby's Rangers in the Revolution, he was a LT.

[@carytodd7211]

Ranger Matt is a rockstar.

[@sierrahun1]

50:24 Very valid question. would have appreciated a detailed answer because that seems to abandon the whole idea behind why choosing Gettysburg for concentrating.

[@sierrahun1]

I think Matt hinted that he thinks it might have been intentional. It looks like Matt thinks Lee wanted to hide Longstreet's corps behind the mountains for the first day of the battle.

[@bryanfields5563]

With a Hessler cameo appearance!

[@DiggieFL]

Is there a recommended map to follow along with the tour, a guy on tour had one but couldn't see the map name.

[@robertwalsh4397]

llano map book is a great tool when touring the field ! Phillip llano

[@phyllisweinrich4187]

This whole series needs the volume turned up. I have everything of mine on 100% and can hardly hear it. Please help as you have a good product.

[@marymoriarity2555]

They’re outside so you have wind mouse plus traffic weird ppl talking in group

[@tylerjerabek5204]

Phyllis Weinrich Look at the Gettysburg Park Service page, those were filmed professionally and are very good- look for Ranger Programs

[@The_PaleHorseman]

Stuff writer I have a small favor to ask of you, can you point me in the direction to where I can find out where the 59th OVI was on day 2 of Shiloh? My great great grandfather was there and wounded that day. Didn't know if you knew where I could find it. Been trying.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Have you looked in the Official Records? Does the 59th have a regimental history? Funny thing, I have the "Campaigns of the Civil War series of books, and the Fort Henry to Corinth index of units skips from the Ohio 58th to the 63rd without mentioning the 59th. You may already have this info, but according to the "Opposing forces at Shiloh" (Battles & Leaders, Vol. 1 pg. 538) the 59th OH served in Buell's Army of the Ohio, William Nelson's 4th Division, Gen. Jeremiah T. Boyle's 11th Bgd under Col. Wm. P. Fyffe. They must have been in a (or some) pretty hot spot(s) as brigade losses are given as k33, w212 m18; as far as I can tell from my reading is they were set up on Mon. AM on the left between Chambers and Clouds Fields along with the 9 and 13 KY and 19 OH.

[@The_PaleHorseman]

@@indy_go_blue6048 so first off thank you so much, from your information, I was able to obtain a map of Day 2 and found out where they were. They were just north of the bloody pond. Not far from the previous days battle at the hornets nest. I found out one of the 33 the died that day was my great Uncle Jacob Altman. My great great grandfather was shot through the hip that same day but some how survived it. Was taken back to Louisville KY to heal then linked back up with the unit in Tennessee.

[@martindonohoe7452]

I want to go to Gettysburg im hooked here in London. Spring im there

[@trevornewman2147]

I have been there on a tour of Norther battle fields (Ledger) but to really understand all of the Gettysburg you need to be there for at least a week to take it all in.

[@martindonohoe7452]

Trevor Newman i.ll spend a week thanks man !

[@donniedarko444]

Most entertaining Ranger ever. They are all great, but Ranger Matt's humor makes his tours all the more engaging.

[@marymoriarity2555]

Donald Shores I totally agree

[@edpool5601]

This is very good

[@kevinpiacente3456]

Yes if they weren't also fighting at vicksburg. The south didn't have the numbers to fight two theaters

[@willoutlaw4971]

General Grant had three Confederate armies surrender to him. 1. Fort Donelson, Feb. 1862 2. Vicksburg, July 1863 3. Appomattox April 1865 No Union army ever surrendered to Lee. Lee surrendered to Grant in 1865. So tell us: Who was the better general?

[@genenoud9048]

General Thomas

[@fawkeeenset]

Your Mom

[@Heritage_Not_Hate]

Grant was corrupt, a drunk and murdered innocent civilians.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Lee

[@stevetrimborn3739]

General Dees excelled

[@davidspencer6384]

Why was it a "fateful decision" to place Johnson ahead of Longstreet?

[@johnfranklin1955]

Do the rangers live on the grounds of Gettysburg?

[@aaronpatalune4363]

Matt at his finest.

[@elifield7149]

Lincoln was never going to negotiate. He would have rather lost the war than submit to rebels. Negotiations were futile regardless of what Lee was doing up North.

[@paparude7724]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE RANGER MATT!!!!!!!

[@thecivilwardude5852]

I swore I just heard a cannon go off! 3:23 Sounded like a cannon firing. Listen very closely.