The Wheatfield: A Gettysburg Battle Walk - Ranger John Hoptak

[@trajancanada]

When someone loves history, and reads on it, and has a talent for public speaking and explaining --- this happens. This man found his calling. Cheers.

[@Kunfucious577]

Absolutely. I got lucky in high school when i got a passionate history teacher. He got me to love history my whole life.

[@boondocksaint621]

This guy is great, just an excellent grasp on the situation.

[@mfs2778]

Absolutely. Wish I had that the sense and foresight early on, to go after such a challenging and HONEST vision of American history.. I hope Howard Zinn and his ilk ROT in HELL

[@N_g_er]

@@Kunfucious577don't be gay

[@Steve-wb1rp]

This man is a great communicator and storyteller. He puts his emotions into every phrase so you feel what they felt on that horrific day.

[@tyronebailey52]

One of the finest presentations I've witnessed in years...this guy is a true professional and really loves his job...Thank you for bringing history to life again.

[@battmann678]

Probably the finest presentation I've seen in this series. This place breaks my heart, and yet I cannot look away.

[@y00h0011]

That was most outstanding, Ranger Hoptak. Presentation delivered with conviction. I will watch this again!

[@scotttyson7970]

Excellent storytelling man .And he ha remembered every bit of the Battle

[@870Rem12gauge]

These tour guides know their stuff. A pleasure to hear them.

[@alejandrojimenez4169]

Gavin are you born in the 1600s because of your profile

[@JimJonesKoolaid]

@@alejandrojimenez4169 i didnt know Clint Eastwood was from the 1600s...

[@ryanmcswain1143]

Their job is to know that stuff

[@natedog1619]

@@ryanmcswain1143 - Presenting this amount of Gettysburg specific information and being able to talk about it endlessly for hours on end to a group of people from an ADHD ridden society who likely have no outside knowledge of the topic is an extremely difficult skill set to master. Most don’t make the cut

[@benjaminpendleton7797]

I spent a lot of time with the Rangers at Antietam. They are amazing.

[@karenvecchio2229]

My ancestor Samuel Shaw died in this wheatfield. my 3 great Grandfather was wounded in the leg at the Battle of Wilderness, recovered & fought in the little round top. His name was Edward Shaw. He survived the war.

[@carolhindley7942]

An absolutely superb presentation! I have a much clearer understanding of what transpired that late afternoon and early evening of July 2. Thank you Ranger John Hoptak!

[@jonfouracre1254]

This guy is a pleasure to watch - very informative - I'm from the UK but hope to get over and visit the battlefield very soon. Love the way he gets all the folks involved.

[@eastofthemississippi968]

That's awesome.

[@insertnamehere5146]

on i am also in the UK. did you ever get to this battlefield? if so is it a expensive experience? Thanks

[@jonfouracre1254]

@@insertnamehere5146 Hi - not made it yet - and its obviously very problematic at the moment - but its still on my to do/bucket list. Can you recomend a good tour, I'd love to do a tour re day 2 of the fighting - the Wheatfield and Peach Orchard!

[@counciousstream]

I've been to Gettysburg 4 times and have done multiple tours on my own and with guides. I highly recommend paying for a guide as having someone with greater knowledge explain the battle as it happened just as Ranger John does. One great thing about this park is that you can walk through the woods from Devils Den to the Wheatfield just as Anderson's Brigade did. Climb Little Round Top and find the rifle positions along the base of Big Round Top. If you are up for it you can climb the same route that the Confederates did as they attacked Culp's Hill and you can walk from the Virginia Memorial on Seminary Ridge to the Pennsylvania Memorial on Cemetery Ridge just as Pickett's troops did. It can be rigorous and in some places dangerous if you are not physically up for it and dressed appropriately. Just keep in mind that this national treasure is for everyone to enjoy for the next 150 years. Don't carve your name in a tree or hammer it into a rock, leave everything as it is. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

[@df5295]

What amazed me was it seemed like people still lived on the farms on the battlefield. It seemed like it was private property. Do you know if that's true?

[@indy_go_blue6048]

@@df5295 GNBP consists of about 20 sq miles. Not all of the complete battle is a part of the park. Many parts are still privately owned but the park owns the most meaningful parts.

[@npdcpa]

Another fantastic Ranger presentation. The Rangers are the best ambassadors of our National Parks.

[@benjaminpendleton7797]

This Ranger not only knows Gettysburg, I saw him as a Ranger at Antietam as well. He wrote a book on the Battle of South Mountain. An extremely knowledgeable, impressive, engaging historian.

[@SnapSuplexSeanVA]

These are AWESOME videos guys. Keep em coming! Thanks for posting.

[@yannschonfeld5847]

N.P.S. guide, John Hoptak gives a very Professional and captivating description of those events. Thank you.

[@_Acameraandthesomme]

Absolutely captivating, in amongst all the chaos of the Wheatfield, Mr Hoptak gives us a fantastic understanding of what went on back in 1863. You Rangers do a fantastic job John truly appreciated by people like me who will probably never get the chance to visit ourselves, thank you.

[@decimated550]

do you notice...he does not even refer to notes. all in his head. wow

[@steed3902]

after watching Ranger Matt's video about little round top...i can appreciate this video so much more! Great presentation Ranger John! :-)

[@susiepittman601]

this man is really good at his job. I felt like I was there. Thanks so much.

[@tomr1630]

My great great grandfather fought with the 8th New Jersey in the wheatfield. Where would I find an after action report or something along those lines? Good job on the battlefield walk video. I'd love to take that walk if I ever get back there.

[@meljen8592]

Pleasure to watch, mr hoptak knows his stuff👍

[@Westcoastjazzer]

Wonderful story teller! None of this made sense to me in the beginning but he ties everything together and it makes sense at the end. I will be there in April and hope to do one of this mans tours.

[@sdingeswho]

Best discussion of The Wheatfield I have seen! One always hears about The Wheatfield, but even Ken Burns sort of went around it (was mainly focusing on the nearby Peach Orchard), but this engagement (which admittedly was set-up by Sickles’ precipitous move into the orchard) absolutely defines the phrase “fog of war”! What a cluster ___ 😮! Second Day of Gettysburg is IT! The south end of the battlefield, the attempts to flank the Army of the Potomac on its left, and the ensuing chaos … THAT’S what I would want to tramp-over, if I ever made it to G-Burg! Major respect to our Ranger, for keeping all those details in his head of one of the most complex and confused actions of the war that I’ve yet heard of 🥇!

[@westvapaul]

Excellent presentation! An expert on what he is saying and his passion arises from his thorough understanding while he paints a picture for your mind’s eye! A great way to get children involved too, Kudos to an excellent, passionate Ranger!

[@gettysburgerrn]

Well done!! Excellent presentation my Mr. Hoptak....A great description of some of the most confusing fighting at Gettysburg...Thank you for posting

[@shannonhamrick6668]

hi Ken!!

[@ctham5316]

Well done Ranger Hoptak! Next best thing to being there are these battle walk videos! Please keep them coming!

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

Amazing battlewalk. Heartfelt & convincing. John Hoptak is an excellent guide & teacher

[@Rogijimbex]

John Hoptak is one of the best battlefield presenters I've listened to. Not only does he have superb command of the material - he also presents it in a really understandable way. Just great!

[@Colm2243]

Great presentation! John makes sense of the sometimes chaotic maneuvering and fighting that occurred that day.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Mr. Hoptak is my second favorite presenter in these NPS videos. Matt is #1 for his humor, but John is knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. I like that.

[@davidbowman4259]

Matt jokes too much.

[@ekim0513]

This is fantastic. Thanks for videoing this for those of us who want to go to Gettysburg, but not sure if they will ever make it. And kudos to the Park Ranger who is exceptional at his job.

[@normamassey1000]

What a fantastic battle walk. John Hoptak really draws you into the action and puts it all together so well.

[@mikehaye5527]

Catching up on our history - that was amazing - thank you for your energy and expertise!

[@bcask61]

I really like Rgr. Hoptak’s walks. He has a great way of explaining things and has a firm grasp on the material. I enjoy all of his programs.

[@tsf5-productions]

As stated before from me (I think) - There were MANY different men to lead their men to various places and engage in battles. Yes...the whole Civil War, literally, had rough grounds that made the years really hard on these soldiers. Clothing - from head to toes and all the belongings they were allowed to carry was something! Like the modern day soldiers of militaries throughout the world, the men, young and old that qualified to fight, had real stress on them. Imagen the conflicts! Decisions, that to live...or die...were paramount on their spirits. Most men knew the Lord...knew that their time was at hand. What a "feeling"! Nice, as said before, to involve the visitors on the tours. Means something to them...especially the young ones that, we, as older citizens of the U.S., have an impact on these kids. Very well explained, Ranger John! You, and the fellow NPR employees love and keep yourselves educated.

[@CrazySC833]

One day I hope in retirement to become a battlefield guide. John Hoptak is EXCEPTIONAL!

[@mrdddeeezzzweldor5039]

A very powerful and poignant presentation by this Ranger. The battle came into my living room!

[@donkeylong7707]

My great great grandfather was in Brooke’s unit in the 53rd Pennsylvania … Cpl. George Washington Carpenter Jr , .. papa I don’t know how you survived the wheat field and rose woods but thank the good lord you did because if you hadn’t I wouldn’t be here. Thank you for your galant service papa… love you ☺️

[@jpeez12345]

I just attended a battlefield walk with John Hoptak on Seminary Ridge and McPeherson's Farm. He was excellent. If going to Gettysburg, try to get on one of his ranger talks.

[@williamzambrano7635]

Did anyone else notice the white myst or white apparition at time stamp 31:44 between the park ranger and the tree directly to the left of him. I rewind it so many times and I don’t see anyone smoking. Please somebody, anybody look at time stamp 31:40-31:45 between the park ranger and the tree directly to the left of him, can’t miss it, it will blow your mind. Please reply if anyone else sees what I saw, thank you. Park ranger tour did you guys see it? Wow just wow

[@gregbychich4376]

I definitely saw it to thanks for pointing it out it looks almost like a person trying to form

[@6thmichcav262]

The man directly behind the ranger is smoking.

[@BennyDawkins]

Thank you so much for posting this! Very, very well done!

[@needmorecowbell6460]

5 of my relatives … a father and four sons fought in that wheat 🌾 field in the 53rd Penn. Vol. Inf. Co.I

[@owenmccullagh3462]

At the end the emotions for the injured and dead were getting him. Thanks for caring

[@jackpine62]

I'm currently reading Stephen Sears' "Gettysburg" and just finished this section of the book. Wished I'd seen it earlier since to help visualize the location as I read (and it's a great book, by the way). These rangers and guides are so knowledgeable and skilled at telling the story. I'm always impressed!

[@michaelborek378]

Wow what a presentation!! Thank you

[@alysonbiscamp4702]

WOW… awesome story telling …great job !

[@paulelliott3220]

Very interesting indeed I went to Gettysburg and it was fascinating, and the Wheatfield an absolutely chilling place The Rangers have a superb knowledge and these tours are truly excellent

[@BilgePump]

Very good presentation. Historical and very well researched.

[@OdinNjord]

What a very visual park ranger! One of the best I've seen. Job well done!

[@wanderdworld]

That was very good. I enjoyed that. And well done to you also Mr Camera Man:)

[@jeff2178]

I wish all the National Battlefields would record their battle walks...

[@bcask61]

I doubt there is a battlefield anywhere in the world that has been preserved as well as Gettysburg. You can immerse yourself in the history and it is very moving. I live about three hrs drive and visit often.

[@nicksivds]

Gettysburg is wonderful. It is not preserved very well though. I have been there 3 times and loved it! Shiloh is a well preserved battlefield. Antietam is very nice as well

[@crazycarlsju]

Fantastic tour!! Thanks for sharing these.

[@deborahchapman9777]

I loved this virtual trip. Thank you.

[@jurgent5755]

Awesome videos. More plz. Should go to sleep, but I have to play some Scourge of War: Gettysburg after seeing these.

[@jurgent5755]

u serious? I played a lot of empire: total war, including the excellent civil war mod. However much I like the TW series, the battles always feel generic and like small scale skirmishes, as a battle system just supporting the turn-based campaign game. I love the feel of the Take Command games, where a battle builds up slowly, roads and other terrain are much more important than in TW, there are no overpowered heroic units and battles are long enough that it actually makes sense to regroup, rest and keep a sizable reserve. In all of those ways TC battles are way more realistic and deep. Visuals and user interface design could be a lot better in the TC games though.

[@TheWarStoreMan]

This is a place you have to see and feel to understand. I remember reading the history of the Wheatfield as a youngster and not understanding how men could keep charging, keep fighting back and forth so savagely for this little piece of ground. I could not understand it, and the Wheatfield became my least favorite part of history to read about. Until I went there. When you go you experience how this little field surrounded by woods and higher ground feels so isolated from the rest of the Battlefield. I got the fleeting sense of how this piece of earth, for the space of an afternoon, could become the most important place on earth. Indeed the only place, and holding it a matter of the deepest honor, worthy of a death struggle. Amazing. There are places on that battlefield that have to be seen to be understood.

[@kevinboothgospelministries]

John is one of the best! Passionate about what he does! And a very good friend

[@walterforsyth1414]

awesome...brought this battle to life and cleared up many questions..should be a book.

[@thomaswhitmore2571]

EXCELLANT presentation

[@davidbowman4259]

This fellow is my favorite Gettysburg guide.

[@adirondackbushcraft5496]

Excellent lecture and tour.

[@billhowes5871]

Very few people know that "Elongated Drive" was General LongStreet's name before having it legally changed. -Bill Howes, Civil War Historian.

[@vivians9392]

Who has a strange name as elongated drive? ( two words?). Longstreet sounds proper, and I think is the original name.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

@@vivians9392 Truly some people have no sense of humor or appreciation of the absurd. Bill even capped two letters in the name as a clue for the clueless.

[@rebelsoul5980]

@@indy_go_blue6048 haha internet humor can be tough sometimes, I'm headed to Gettysburg this 4th of July weekend(2021) can't wait!!❌

[@davidbowman4259]

@@indy_go_blue6048 It was a bad joke to start with.

[@natedog1619]

Presenting this amount of Gettysburg specific information and being able to talk about it endlessly for hours on end to a group of people from an ADHD ridden society who likely have no outside knowledge of the topic is an extremely difficult skill set to master. Most don’t make the cut

[@indy_go_blue6048]

You underestimate the intelligence and interest of a large portion of the American and even world public. Many of the visitors have even read numerous books 🤓 on the subject.

[@ARichardP]

Excellent presentation. Makes me want to go back for a third visit.

[@10ecjohn64]

First class all the way! Thank you!

[@brunoch95]

Amazing job Ranger!

[@po2313]

A very impressive historian and guide. He has numerous books to his credit on the Civil War.

[@counciousstream]

Ranger Hoptak brings history to life, American history that over 150 years later still influences the sense of who we as Americans are. Even today the descendants of the men who fought and died here still carry a sense of pride and honor that stems from that sacrifice.

[@nareniyer9366]

Simply Awesome!

[@eastofthemississippi968]

Just imagine how much lead is in the ground right there ladies and gentlemen.

[@Saewelo-returns]

Thank you for this, as a foreigner who will never get to see the battlefield in person this is truly the next best thing. No one honours the dead like the Americans, and the attention to detail and energy of Mr.Hoptak is just wonderful. That said, I must confess that at times I was sick to the pit of my stomach at the recounting of the carnage brought about by Mr.Lincoln. In England Charles Stuart was referred to as that man of blood by Oliver Cromwell, surely Lincoln should share that terrible accolade. In the final analysis, what system of governance is so moral or just that it must be enforced through warfare, invasion, plunder and destruction. Lincoln unleashed the bloodbath but was at least called to account: So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. -King James Bible Numbers 35:33.

[@degel1963]

The Confederates fired first on Fort Sumter on Union troops. Fail to see how Lincoln started it.

[@degel1963]

***** Lincoln the lawyer was always pro union though and thought to break it was unconstitutional and would fracture democracy. "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that."

[@wendeln92]

Sæwelō it is obvious you know nothing about Lincoln or the true causes of our Civil War, I think you better just stick to your bible reading and forget about commenting on American history until you understand it a little better.

[@stealthownz1676]

Was in Gettysburg last weekend. Such beautiful land. I didnt get too see as much as I wanted but I will be going back to cover everything.

[@lonniemayessr.9722]

Great presentation 👏

[@paulgagnier7360]

At 31:44, do you see smoke under the Rangers Arm as he points, as if behind him?

[@angeleyes5023]

that looks like two people walking not smoke!! it blew my freaking miiiiiiiiiind

[@paulgagnier7360]

@@angeleyes5023 so i am not just seeing things? haha!

[@paulgagnier7360]

Now i see them! Wow! How come nobody else commented earlier! I thought I would never discover anything like this! It makes you wonder what happens to us once we die!

[@angeleyes5023]

My mom pointed it out to me the other day. We are planning a trip there so she was looking up videos and randomly saw it. I've watched it over and over looking for some sign of someone smoking or anything that could explain it away. I cant!!! Its literally two soldiers walking! Its crazy!

[@MsAngie4545]

I'm going there on a field trip from school on this up coming Thursday I think ! I can't wait!

[@voodoochef100]

Gigiix Dixon Hope they didnt make you watch the long boring movie @ cyclorama/museum center. Touring the battlefield is alot more educational & interesting.

[@MsAngie4545]

voodoochef100 Noo we got a tour around the area and stuff

[@thedukeofswellington1827]

Is the NPS hiring? I currently work for the SSA and would consider this a DREAM JOB. I got my B.A. in history and took a Civil War seminar. Was my favorite time. Would love to make this my profession

[@mrsegundas3988]

Excellent presentation. The US Park Rangers and the preservation of battlefields show how it should be done.

[@gcjbhar]

Great description to elude to the fact that war is an absolutely futile attempt to control everything around oneself.

[@danielwyvern5]

Interesting to hear about this battle. My Great Great Grandfather: Connell, William E., Private Company I, 50th Georgia Infantry Regiment. 8/22/62 Appointed Sargeant; Wounded at Gettysburg, PA. 7/2/63; Discharged 4/10/64 upon being elected Judge of Ordinary Court, Berrien County, Ga.; Widow filed for Confederate Soldiers Pension, Berrien County 1910.

[@midnight-2021]

I am a descendant of several Union soldiers with one fighting at this battle and getting wounded at this battle in the 102nd Pennsylvania infantry, a private named Peter Zellers. Today I am at Gettysburg and very often visit this battlefield, especially since I live only 25 miles north of Gettysburg. I am pissed off today because these BLM protesters are at the town center with several of them holding signs saying to take Confederate monuments and Lee and Longstreet's statue down. These Confederate monuments and Lee's statue especially are very important to this battlefield and any civil war battlefield. They are trying to erase history and this is total bullshit. They are stepping way out of line targeting Confederate monuments and statues at civil war battlefields. These BLM, Antifa and white liberal elitist along with these far left mainstream media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are trying to change history as they seem fit and they are going to eventually go too far, especially if these people go into Gettysburg or other civil war battlefields and physically remove Confederate monuments and statues. Hell if we would get another Civil war it will not be the south vs the north but rural and conservative Christian Americans and working class Americans which will not just be white people but some black, Latino and Asian people vs urbanites, BLM, antifa, and liberal so called educated elites who happen to be mostly white people that are these liberal educated elitists. They want a war they will get a war if they continue to go too far. Gun sales and ammonium sales are rapidly increasing in the last few weeks and I can see why, especially since our politicians seem to be backing these people and agreeing to defund and possibly eliminate our police departments.

[@danielwyvern5]

punk 2008 - very sad. For they first time in my life, I’m ashamed of America. Most people are falling for the “Big Lie”.

[@midnight-2021]

@@danielwyvern5 so far they seem to be only protesting at the town center. After I drove by the town center I went to w Confederate Avenue and all the Confederate monuments and statues are in good shape. But if these people wanted to they easily could get in this area and cause damage to these monuments and statues because I don't see many people around and I haven't seen any park rangers or police presence in the area. I am driving home now and I hope that I don't read that something happened to these monuments and statues in the next few days or anytime in the future.

[@danielwyvern5]

punk 2008 - thanks for the update. I visited Gettysburg’s many years ago. It’s a magical place. I hope it stays that way.

[@timothyvanscoy6953]

Mine was in Co C, 51st Georgia, so they were side by side for most of the day

[@RobbyHouseIV]

Great battle walk! However, given the many moving parts of this particular area on the 2nd day of fighting a couple of visual aids in the form of a map would definitely come in handy to allow people to get their bearings as to what's happening where in relation to everything else.

[@bcask61]

Robby House If you are interested, there is a book titled “The Battle Maps of Gettysburg” which is a great book and really helps you understand the movements and terrain.

[@jeffsmith8197]

I hope that all you Britishers come to America, to Pennsylvania, to see our Gettysburg Battlefield. I was very much entertained and awed by my visit to the UK in 1987 where I visited the many sites and castles of your glorious history.

[@seabasscardsandcomics4264]

Great presentation

[@aruproy8793]

fantastic video.

[@greenshades1234]

This guy is excellent. No disrespect to the other Rangers but this is the only guy who I would be interested in doing a walk with.

[@scottk3034]

When I was with 2-8 Infantry at Ft Carson we sounded off with "Regulars, Sir." as we saluted officers.

[@robertschultz9802]

See I don't here when the 2nd regiment regular was put into action

[@scottk3034]

@@robertschultz9802 That is 2nd Battalion of the 4th Infantry Regiment. Most regiments these days don't serve on the same post. 1985ish 1st and 2nd battalions were at Fort Carson and the 3rd and 4th battalions were in Germany.

[@dennisaston3551]

I wish there was an interactive map that showed where the tour is at and where it is walking to as it re-positions. Perspective is tough unless you've done some history knowledge before watching this. I know a LITTLE.

[@scott2582]

Very good, John's delivery of the story reminds me of Troy Harmon.

[@34scot]

That guy needs a raise

[@jeffkane221]

These are great walks and talks. I wish you would # this in sequence of when it happened.

[@alzaidi7739]

Nice talk. Dramatic and still accurate.

[@darrenpeach7182]

Excellent!!!

[@johnmonroe7378]

GREAT job sir. One of my grandfathers fought there, in the 7th South Carolina, under the gallant Kershaw.

[@Heystraw]

Nice job John. I had a battle map of the wheatfield and google maps to piece all of the information together.

[@melaniebrantner3871]

This is AMAZING !! Thank you!

[@geek49203]

Recently move to area, and thinking of doing battlefield guide exam. This guy acknowledges that much of what we think happened might not have happened the way we're telling it, esp in a chaotic place like the Sickles salient. Many private guildes just do a memory dump, and you can just tell that half of the folks listening just aren't getting it due to military jargon and the blizzard of names being thrown around.

[@geek49203]

Maybe I've missed it... is there a sign that says "This is the Wheatfield"? There are all sorts of signs on, say, Confederate Ave as to the placement of troops... and Peach Orchard is pretty obvious.... but it's easy to miss the Wheatfield?

[@faulltw]

I wonder if items are still found in or around the battle fields and if the park service ever conducts digs in an effort to recover items?

[@JimJonesKoolaid]

These are amazing! Dream job!

[@larsrodbok1285]

Nice talk. It makes me miss being an NPS Interp.

[@charleebrosh7331]

I love this stuff

[@scotttyson7970]

Those kids are sitting on a very historical Rock.They are part of history now . Good to see kids learning of their history.

[@fieryweasel]

His video (this same account) about the Compromise of 1850 is quite good as well.

[@01SOMWS6]

At the 30 minute mark, Ranger John references the 5th Corps troops stopping to make coffee, and he wasn't buying that. I had an uncle under Col Brooks (53rd PVI) in the 2nd Corps say in a letter home that "We moved a little to the left before noon and lay where we could see all that was going on and had the opportunity to make all the coffee we wanted. Between 2 and 3 oc P.M. the firing began to be pretty brisk and more to the left of us about or a little before 4 oc the engagement commenced with great fury on the left and extreme right." So, a coffee delay is possible! hah