Walk the Charge of the 1st Minnesota at Gettysburg, Resulting in 82% Casualties

Join us as we trace the steps of the brave charge by the 1st Minnesota at Gettysburg, which resulted in casualties to 82% of their men. Their sacrifice allowed the Union Army to keep their crucial position on Cemetery Ridge.
Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust and Kris White is the Deputy Director of Education at the American Battlefield Trust.

[@kathyrutherford4485]

And this is why Minnesota will not give Virginia back the flag they took at Gettysburg. They earned it with their sacrifice and to return it would dishonor their memory.

[@johnnystir9796]

We need a movie on the 1st Minnesota!

[@LexIconLS]

There's a really good book, "The Last, Full Measure".

[@historypost4584]

My ancestors were in the 11th Alabama Wilcox Brigade on that day. It was awesome to see where the first Minnesota charged that day to meet them. Much respect for the bravery on both sides that day. The First Minnesota story for obvious reasons is one of my favorites.

[@josephp.lapinski1099]

slave masters are not heroes.

[@crippledcrow2384]

My GGGrandfather was in the 11th Alabama Co.B. Matthew P. Hamilton

[@americanpatriot910]

Being a Minnesota Man I’m so proud of the 1st Minnesota And what they did at Gettysburg who knows if they hadn’t sacrificed their lives this could be a whole different story of the Civil War and how it ended cheers to the first Minnesota regiment

[@briankenny6883]

I was blessed to have had the opportunity to attend a leadership program at the United States Army War College a few years ago. The program focused on the “enduring leadership lessons from the battle of Gettysburg”. In advance of the program I had two main questions. First, how did Robert Lee lose this battle. Second, who were the heroes of Gettysburg. As to the second question,…it is clear that the men of the st Minnesota were the heroes of the battle. God bless those brave men.

[@jamestownvirginia8463]

I'm a Minnesota man who lost my great grandfather at Antietam, it's hard to imagine the loss in Pennsylvania.

[@Bob.W.]

The 1st Minnesota was feted in various cities on their way home for their sacrifice. The importance was understood back then.

[@stevejette2329]

There is (or was) a huge painting of the charge in the rotunda in the Minnesota state capitol building in St. Paul.

[@AlanWil2]

There were many heroes in that battle, but what the 1st Minnesota did literally help save the day. Cheers!

[@calguy3838]

Everybody who knows almost anything about the Battle of Gettysburg knows about what the 20th Maine did on Little Round Top on the second day, but very few know of the heroism of the 1st Minnesota, whose sacrifice was greater and whose contribution was just as important---and perhaps more so.

[@carriecoen1994]

My g (times over uncle ) WG COEN was wounded fighting with the first Minnesota infantry company G

[@df5295]

The bravery of the 1st Minnesota always amazes me! Thank you for letting us see where it actually happened!

[@thomasb1889]

The 1st Minnesota's performance at Bull Run should have sent a message to anyone watching that they were a force to worry about meeting. They proved that they were this day and the next.

[@jamesmartin3431]

I always look forward to these walk throughs. All the very best from a Red Coat in London

[@stewart2525]

I see a number of people in the comments mentioning how the 1st Minnesota needs a movie, and tend to agree. There is, though, a documentary about their time at Gettysburg. I hesitate to bring it up because I find it isn't as good as the story deserves, but it's called "Gettysburg, an American Story." The regiment itself, though, could certainly tell a full feature-length film from their time across the wary. Not only Gettysburg, but Bull Run, Antietam, the NY riots, Fredericksburg...this regiment saw a lot, and it wasn't only at Gettysburg that they suffered. They had casualty rates in the 20%+ at First Bull Run and Antietam, largely covering retreats of other regiments, staying cool whilst others fell back. They were remarkable men. I'm proud to call their state home.

[@theskillz]

Thank you so much for putting this together. As a Minnesotan, I really do appreciate it!

[@stevejette2329]

I wonder if Taylors Falls, MN is named after them ?

[@stevejette2329]

@Colin Steadland Thanks !! I never knew. Beautiful area !!

[@missedmebich2963]

My father was a huge civil war history buff. He went to see Gettysburg and was livid that they never mentioned the First Minnesota in the movie. To him it was like making a movie about D Day and leaving out Omaha Beach.

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

Love your Dad.🥰

[@bridesblade5307]

Thank you American Battlefield Trust for your time and great effort of telling the story of these brave men who are often forgotten for their heroism during the Gettysburg battle.

[@jimbrew4529]

When I lived in Grand Marais, Minnesota, there was a neighboring village name Colvill (the colonel had a homesite and about 190 acres on Lake Superior). Sadly, very few of the locals knew it's named after one of our countrie's heroes.

[@tomcristianson5417]

God bless the First Mn 👍 on 1968 l toured with a group from my training in U S ARMY. Sorry I didn’t see this ground on the battlefield. But the presentation of this was a great time for me. I’m from Mn and I inlisted too. I’m hoping some day l will get another visit to the place.

[@blukeblue1235]

I've been a CW buff since I was 7 and I absolutely love the detailed history you present. I especially appreciate your references to those individuals who died. It's always important to remember that for us to experience the joy of this history, it came at the cost of someone's son, brother, husband, or father.

[@leomarkaable1]

My CW ancestor was in the 10th Minnesota. He fought in the Sioux War, then with Grant. Wounded at Mobile Bay. Settled down at Walnut Grove. Knew the Ingalls family.

[@caseypearson5761]

Big civil war buff, was my emphasis in college. From Minnesota and very proud of the 1st and all Minnesotans who served. Wish they would make some sort of movie regarding the 1st. Also I had 4 or 5 relatives that fought for the Union during the later years with Indiana regiments. Have their mister and discharge papers. Very interesting and humbling.

[@stevenpatriquin4640]

Now I gotta go back to Gettysburg and walk to that Minnesota monument.Did not know it was there. Thank You. 👍

[@kevindecoteau3186]

I can feel the history walking with you across the field.

[@cooperleighgaming1486]

Just wanted to share that I've always been a Civil War history buff but watching your videos has made me realize that I want to get a job in history. Either teaching history or working at a National Battlefield. I'm going back to school and hopefully I'll be able to either work with your great group or join the National Parks Service. Thanks for all that you guys do in keeping our history alive.

[@mattt8889]

Greetings from Minnesota, thanks for the walk through!

[@nathanbenusa7628]

It was awesome that you guys did information about 1st Minnesota and I’m from Minnesota as well awesome video

[@stever4181]

Yes I have been there 125 years after it happened. It was a Park Service event and we the 1st Regiment of Minnesota reenactment unit from Minnesota, made this charge on July 2 1988. I did not make it to Plum Run. I was one of the casualties. We advanced into the trees, waited a moment and then we saw the regimental flag flying with the 47 men that survived coming from Plum Run. We returned that evening and up in the trees were 10s of thousands of fireflies blinking like stars. It was a somber moment and one I and the rest of the 1st Mn will never forget.

[@mattofthenorth]

Thanks for sharing that story. I can definitely picture the fireflies and that setting.

[@stever4181]

@@mattofthenorth Some of our guys wandered off with candles searching for the wounded. You could hear in the darkness, "Any wounded over there"? with a reply of, "No, just more dead". We toasted the boys of the 1st Minnesota and had a moment of silence and reflections. The next day, July 3 1988 we saw Pickets charge. What a grand event to see Johnny Reb march from Seminary Ridge right up to the stone wall. Grown men cried like babies at the site. Many exchanged canteens and money. We all shook hands and embraced each other. About 3 years later I gave a talk to 3 classes of 5th graders plus the teachers. I always tried to encourage young boys to read and so I read a passage from my diary about Gettysburg. In the middle of reading it I could smell the air, feel the wind against my face and the warmth of the sun. I could see it all over again. I knew I was in a classroom but I was also at Gettysburg. I instantly cried like a baby. It was quite embarrassing. I suppose that was a flash back to which I never want another one. Those 2 events will be with me for the rest of my life and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.

[@mattofthenorth]

@@stever4181 Amazing!

[@mikefrain2424]

SteveR- I was there for this event too, was (oddly enough given my limited military abilities), the Sgt. Major for event with the 1st Minn. reenactors those several days camped out in shelter tents on the very battle ground. Nearby, on the large Penn. Memorial monument, are listed 3 or 4 of my stepfather's ancestors in the 49th, 56th, and 1st Penn. Cavalry regts. The guys from the 49th were in reserve behind the Round Tops after a terrible forced march July 2 on July 3rd-during Pickett's Charge. If you are who I suspect you are, you and I were "bunkies" at many events over like 15+ years or so! Tremendous video/commentary ABT-thank you!!

[@stever4181]

@@mikefrain2424 Hi Mike! I was the 1st Sgt of Company A at this event, So yes we do know each other very well. It's great to hear from you. Do you remember the trip we made to Sailors Creek Battle in my pick-up truck? We stopped off at Gettysburg on the way home. We had our picture taken at the MN monument. Arn, Jeff, you & me. I moved to England in 97. Are you still in the 1st Mn and still playing the concertina?

[@kennethzullick6897]

Years ago I was in a reenactment of the First Minnesota on the Gettysburg Battlefield. The Officers gave us each a small slip of paper as to whether you lived or died . It brought a great perspective of how many of these Soldiers died when you saw all the reenactors lying on the field. And yes I was a casualty.

[@wheeler71]

MN moment in history. paid honors to Col. Wm J. Colvill, looking forward to second visit to Gettysburg. Thank you for your videos .

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

A movie of the 1st Minnesota would be great 👍

[@garrettkessler1895]

The massive loss suffered by Minnesota at Gettysburg is another reason i stand!!! Those heroes and their sacrifice made it possible that we didn't have to kneel.......to any earthen nonsense.

[@DA-bp8lf]

Thank you for taking me along on this amazing journey with the 1st Minnesota. 👍👏👏👏

[@unclebobshow]

I've read the book by Richard Moe, a very good story of the 1st up through Gettysburg.

[@mjfleming319]

That is an excellent book. Highly recommended.

[@stewart2525]

It is fantastic. Pale Horse at Plum Run (Brian Leehan) and Every Man Did His Duty; Pictures and Stories of the Men of the First Minnesota (Wayne Jorgeson) are also good books about the regiment.

[@aaronfleming9426]

A great book!

[@darrenpeach7182]

This is one of my favorite productions by ABT!

[@nathanfisher1826]

Thanks from Minnesota

[@EmptyNestOutdoors]

It was a pleasure running into both Gary and Kris on Saturday. Their knowledge and enthusiasm are awesome....great work! PS. Gary, we did make it over to South Cavalry Avenue.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Woo hoo! GA

[@kurtsherrick2066]

Armistead said Hancock was the best General the Union had. Hancock was his best friend. Unfortunately Armistead was shot in Pickets Charge and died a couple of days later. Armistead was wounded and found out Hancock was wounded also yelled to God and said Lord not both of us. He gave a Union Officer his Bible, Sword and Gloves to give to Hancock. What a Class of a man. The War was truly a war between Brothers. Heart breaking is a understatement.

[@markmeader5148]

Back in the early 1980’s for the 125th a video was made of Union and Confederate Units, horse foot and artillery, on the Gettysburg Field, invited by the NPS, that demonstrated tactics and firepower of both sides. At the end, a Union Infantry Unit of 282 men were assembled, and most were told off as casualties. Then the charge of the First Minnesota was recreated, taking casualties until 47 remained, to show what 82% casualties meant.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@michaelpfister1283]

I was able to visit Gettysburg and walk the ground several years ago. I was very interested in the 20th Maine and Little Round Top of course, but when I heard the story of the 1st Minnesota my eyes teared up. On that ground, during those three days, uncommon valor was indeed a common virtue. Arguably, if these men had not done what they did and done it well, the Confederate forces would have cut the line, taken the ridge and we'd be talking about how the Union rallied at Pipe's Creek following their defeat at Gettysburg.

[@frankofva8803]

I love Kris’ commentary on Hollywood “charges”. Information like this is why I appreciate these videos. Well done!

[@greglees5459]

My 2nd Great Granduncle fought there with the 10th Alabama. I had relatives on both sides. He died on July 3, 1863. I don’t know if he was wounded by the 1st Minnesota and died the next day, or if he was killed during Pickett’s Charge when the 10th was on an oblique in the confusion. Great job, though. I definitely learned a lot.

[@robertzelin158]

“Are these all the men that you have” quote by Winfield Scott Hancock. It's one of my favorite quotes from the battle of Gettysburg. American Battlefield Trust supporter Another awesome video

[@Baseballnfj]

I think it's a shame most people don't know what an absolute brilliant military mind Hancock was. Just an exceptional defensive commander. That whole exchange between Hancock and Coville is probably my favorite "quote" of the civil war.

[@jacobmasters438]

I support the American Battlefield Trust as well. Winfield Scott Hancock is a remarkable leader. Truly how engagements are won or lost. His order to not be removed from the field of battle before the engagement is decided during Pickett's charge is simply magnificent!

[@robj7386]

this channel needs to be shown to every 5th period history class in everywhere USA

[@sgtstedanko7186]

Great x4 grandpa served with this regiment. Mustered in @ St. Paul 1861

[@trisekc]

I am a simple man. I see 1st Minnesota, I click.

[@VSdrummer010]

thank you so much for this! forever a fan of your work, Garry! you guys do a phenomenal job!

[@tooter1able]

Gary, Thank you for these fantastic "First-hand" historical exploits.

[@davidleard923]

I was teaching Army ROTC at the University of Minnesota. Our Colonel, who went to Texas A&M, came up to me and said he had to give a talk at a MN National Guard unit in a couple of days and asked if I knew anything from the Civil War about any Minnesota units he could mention in his speech. Me: "Sir, the painting "The Charged of the First Minnesota at Gettysburg" is hanging on the conference room wall. Haven't you ever noticed it?"

[@nancydrew5606]

My great uncle, Peter Berg (Thornberg) fought with the 1st Minn. and survived. His brother, my great-grandfather Nels fought with the 7th and survived as well. They came from Sweden in 1857, my great aunt Ida Atlanta was born at sea on the family's voyage. Three months after they arrived in Minn., my gg grandfather died, leaving his wife to raise 6 children. I appreciate this video so much, it really adds so much to our family's story.

[@1391john]

Incredible to be able to enjoy your battle field description and walk with you and see it all on the very grounds that it went down. Thank you!!!

[@toddchaddon4249]

Great video! I used to live close to the park, and in all my visits, I had not ventured that far into that section. It boggles the mind to contemplate what would have been if AP Hill had had his act together to support the attack on the center. Meade's HQ was just over the ridge...

[@badmoon8663]

Thanks for taking us to a seldom visited place on the battlefield.

[@davidbowman4259]

The 20th Maine, the 8th Ohio, the 1st Minnesota, the 140th New York, the 83rd Pennsylvania, the 6th Wisconsin, the 24th Michigan, the 5th New Hampshire, the 11th New Jersey, Stannard's Vermonters -- lots of heroes on that hallowed field.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Love the walk alongs. Really draws me into the lessons. Great work fellas.

[@woodsy9682]

Great video I will be in Gettysburg in March. Looking forward to walking some of the battle fields.

[@paulstan9828]

Always great listening to Gary give a tour. 👍😁

[@donloughrey1615]

Thank you for a great presentation. Greetings from 'Minnasoda'.

[@Deetzbaby]

I just want to say Thank You to Gary, Kris and all the ABT folks!! As a longtime civil war buff, serving in the military and being a combat veteran, I appreciate everything you guys do. I've been a CWPT/ABT member for over 10 years and will continue to support. I love you guys, your awesome, I'm sorry I did not see this live. Thank you for talking about 1st MN, hopefully you will cover other MN regiments when you do your western campaign visits. I would hold your camera for you guys all day!! Also always Thanks Gary (and Doug) for your picture 😁

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Thanks!

[@noremac0575]

They mustve known they were vastly outnumbered. These men knew this would be their last moments on earth, and still charged. Insane

[@PhantomDrums917]

I ran into your big hike group last weekend and wished I had signed up!! Maybe next time. Keep Up the great work!

[@blurapala1176]

Great, Great grandpa Samual Smith was in 1st MN. Given name Christian Zimmerman. Substituted in for Samual Smith and kept his name.

[@johnstevens3000]

I am really drawn to this video. An ancestor of mine served in the 1st Minnesota. Watching this video, I feel like the camera is my eyes, and that I am actually walking in the footsteps of my great, great uncle on that day. I have watched this dozens of times, and I can't thank you guys enough!

[@carterobrien]

Also a descendant of a First Minnesotan, Henry D. O'Brien. Besides appreciating seeing this astounding regiment get their due outside of Minnesota, I am hoping to one day learn what the D stood for, we have lots of info (and Henry's Medal of Honor) that has been passed down, this is just kind of a funny part of his story for us.

[@hehehaha1820]

Minnesota fr underrated, this is litterally the only thing talked about us

[@Rogijimbex]

Excellent! Thank you

[@christiancarlson5431]

Great great grandson of a First Minnesota Company C!

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@christiancarlson5431 A question I ask myself. Would I have the.."Stones" to do this? Make this charge KNOWING thees a Very Good Chance I would die? I want to think I would....BUT?

[@chancewebster7953]

82% casualties. My God

[@TheLeprechaunjm]

Thanks guys... it's just like being there with you!

[@fryuppe]

Superb! Garry and Kris charging into history. Wonderful!

[@ishyab011]

Thank you Gentlemen for this great narrative and video at the National Military Park. Really inspiring to want to get out there and re-visit things, and many things I've never done before. Happy Holidays, stay well, and hoping to catch more from you. PS IF there's a FORM to fill out on how to become an intern, PLEASE post that! :) Regards, SammyC

[@chevy3gm]

God Bless these men.

[@craigmiller4794]

Freaking Awesome work guys. My daughters and I were present on 150th. To the minute! The MN Adj General led us down near the Plum. Waiting for us was his opposite #. The Adj General of Alabama. Commemorative Coins were exchanged. It was a transcendent moment in my life.

[@McNair39thNC]

Currently out here checking out this location! Thanks for posting, really cool to visit! Glad I wore rubber boots though.

[@user-jq8wr8ru2s]

I had no idea the 125th NY & Col. Williard had a monument there... I will have to find it next time I'm at Gettysburg... thank you

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Thank you for the another great video!

[@sgtzsquad]

Thanks guys for this great segment. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Shifty69569]

Chris sent me here, excited to binge your channel

[@tomcristianson5417]

God Bless them who are in this group. I took a tour of the battle field with a USO tour group from my unit in my my AIT. I saw a presentation of this in a theater at the Gettysburg park in 1968. I was not able to see this spot on my visit. I’m sorry that I didn’t some time here, wish that I can have a tour again .

[@junglejane2824]

So interesting, and educational! Love watching your videos! Thank You..

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

My people. I’m 100% Disabled Veteran (sc). I strongly identify with them. So much respect and pride.

[@frankhopper6269]

Very enjoyable fellows on this series. Regards Frank from Australia 🇦🇺 😀

[@tomdynia9951]

Thanks for another great video.

[@cindyscott9002]

So interesting!Thank you!

[@michaeldenesyk3195]

Has there been any academic or professional archeology that has taken place on the Gettysburg battlefields? What a great series you all have made, My love of history is bolstered by this. Thank you

[@Baseballnfj]

If you haven't seen it have must watch Time Team. Really. Heed this advice. It will quickly become your favorite show on KZbin. If this is your thing this is your show.

[@panzerlieb]

@@Baseballnfj wait, time team went to Gettysburg? This I must find. It has always been my understanding that because this and numerous other National battlefield parks are considered something akin to cemeteries, absolutely no digging is allowed. Of course there are large areas surrounding these parks that are privately owned. (Antitem comes to mind). Are archeological digs done? Yes, but not on National park lands

[@Baseballnfj]

@@panzerlieb no they didn't go to Gettysburg I was just recommending the show to him based on his interests.

[@markzimmerman7279]

@@panzerlieb They are in fact cemeteries,I remember a soldiers remains being washed out by rain at Gettysburg

[@jumpmaster82nd.]

I've always found that walk fascinating. From Hancock Avenue you just do NOT understand the lay of that land. Get out and off the paths folks! Many ah-ha moments when you see things from ground level! Thanks guys!

[@celticnorthman3615]

Great stuff guys, keep it coming!!! Enjoy these alot!

[@kipbebout6539]

I find these videos to be informative, very enjoyable to watch. I am looking forward to my next visit to Gettysburg.

[@TroyMastern]

Awesome work!

[@markbois1990]

Well done; thanks, guys.

[@reminder9146]

The thing about the 1st Minnesota that impressed me isn't their casualty rate. After all if 3 people charged a battalion and two are killed or wounded that's a casualty rate of 66%. What impressed me is that an understrength Regiment charged a Battalion willingly. I'm a Sons of Confederate Veterans member, but anyone who knows their story and isn't moved has no sense of honor or loyalty.

[@robertwatkins364]

To think that a young (23 year old?) George A Custer, was promoted to Brigadier General during this time. He led his men at Gettysburg, by riding out in front of the battles like he was immortal. Only to be killed a few years later in a place most have never heard of, by an enemy nobody knew.

[@seanjayson9513]

I sometimes wonder why Hollywood hasn't made a 1st Minnesota movie.

[@stanhawthorne9373]

Adelman/White: a national treasure.

[@stevejette2329]

I was in a Minnesota high school 1961 - 1965. 100 years after the Civil War. I could have kept an awareness for four years. NOBODY ever mentioned it. Not even a history teacher. Didn't know much until Ken Burns. And "Gettysburg" movie.

[@ritchellequiceo3727]

My uncle Andrew Quist was in 1st Minnesota. Yes, he was one of the wounded that day. There is a book about 1st Minnesota you can buy.

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

How old are you? 110?😉

[@crazycarlsju]

It's never good when Garry says "We want to finish this up." No we don't!! :)

[@stevedietrich8936]

The 47 surviving members of the 1st Minnesota participated in repelling Pickett's Charge on July 3rd. Of the 47, there were 17 additional casualties.

[@That_boatswainmate]

Still can’t believe how this was a time in history where people walked and died it’s incredible even so I live near a war of 1812 battlefield I’m fascinated

[@HistoryBoy]

Pleased to be the first commenter. Looking forward to watching another fantastic and well produced video.

[@ningenJMK]

Minnesota’s sacrifice here and Maine holding the line at LRT probably saved the Union

[@panzerwolf494]

"DAAAAAAAAAN SICKLES!" Dammit Dan!

[@GregGramza]

24:02 Wasn't the 1st Minnesota in Harrow's Brigade in the 2nd Division of II Corps, rather than Willard's Brigade in the 3rd Division? Thanks for creating this walking tour!

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Yes. I was clear on that for all the vid except I misspoke at the Willard monument. Good catch! GA

[@mprest10]

Heroes 🏆

[@tompratz4848]

The very definition of valor