Willard's Brigade - Gettysburg Battle Walk with Ranger Matt Atkinson

Ranger Matt Atkinson leads a battle walk covering Colonel George L. Willard's brigade, known before the Battle of Gettysburg as the "Harpers Ferry Cowards". The brigade redeemed itself through its actions on July 2.
Ranger Atkinson and the NPS hold the rights to the notes and lecture.
Apologies for the wind noise. I tried as best as I could to minimize it.

[@Gitarzan66]

For those of us who can't travel ( I'm in a wheelchair ) these videos are all we have. I personally hope you guys never stop making them.

[@fateagle4life]

These videos are incredible, thank you for putting these up!!! BTW, people please, if you bring your dogs with you to one of these, make sure they are trained well enough that they won't be distracting to everyone else, that is very rude to do to everyone who has taken their time and spent their hard earned money to come out to thse.

[@mikedesil23]

Agreed, these dogs did alright though.

[@wanderdworld]

I am hooked on these walks. We were just up there in July 2018. I am so glad to see the park service equipped the rangers with these microphones. It gets noisy and it steels the orators thunder when he has to stop and wait for loud vehicles to pass by. Well done Gettysburg National Park!! :D Love Ranger MATT!

[@hazelparker5973]

I'm trying very hard to get there. Things have happened in life currently that make it hard to travel very far, but I've felt for years drawn to the battlefield there. According to family lore, four members of my family fought there and I need to see it in person to understand what these men went through. Until I make it there, though, keep up the awesome videos. I love all the details that you provide.

[@merlelove1795]

Good Job Matt , like always. 👍👍👍 ☕☕☕

[@Panzerdeal]

A major supply line to Washington DC was the Baltimore and Ohio Rail road..which ran right through Harpers Ferry...and through which reinforcements from Ohio Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin pass through..another key point was the Federal arsenal, including a rifle works at Harpers ferry..

[@brettcole84]

I would like to add some insight for Matt. StuffWriter has less than 1k Subscribers and less than 5k views on this Video. Not that many are watching this. I say that with all due respect to "StuffWriter". I enjoy every video you produce and try to watch everyone I can when I have the ability to. Keep Going Bro! Don't let Matt be a Debbie Downer. I look forward to more you'll produce during the Seasons.

[@robertmosher7418]

We do the..."replace whole units" now instead of having a Division or two in theater and have replacements report there and be shuffled down to their new units. Instead we deploy entire brigade combat teams as singular units of men who, unless they have been deployed to the same area of operations, have very little knowledge on how to fight the enemy. But, like the patronage system being used to help out the wealthy in the second civil war fought on American soil, I believe that today's army is attempting to ensure all their officers get deployed to a combat zone. I believe, today, it has more with getting as many officers and NCOs combat experience to ensure success in a near peer war in the future. Unfortunately most of those who served in the global war on terror are now post military age. Like myself.

[@Grossman2868]

Detossi? Sounds like 'here comes de posse!' might make it easier.

[@Tomewatt]

My goodness, .. those people with the dogs, are just downright annoying. So distracting ... !!

[@marymoriarity2555]

Tomewatt you’re nicer than me. I think people are cruel taking dogs out in the heat

[@jalspach9215]

Wouldn't be if the owners were properly trained. They're using "Gentle Leaders" on lg. dogs which is great and I thus thought they knew their stuff. But it also indicates they have control problems. I cringed when she ignorantly rewards the one for a lunge & bark at the bicyclist, patting it gently. Surely thinking she's calming it down. No! In dog language you just said "good boy!" Anyway, Tomewatt, agreed! Don't bring your animals to public events unless their behavior, AND YOURS, is near flawless & respectful. I'm a huge fan of Ranger Matt here on YT. But if I was present visiting all the way from Hawaii I'd be more than a little annoyed.

[@joshproulx1824]

Matt, I really respected your words at the last couple minutes of this video, and what the veterans would have wanted in coming to Gettysburg. I made my journey to the battlefield in 2016 and was awe inspiring. However I would like to share one thought that I cant help thinking in listening to you in your car. Many millennials of this generation are brought up on the internet, google, youtube, etc.. Many will simply never take the initiative to visit the battlefield, many ppl can't. I'd rather know that the knowledge you are sharing are getting to more Americans, specially since it seems every other day I hear bout another confederate monument being yanked down, damn near brings me to tears. Almost like this country is losing sight of itself and its history. I do hope you continue to share and educate the American people with such grace! I very much enjoy watching your battlefield walks. Sincerely & Respectfully

[@zettle2345]

I have to agree with Josh on this thought... I grew up in Ohio, went to Gettysburg Elementary School, and raised a family there, but never made it to Gettysburg, Pa. I now live in the southwest, and will probably never make it to Gettysburg, Pa. These videos, and Google Maps give me a perspective of the battlefield, I can not get any where else. John Hoptak?? (forgive me if I am wrong) video about the battle in the Wheat field, is my favorite video from the NPS series. And if you consider that Barksdale's Regiment, opened the swinging door for Wofford's Regiment of Georgian's to walk through before "sweeping" though the Wheat field. There is too much Information about The Battle of Gettysburg, to be learned in a single trip. My favorite Monument, the 1?? NY regiment? where they are laying down, because of the Confederate Artillery barrage. I think it is on Cemetary hill, I learned about from a different video, by the NPS. All these videos can be viewed any where, at any time, and used to educate children in classrooms for free. Thus sparking interest in America's history, why would you want to take that away from the viewers? Like Josh said, Sincerely and Respectfully, Please, continue to make these videos for future generations to view and learn from... Thank You all, for all your hard work and effort in filming and downloading these videos.

[@donaldwallace7934]

I have to agree with Josh as well !!

[@BALLIN33BEN]

StuffWriter, tell Matt about the power of these videos. I was never interested in Gettysburg or the Civil War in general until watching Matt and the other rangers in these walks, and not only is visiting Gettysburg now on my bucket list, its right up at the top. Thanks for posting and keep encouraging the rangers for all the great work they are doing.

[@kevinpiacente3456]

I dont understand how anyone is not interested in this war

[@jeremysears6707]

If anything the videos make me want to visit more often. Keep up the great work!

[@Rogijimbex]

Please don't stop making these! I think you're very wrong in saying they will keep people from visiting battlefields. I think the opposite - the spatial perspective, the actual vistas, the exploring, the rush of standing in the very places these men fought in are irreplaceable and certainly not appreciated though a computer monitor or TV. I have alot of respect for Matt Atkinson but on this occasion he's dead wrong! Been too Gettysburg twice and when I see these videos I want to go back more than ever.

[@craigcolandro2781]

StuffWriter, you should tell Matt he doesn't need to worry about these videos causing people to not go to Gettysburg themselves. I try to go once a year and the various Battle walk videos had the opposite effect on me actually, they make me want to go there more and go on Battle Walks. Sounds like maybe his bosses are getting uneasy about the videos and maybe asked him to say something to you. I hope they don't try to stop you from making more videos, that would piss me off actually, and I might just re-consider visiting Gettysburg anymore if it came to that. Matt's a great guy and I had a blast meeting him in July, I like a lot of the Park Rangers there actually, and enjoy going on the Walks and other events. These videos actually make me want to go more, so they should not be worried about it. I think it makes people want to visit there more actually.

[@Mrlrobertson]

Never been there. But after seeing these videos ( trying to watch all of them ) , I really want to go there, Thanks for all you and the rangers do.

[@bdaveness]

I’ve seen some of Matt’s video tours, and it’s frustrating to see people look so uninterested! What I would do to be on that tour.

[@marymoriarity2555]

I’d never seen Matt talk about the videos discouraging people from visiting Gettysburg. The opposite is true. Ppl want to see the park themselves. These videos serve the purpose for those like me who can no longer visit the area. They’re wonderful. Thank you Stuffwriter for uploading them to KZbin. Thank

[@gbjanuary]

Mary Moriarity great for people who cannot visit USA I enjoy them from U.K.😀

[@gsilcoful]

Have to disagree. Don't stop the videos thinking people wont visit. People that were never going to go anyways can at least watch the videos, and some will be inspired to visit after finding out how interesting it is. I visited but have a much much greater appreciation of the battle field after watching (many videos). I can't wait to get back. See you soon. Oh, one more thing: love you Matt. In a manly way of course.

[@paulwilson126]

Thanks again Stuffwriter for your posts. It is always great to be able to get onto the field. I appreciate what you do to make that happen. It was also great to be there in person for this one and to meet you on the field. Looking forward to your future posts!

[@susanramsey6545]

Matt, I just watched this program and saw your message at the end. Don’t worry about KZbin taking the place of people going to the battlefield. Us true history buffs use these programs as additional learning methods. Can’t wait to visit Gettysburg again and to attend another of your programs.

[@manuelkong10]

Don't worry that taping these talks keeping people coming to the park....I live in Cali and have Little opportunity to go to the park but these talks have made me determined to Get there at some point Thanks for your great efforts Ranger Matt~!!!!

[@dougkidwell7142]

No one better than Matt Atkinson!!!

[@kd259]

Matt, for some of us, the videos are all we have. I don't live in the USA, I will never get to Gettysburg. YOutube, therefore, is what there is. Carry on filming, please!

[@carywest9256]

And just where it is that you live? I am from Texas,had kinfolk that fought the yankees at Gettysburg.I was there in '08 for the 145th anniversary reenactment.

[@jallenecs]

This is me, too. I live a day's drive from the battlefield, but i'm an invalid. I'll never be able to do the tour; these videos are as close as I'll ever get.

[@marymoriarity2555]

June Swinford I concur. I don’t live far but can no longer travel to GB as I once did. All these videos are how I see the battlefields plus the various lectures.

[@MGSSAB]

Thank you so much for these videos. Can't get enough of his talks.

[@JamesBray-qm8gr-q3w]

Am enjoying these walks from Virginia as I am in lock down :)

[@MadMonarchist]

I visited the park many years ago on the way back from my sister's graduation. These videos would, I think, encourage people to go see it in person if they can. For those who cannot, I think these videos would be invaluable to allow people to experience, even if only in a limited way, something they otherwise would miss out on.

[@MorgansRaiders23]

In this year of covid, and not being able to take battlefield tours, these videos are a great way to keep history alive. They make me more anxious to get back to Gettysburg and take a tour in person.

[@johnkimball3512]

don't stop making videos. They're great. Not everyone is able to get there in person. Have been to GNB several times when younger, but never got as much out of it as with these videos. Still remember how hot and humid it was too.

[@jamesshepherd5246]

Hey StuffWriter, tell ole Matt that he is mistaken on his after walk talk! Matts tours are exactly why I want to get back up there! Iv only been there once, and I didn’t even know at that time, which state my family had fought with. Being born in SC, I figured we fought with a SC regiment. Now with the research done and many talks with grandma and Grandpa, we fought with the 52NC..... So now I must get back to Gettysburg and walk the field with the North Carolinians! And I will, if GOD willing, take in a ranger walk with “the Matt Atkinson”!!!!!! I want make that trip, till I can make sure I have at least one battle walk scheduled in! Oh and StuffWriter, we need to get ole Matt, to get you a better profile pic sir..... Have a blessed day and y’all keep up the good work......

[@neener0306]

I can't wait to go back to Gettysburg just to listen to Matt in person

[@ACupPlayz]

there goes all my plans for 2 1/2 hrs.... ranger walks with Matt are the best

[@marymoriarity2555]

Such a good video. Wish ppl would let dogs at home. Fine descriptions of The battle action. I can’t get there anymore but these videos are superb

[@mikesecor6074]

if you travel with dogs DON'T bring them on tour, that is just stupid.

[@yamahabiker1937]

My great grandma related to me a story of uncle Joe talking about Andersonville. Uncle Joe apparently did not talk about the war, until one day when Gram was approx. 6 yo. She could not recall how the story came about, but never forgot uncle Joe's reaction. Uncle Joe made statements about eating bugs, mice, etc...and gram, being a young girl, did not fully understand/appreciate the situation, and apparently made comments to the effect of, " Ew, Uncle Joe. How could you do that? That's gross!!" Gram stated that Uncle Joe turned white, his eyes welled and tears began to roll down his cheeks. " It's what I had to do to survive" was his reply. Gram did not learn until years later that Uncle Joe was the only survivor of his unit to leave Andersonville. Wish I could have met Uncle Joe, he was a brave man.

[@mhollman8650]

"Who's We?" Atkinson never disaapoints

[@rifleman7.62]

I really appreciate the time you take explaining the different aspects of the battle of Gettysburg, being from southwest Tennessee, and being a old civil war reenactor, my intrest is mainly in the western theater, especially Shiloh, but listening to your talks has really peaked my interest in Gettysburg! So again thank you for your time, and I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@donaldwallace7934]

Matt ! I enjoy your talks regarding this period in history!! I watch your presentations on KZbin, because you are so engaging with the audience, and getting them involved in demonstrating the sequence of events, however, I will make every effort to get to Gettysburg to see and hear all of this in person....That is truly part of my bucket list !! Thanks for your devotion to our nations history!!

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

Keep up the filming, it is a GREAT EDUCATIONAL TOOL! BEFORE I COME TO GETTYSBURG I WANT TO WATCH ANY AND ALL KZbin PARK RANGER BATTLE WALK TALKS AVAILABLE SO I CAN SPEND THE TIME " VISUALIZING " WHILE MATT OR ANOTHER RANGER SPEAKS! SO DON'T STOP THE VIDEOS MATT!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

These videos have made me decide to come to GNMP and I am in the planning stages.I truly believe that your videos encourage people and motivate them,like me to come to Gettysburg. Thank you for doing these videos as they are remarkable!!👍👍

[@MrThebirddog]

There is a not so fine line between asking questions to learn and asking questions to show people how much you know.

[@kttexas34]

MAN! Ranger Matt need a Noise cancelling Mic! The wind comin across is louder than you !

[@warrenatchley1921]

Years later than this video, but I lucked into seeing the monument on a recent visit.

[@angelacaravella9339]

I had the pleasure of experiencing Matt Atkinson with Stuffwriter in my very first battlewalk at Gettysburg in July 2018 I'm grateful for Stuffwriter posting all these videos but Matt Atkinson is a man best experienced in person, his genuine love and knowledge (and humor) is inspiring! He has drawn me to learn so much more about Gettysburg and I look forward to visiting the park again to learn more. Matt is right, you really need to come here in person! Thank you Matt and Stuffwriter for all your dedication to this place and it's history!

[@mregensb1sgt]

Next time we visit GB we will make a point of catching a Ranger Matt hike. Great storyteller.

[@sierrahun1]

D'Utassy is a mixture of a name, he was originally German, but at some point he changed his name to . Originally Hungarian and in this case it should be pronounced Outash-shie. Which means a person coming from the village of Utas. However Hungarians don't have a D' prefix, especially not in his case the the 'sy' (-shie) part means the very same as the D' prefix in Italian: somebody born in the location that stays after the D'. Anyway, he was the only general officer fired from the Union army because of corruption, so we are all proud of him. :)

[@kttexas34]

matt needs a noise cancelling mic the wind is very prevelent in this walk... LOL

[@archmaesterjgtmdjdmaskring708]

I have been to all major battlefields on which the A.N.V. & the A.O.T.P. fought against each other. I am working on my PhD in history, I have pretty much every; map, order of battle, strategic cause, tactical plans, etc. memorized. I know a lot of great enrichment and anecdotes. However, even with all of my knowledge and love for the War Between the States, I can't get enough of Matt's videos and I want to return to GNB just to participate in some of his tours and battle walks. Even with the access to videos on the video, there is just so much more one can get out of the experience from being there, hearing the stories, applying what you already know, and looking out at the terrain as you wonder what was going on in the head of the Commanding Gen. & Staff, their subordinate officers, and all the way down to the private on the firing line.

[@dadsongs]

Back in the early '90s, I was a member of the organization that portrayed the 125th. My timing was great because we all went down to Gettysburg in 1992 (?) to take part in the filming of "Gettysburg", then called "Killer Angels". Part of the filming of Pickett's Charge took place on a site west of town, and when it was time to take a position on the wall, we were fortunate enough to be placed near the spot -- albeit on the actual wall -- where the original 125th served. I enjoyed this video since this is the first time I heard an explanation of the actions of the 125th on July 2.

[@wolfhoundoden]

Looking at these videos , from Ireland very interesting . Very well done .thank you for doing them .

[@leonidaslantz5249]

This is simply FANTASTIC!!!

[@cannae216]

These vids only make me wanna go to the park more, either to see them live or to look for stuff you mention. Now I want to find Willard's monument. I love side quests.

[@lauradepietro6591]

I love watching these. It reminds me of when I was able to visit. I can't wait to go back again. 😊

[@sierrahun1]

Hungarian here. Don't bother with pronouncing D'Utassy's name. It is not a Hungarian name as it's written. We don't have a beginning of anything like D'xxx. It is clearly following the French tradition. Utassy is a Hungarian name, its meaning is The Guy, who has something to do with Roads (út). Roads tax collector or Roads builder or whatever. Or simply a Cartman who travels a lot by Roads. But this guy for unknown reasons wanted to look like having a French noble ancestry, therefore the D'Utassy. Which mean The Guy who comes from the Place Utassy. It makes some sense for Hungarian tradition said you only wrote your name with a 'y' if you are noble. So maybe he wanted to emphasize that. The Hungarian pronouncing would be Ou-tuh-sh-sh-ie.

[@ACupPlayz]

I love these videos it fuels my fire for a return. it is a long and costly trip to the battlefield and all of the ranger walks are such a treat.

[@jimkelley1000]

Love the folks at Gettysburg and Matt is the best. We are visiting in the spring of 2019 and will insist on meeting all the great National Park Service rangers there - and Matt. If he can hook us up with Dr Gelzo, we'll buy them all a 5 star dinner at their restaurant of choice. I'm not kidding, NPS Rangers are the very best.

[@beachcomberbob3496]

'Short shorts' was a 1960's pop song by Freddie and the Dreamers.

[@Grossman2868]

Spires LOL, like a steeple but with a southern accent it might be construed as. "I'm a fixin' ta go ridin' so I need to put on ma spires" Seriously though, I was wondering about the rest of the States, seems that the Union Army stopped at Wisconsin, were there any regiments formed from the Territories or western states or did they have to go back east to join another States regiment?

[@panzerdeal8727]

A lot of the California units were a bit busy vs Selby in the New Mexico area. And there was the Souix issues of 1862...

[@Rogijimbex]

I need to add one more comment. In May, 2010 - sometime in the morning I visited the Wheatfield. I was the ONLY person there. The incredible feeling of being in a personal theater was overwhelming. Stony Hill alone, Rose farm alone, stone wall alone - just incredible - it was all mine for an hour. I'll never get that out of my mind. Never would have happened on a TV screen. I was there, it was there - we were together. Irreplaceable.

[@stevehalling816]

Anther great very informative tour. Matt is brilliant, so knowledgeable really brings the battle and the lives of the men to life. I live in the UK and am disabled so I will never get to Gettysburg and even if I did I would never be able to walk around the battlefield. These videos both from stuffwriter and GettysburgNPS are the best source anywhere for information on the civil war and the beautiful park. I look forward for more videos from all the rangers and the winter lectures.

[@jeffreyjohnson9373]

How do we get on Matt's schedule or where can I find his availability

[@manuelkong10]

this is the thing that gets me about youtube....you almost NEVER get any helpful answers...wise asses yes, helpful answers rarely

[@MorgansRaiders23]

You can go to the Gettysburg National Park web site and they list the tours on there. Since right now with covid and winter, there are no battlefield tours, but start looking in the spring. They list the tours and the ranger conducting them. Hope this helps.

[@sampsellmark]

I live in Florida I can't always make it their and count on the videos

[@TransformerDad]

Woah, Stuffwriter speaks!!!? I had to watch and rewatch quite a few videos to catch this moment. lol.

[@kyyote7078]

There is the War Horse memorial statue, at the Virginia Society in Richmond , that would be nice if you brought it to the attention of your groups. The horse was the backbone of this country in both peace and war and I think it gets overlooked. Over a million horses and mules fell with our men and woman as well in war. Think of how funny those Generals would look running in front of their men w/o a horse to ride, or how long to get messages back and forth w/o the horse, or transporting all those supplies.They too were not paid, did not want to be there, rarely honored and died for a cause. Without their contributions, we would not be here, or at least, not this far advanced.

[@edwardpike3386]

Matt Atkinson makes all of his tours entertaining as well as edjucational. He turned into my favorite guide since I saw him on a Little Round Top tour in 2014. My favorite was his W.S. Hancock Battlewalk. Keep making them Stuffwriter.

[@springfield03sniper]

These videos are great.

[@Gitarzan66]

I can honestly say that's the first time I've ever heard Madonna mentioned in a Civil War lecture.

[@thegoattree2509]

Stuffwriter considering how Matt ended this video, next time you see Matt tell him.... he is like Led Zepplin of history, just because we can listen to it at home, 📀 doesn’t mean we won’t come see Matt live performances too 🎫 Not to mention a 100 rental cars recreating Pickett’s would be kinda historic also! 😂

[@yamahabiker1937]

My 3rd Great Uncle Joseph Beck survived Andersonville. Great Gram told me he became a food hoarder after he came home....he knew hunger.

[@marymoriarity2555]

Great tour Matt. I’ve often visited Gettysburg but these tours are much better. Comtemplating the peaceful fields make it seem unreal a horrible battle took place there.

[@carlfreeman8246]

Knowledge of the battle is outstanding. I understand so much more of this vatyle because of his presentations.

[@karlatessitore2484]

I Love these videos and especially Mat's for his sense of humor. I have been to Gettysburg once and plan to go back next fall again. I think it is fascinating and there is so Much to see!

[@48William]

Matt use to live in Pa been to the park several times its fantastic but live in TX now and can't tell you how much your tours have been enjoyed by me. Brings back memories of my life in Mississippi as a young Scout and the history of visits to Vickburg Battlefield and later visits to Gettysburg. Thanks for that

[@michaelderamo1115]

It's Gettysburg. There's always confusion.

[@Gepedrglass]

We wouldn't have Gettysburg if it wasnt for confusion

[@Raabe34]

Don't worry about this decreasing attendance. He does such a better job than I do and he has gotten my kids interested in going.

[@dadsongs]

According to Google Earth, the as-the-crow-flies distance from the Brian Farm to the Bliss Farm is about 670 yards.

[@kevinpiacente3456]

In NYC there is a whole museum for thr fighting 69. Also inside there is a bar just for active and retired military veterans

[@brettcole84]

Appreciate every one of these, thank you so much. Is John Hoptak still around, he was always one of my favorites?

[@StuffWriter]

Yes, he is. I believe he's focused more on giving school-age educational tours right now.

[@tommcdonald1873]

Well we'll come out next year and take a walk, you need to a long walk about New Hampshire or Maine at Gettysburg.

[@marosenmd294]

Matt's great---THE CAMERA OPERATOR COULD BE REPLACED BY A TRIPOD, A TOTAL ZOMBIE. HE HOLDS TO CAMERA LOCKED ON MATT, HE NEVER PANS THE CAMERA. MATT WILL POINT AWAY AT SOMETHING, DOES THE CAMERAS FOLLOW MATTS SIGNAL AND TURN IN THAT DIRECTION?.......NO! THIS OPERATOR STAYS LOCKED ON MATT STILL POINTING. IS THE CAMERA UNAWARE OF HIS LACK OF MOVEMENT OR SIMPLY TOO LAZY TO BOTHER? THAT CAMERA OPENS VIDEO POINTING AT MATT AND ENDS THERE. THE VIEWERS ALWAYS WANT TO SEE WHAT LIES BEYOND AND AROUND THE SPEAKER, ITS OK TO KEEP CAMERA MOVING BY PANNING TO VARY THE VIEW WHILE MATT SPEAKS. I'M TIRED OF VIEWING A WALKING TOUR WATCHING NOTHING BUT A PORTRAIT OF RANGER, NOTHING ELSE! MATT'S TALKS ARE WONDERFUL.

[@generalbooger9146]

It's an ordinary person bonehead

[@biblebeltbeauties8874]

The microphone make him sound like Jim Varney Ernest P World

[@texasjoe557]

@Ranger Matt Atkinson- I cannot say thank you enough and I am hoping to see you on the field soon.

[@johnchristie823]

I when there in 1999 from Australia, It is a great Park!!!

[@richardross119]

Spiers: when you have more than 1 person spying. 😉 😂

[@TermiteUSA]

I think Matt is Eli and Peyton Manning's long lost brother. He's hilarious.

[@grant6165]

Great tour. I have in my collection a letter written by Captain Charles Richardson of the 126th NY. He was shot in the foot on July 2nd in this action. The letter is written from a hospital in June 1864 after he was shot in the face at Petersburg. He later was appointed Commissioner to the Gettysburg Battlefield Commission. A lot of the text on the battlefield tablets was his work.

[@Baseballnfj]

I'm a psychopath with walking on battlefields... the Willard monument, Neil Avenue and the Salem Artillery marker are the hardest to get to on the park. I found the Willard monument pre-cell phone days walking Barksdales whole charge from Seminary Hill. It doesn't look like it until you walk it... but the Plum Run Swale is definitely one of the toughest terrains on the park for line infantry tactics. That fight must have been desperate. Also a cool spot nearby is the field with a gental slope in front of the 9th Mass Artillery (bigelow) Right by the Trostle barn and Sickles HQ monument where they were literally bouncing sold shot off the base of the hill and skipping it into the 21st Miss on the slope

[@jalspach9215]

My family has a 3 page letter written by an ancestor recovering in a nearby hospital to a brother, both Union infantry at Gettysburg. He laments with anguish the loss of his friends ("...sleeping forever in that lonely ground, far from loved ones.")and the ubiquitous longing for home (Ohio) & regards to family. I remember feeling the chill & connection, shaking as I held the pages in my hands as a boy. Though proud my family fought for the Union, it is that letter combined with Ranger Matt's rare & delightful combination of knowledge, Southern humor and candor which drives home to me the human tragedy suffered on both sides. Mr. Atkinson seems to channel the embodiment of the (impossible-not-to-like) type of character who must've occupied Southern ranks. I cannot escape this thought as I enjoy his presentations. No small wonder why Tragic Comedy so captivated the ancient Greeks. Such is life. My GG Grandfather, Co. D, 99th OVI, Under Rosecrans. The 99th "refused to come up" from reserve, broke & ran at Stone's River. "Acquitted themselves" at Chikamauga, Kennesaw etc. Heartening Atkinson's description of NY's redemption.

[@butchnewton256]

Loved that part at the end in the car

[@seraphim_eternal]

Another great video! Matt is the best at what he does.

[@Panzerdeal]

Harpers Ferry stands at the joint of 2 rivers, the Shenandoah, running north from Virginia, and the Potomac, running east..the New Yorkers, even if they'd backed off Maryland heights, had a swim ahead of them.. www.landsat.com/town-aerial-map/west-virginia/map/harpers-ferry-wv-5435284.jpg

[@jennyswift777]

I am so blessed to live close!! Love Gettysburg and history .

[@aust1ntexas235]

When Ranger Atkinson turns up his hip speaker, I start getting set up for plato speaking to the masses, waving arms and all.

[@paulbabinchak6897]

I see now why the 126th was eager to fill the whole at Gettysburg it was Barksdale they would face and it was him at Harpers Ferry they lost to.

[@mackenzieblair8135]

Hooker wanted to take the garrison from Harpers Ferry and add it to the AoP in his pursuit of the ANV into PA. Halleck hated Hooker and refused his request. This turned out to be the last straw for Hooker and he would resign. Upon promotion to commander of the army, Meade was informed he could take whatever forces he wished out of Harpers Ferry.

[@carywest9256]

Well, Hooker was an egotistical ass from the word GO!

[@Panzerdeal]

Food, uniforms, weapons, ammo and tools shipped into DC over the B & O..

[@lisaperrine2082]

Love the videos! I am going to Gettysburg on Halloween 🎃!

[@thomasrudolph7404]

OUTSTANDING! I’ll be there this Friday

[@willoutlaw4971]

Is it possible to edit out the cackling lady?

[@shawnbane585]

Tell us a story Mr. Ranger Matt!

[@brianestabrook1627]

Thats one Fancy Belt Buckle Matt

[@MVJB]

This is a terrific series by Matt, not only the visual experience of Gettysburg but the friendly interaction of Matt and the public. I was in Gettysburg in 1991 and found it hard to believe such a vicious was took place. The battle site at Gettysburg is so enormous it was hard to understand why the battle happened how it did. Listening to Matt describe the logistical geographical and human factors that setup and drove the battle makes it much easier to comprehend. Hopefully I will make another trip from Australia to see Gettysburg and hopefully this time go on a tour with Matt.