I was army and I can tell you that these distances are insane. You had to carry everything with you. Most of these troops were barefooted too, wearing wool uniforms in humid summer weather. It's amazing that both armies weren't taken out by heat and dehydration. People don't think about that when talking about these battles. Then once you arrive you have to fight for your life, and in the case you're on the losing end, you have to retreat back out. They didn't have horses, or wagons to ride on, all this was by foot.
Thanks Tim for remembering those brave, exhausted Alabamians. Too often the Confederate side of the story is neglected or ignored. We must remember the brave men on both sides.
Indeed, it is shame that so many "uneducated" people now seem to believe only the "winner" of a battle or war should be allowed to have heroes - so many people assume what these warriors fought for - or against - average johnny reb more than likely started fighting because all he personally knew was the Yankees had invaded the south - its a safe bet many a warrior had never seen a slave let alone owned enslaved anyone
I've always contended the Alabamians may have had the toughest row to hoe at Gettysburg. The topper for them was the terrain they ended up traversing during the assault. A climb over big round top is taxing when you're relatively fresh. They were the farthest thing from fresh. An amazing feat of arms and discipline.
Amazing what those people did. History is so important to pass along to our children (because I’m afraid important and applicable history is not taught in public schools). 🇺🇸🙏
I heard another person mention the weather and travels of the armies as a cause/effect for the battle. This insight was wonderful! I believe it's one of the factors Lee overlooked in committing his forces to battle. That, plus the fact that Lee's cavalry was absent leaving him in the dark about Union displacements and strengths are factors I believe that the confederates should have withdrawn from Gettysburg.
I was army and I can tell you that these distances are insane. You had to carry everything with you. Most of these troops were barefooted too, wearing wool uniforms in humid summer weather. It's amazing that both armies weren't taken out by heat and dehydration. People don't think about that when talking about these battles. Then once you arrive you have to fight for your life, and in the case you're on the losing end, you have to retreat back out. They didn't have horses, or wagons to ride on, all this was by foot.
Thanks Tim for remembering those brave, exhausted Alabamians. Too often the Confederate side of the story is neglected or ignored. We must remember the brave men on both sides.
Indeed, it is shame that so many "uneducated" people now seem to believe only the "winner" of a battle or war should be allowed to have heroes - so many people assume what these warriors fought for - or against - average johnny reb more than likely started fighting because all he personally knew was the Yankees had invaded the south - its a safe bet many a warrior had never seen a slave let alone owned enslaved anyone
Agreed
Well they shouldn't have been willing to enslave my ancestors
Tim brings the history out with such clarity, I really enjoy his passion for giving us a clear picture of what was at that momentous time.
More videos, yes please!
No better troops ever existed than these fellows.
My 3rd great grandfather walked home from Gettysburg to Smithfield Va. with a mini ball in his leg.
There’s a plaque about 8th Alabama Wilcox brigade there as well. I had 2 grandfathers and an uncle in that regiment
They had a long walk back and then a longer walk home a couple of years later, for those who made it
I've always contended the Alabamians may have had the toughest row to hoe at Gettysburg. The topper for them was the terrain they ended up traversing during the assault. A climb over big round top is taxing when you're relatively fresh. They were the farthest thing from fresh. An amazing feat of arms and discipline.
Agree. These men were some of the toughest soldiers the world has ever seen.
Love these videos. Always learning!
Glad you like them!
Amazing what those people did. History is so important to pass along to our children (because I’m afraid important and applicable history is not taught in public schools). 🇺🇸🙏
Very interesting
Thank you
Fascinating! Thanks!
Fantastic! Thanks Tim.
Thanks for the info. Between this and American Battlefield Trust videos, it’s very addicting.
Amazing! Thank you!
Law is buried about an hour from me.
Finally, something about the other side....
Great points!
I heard another person mention the weather and travels of the armies as a cause/effect for the battle. This insight was wonderful! I believe it's one of the factors Lee overlooked in committing his forces to battle. That, plus the fact that Lee's cavalry was absent leaving him in the dark about Union displacements and strengths are factors I believe that the confederates should have withdrawn from Gettysburg.
Lee had cavalry. He just didn't have Stuart.
There was no DQ along the way!