I'm EllenJ Pickett , Robert E Lee Pickett great great granddaughter Thank you for putting together a awesome documentary he would be proud of your great work. To quote my great great grandfather "Boom here comes the boom ready or not here comes the boys from the south" -Robert E Lee Pickett
One of the greatest thrills of my life was participating in the movie "Gettysburg" and stepping off with 3,000 other reenactors on the actual battlefield. We advanced from Seminary Ridge as far as the Emmitsburg road. Ted Turner pulled some strings, I'm sure, to get permission but it was the lure that brought thousands of us for this once-in-a-life-time event. When the artillery began to fire the realism was awesome. When we advanced I'm sure I wasn't the only man who wondered how anyone truly expected to survive that long march to the small clump of trees.
Well done! That portion of the film is so moving. I don’t have words to describe how it makes me feel. I can’t imagine the courage of the men who made the actual charge. It must have been quite something to participate in such an outstanding re-creation.
My son and I spent 6 days during the 30 June - 5 July 2006 after he graduated from the Air Force Academy. We went to all the local museums, a ghost tour, drove with a ranger for a guided tour and of course watched the battle with re-enactments. Then walked all over the battlefield. We had ancestors that fought on both sides of the conflict. Mostly cousins against cousins. But one instance of brothers fighting each other. I had been several times but this was Stephen’s first time. We spent 2 weeks visiting 7 different battlefields from Vicksburg, all through Virginia to Gettysburg. It was an amazing experience.
I visited battlefields in Virginia after my retirement. I spent too long in Lexington and the valley, Harpers Ferry, on the 150th Anniversary, Antietam. Gettysburg and Antietam were the highlight of the trip. I was disappointed in the condition of other battlefields, with all the development, to the point that I shortened my trip. That is why I joined the Civil War Preservation Trust then, Later called Civil War Trust, then American Battlefield Trust. This organization saves Civil War Battlefields one piece at a time.
I walked Pickett's Charge (from Seminary Ridge to Cemetary Ridge) with my daughter's 6th grade class about 15 years ago. It was a warm day in May. I can't imagine what it was like on July 3rd with the heat, smoke and a battle raging. Thanks for doing this entire series, JD -- it has been epic.
Men died from heat stroke just in the march to Gettysburg because there was no ready water supply. When they did have water, they drew water from steams that had had urine, feces, dead soldiers, and dead animals deposited in it. The deadliest weapon in the life of a Civil War soldier was his canteen.
@@ronbednarczyk2497 Quite True Indeed .... Dysentery was a MAJOR cause of Soldiers Deaths ,along with very UNSANITARY medical procedures and wound treatments .. ANY wound could become Lethal ..
@@Wilett614 The author spoke at our local Civil War Round Table. Her talk was very enlightening. She's a Board Member, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Fredrick Maryland/Washington DC.
I walked that exact same path in 1996 in full Confederate uniform and as a Carolina man took pictures of me at that NC monument. It is unbelievable how any man could even reach that close to the enemy line with the massive lead pouring into them. The carnage was beyond belief. Their bravery was beyond measure.
@@kingjoe3rdIn the confederacy every man had to serve but if you paid $400 (About $20,000 today) you could get out of the Draft and you didn’t have to fight. Poor people had to fight so that the rich people could keep their plantations and their slaves and become even richer. Poor people gave their lives so that the rich could have a good life that’s an old story
martello44, the rich bought their way out in the north also. If you look you'll find that many of those federal troops didn't want those slaves moving north and competing for jobs. Maybe look into the draft riots in NYC.
I made this walk about 25 years ago by myself. I felt like I could see the battle all around me. The men that made this "walk" must have been unbelievably brave. To be able to make yourself do what these men did is nothing short of superhuman.
A good book written by Dave Grossman (Lt. Col.ret. Army Ranger..teaches psychology at the Army War College (On Killing...is the name of the book.) points out that over 20,000 muskets were picked up after the Battle of Gettysburg ...most were loaded with more than one charge in them, many were found to be loaded up to 14 times without ever being fired. It is supposed that the men carrying them simply went "through the motions" so as not to have to shoot anyone and at the same time not let their friends down or appear a shirker. Love gave them the bravery.....funny aspect of war.
It's pronounced feller. And Yankees still pronounce Gettysburg as "geht-tees-burg". In the the Honorable South, we pronounce it as "get-tis-burg". Small distinction between two nations. ✌🤟🖖...forevermore.
@@stone-coldsteveautism6986 I guess you forgot, we're ONE nation now. Though in today's America I like the South a lot more than the north based on current politics. This coming from a lifelong resident of Chicago area, with a few years living in NJ during my childhood.
General Armistead had to know he was taking his last breath when he held his hat up and charged. These Gettysburg videos have been very moving. Nice work👍
I’ve been there several times It’s very humbling to stand there and look out across that field There is a small marker inside the angle walls where General Armistead fell. I always make a point to visit that marker
@@TheHistoryUnderground Richard Jordan also did an amazing final performance in the role and died of a brain tumor while the film was in postproduction.
They were, both Yankee and Confederate, our countrymen, my bretheren. That so many were sacrificed on this field saddens me deeply. I think of those who have shed blood in service to the United States, and hope they consider my service worthy.
Well weren’t the confederates simply insurrectionists? Just like Trumps drones? They were trying to destroy the country, they should have been forgotten and condemned to history.
@@morrison3599 Most of them weren’t fighting for slavery. They were fighting for the rights of their states to govern themselves without the interference of the federal government. It became more about slavery as it went on but the VAST majority of confederate soldiers were not slave owners. It’s a very difficult thing. And, fun fact, Confederate Major General George Pickett was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. He wouldn’t allow anyone to speak badly of Lincoln in his presence. And now, so many many years later, we’re told by race baiters and perpetual victims that the sacrifice, even of the yankee troops, meant absolutely nothing! They say we’re still where we were. It’s SHAMEFUL!
I'm glad that the monument to the 11th Mississippi was shown briefly in the beginning of the show. My great-grandfather was in this unit, survived and lived a very long life.
"General Lee, I don't think this is a good idea, I don't want to go." I don't think there would have been anyone that brave. I stood at the top of the wall and thought, 'That's just crazy!" Brave, brave men, enormous sacrifice.
L F Up until that time the Army of Northern Virginia had never been defeated. Lee had all the confidence in the world in his Men. He thought they were invincible as most of his Army though as well. He was simply overconfident at their constant proven ability to win battle after battle in the face of being outnumbered and under supplied.
@@lf7961 I think it was because he had the Union Army here, and may never get another chance like this again... to march on Washington. Operational warfare is all about supply. Perhaps he only had the resources for this one thrust up far into the North. Had he won this battle he could have won the war. There was nothing much to stop him from reaching Washington. Whether he was aware of that I dont know.
I just found your videos today JD. My great grandfather ,Stephen Wilkins ,was in The Iowa 7th regiment. He fought in 180 scrimmages and battles during the 4 years he fought. He was hit in the hand by a musket ball in battle at Corinth. He had 2 fingers shot off but wrapped his handkerchief around his hand and continued to fight on.. He was among the Iowa regiment that did not retreat at Shiloh and defeated the southern troops there that held the line for the union army at Shiloh. Other Union army units fled in fear of a huge attack by Confederate troops that tricked them into thinking they had many more troops than they actually had.. He battled 4 years and returned home. I have his discharge papers. He died at 93 years old but always wore his civil war medal on his suitcoat with such pride. I SUBSCRIBED to you today with hopes of learning so much more about these battles his Iowa unit fought in. You are doing an amazing job gand great service to us.... the surviving members of those civil war soldiers. God bless you. ⚘🙏⚘
@@TheHistoryUnderground the confederate troops fooled the waiting union soldiers at Shiloh by forming a single person parade of soldiers, cart with Cannon, horse mule umits and traveling through the very edges of the Forrest, in and out of the edge , then they would circle back around inside the woods and circle through again making the union scouts think they had a massive amount of soldiers and cannons when in fact it was a small amount just circling on edge then into woods and back around, out of sight recircling..... Union troops fled in fear at Shiloh but Iowa unit stayed and fought with , I believe, Illinois or Indiana unit. The war would have been different maybe had they not stopped confederat advance there. I would love for you to report on that battle at Shiloh. Thanks JD.
Thank you for showing the 11th Mississippi Infantry statue. I recently discovered that so many soldiers in that unit shared my mother's maiden name which is not a common name (and from the region where she was born). I knew this regiment was at Gettysburg and that there was a statue but I hadn't seen it. When you panned across it at the beginning of the video it certainly caught my attention. Thank you for all you do JD. Always informative and respectful.
We’ve walked Pickets charge multiple times. The feeling you get is you are actually embedded with the troops. You can almost feel the cannonade, smell the burned powder, and sweat. Doing that mile walk, you become a part of history. Great doc!!!! Keep up the good work!!
Very humbling indeed. Thank you for not taking sides as every man out there were Americans. We have to learn from these things. Together we are strong.. divided, we lose! Love your channel.
I can only imagine the feeling of walking out of the trees knowing what is about to happen…I hear Ken back to the movie Gettysburg when Armistead talks to the French ambassador and says these men would make this charge with no officers…true courage
I and my wife have visited Gettysburg four times. Culp's Hill, the Peach Orchard, the Wheat Field, Little Round Top; words can't describe standing at the Angle knowing what occurred there. It brings me to tears.
I learned more about this in 17 minutes than in years of movies and reading. Simply because you walked it and showed me it is uphill and the terrain with the details of those who were there. I was there with you. I was amazed the length of the charge going uphill in the open against an entrenched enemy with canons! As a former Soldier I find that suicidal....Lest we forget... Thank you from a fellow Origin Customer.......
It is almost overwhelming when you stand at the high water monument and look around realizing what had happened there. Time almost stands still. I’ve been at that spot twice and had the same feeling both times. Nice video. Really enjoyed it.
I visited Gettysburg five times over the years. To stand in the same locations these soldiers fought and shed so much blood in this battle is a moving experience. Definitely hallowed ground.
My wife and I really enjoy and appreciate your channel. I cannot even begin to imagine participating in what went on during the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble charge. One can read all the books and scrutinize all the maps but until one actually walks the same path and stand at the same position which you have afforded no one can truly appreciate their efforts and sacrifices. Thank you J.D. Kudos! Keep up the good work.
Wonderful series, one thing that movies can’t realistically present is the tremendous noise of combat . The noice is debilitating , disorienting and frighting . You can’t hear yourself, nor what’s going to happen. In Vietnam I have never ever been so afraid when our camp was being shelled . Your series is first class and thank you. Walking Pickets charge to the angle should be experienced by all.
Your Gettysburg series inspired me to finally watch Ken Burns’ Civil War series. Getting the macro view was a perfect complement to seeing you walk the battlefield. It just brought it all to life. It boggles the mind how far the southern troops had to “charge” all the while being under constant fire to reach Union lines.
Looking forward to it. I have an acquaintance who’s paternal great-great-great grandfather survived Pickett’s Charge (I recall him saying he was with a N.C. Unit) and was captured by Union Cavalry on July 5th while on a foraging party. He was sent to a northern POW camp, for a period of time, until he wrote to President Lincoln for a pardon. His request was eventually granted, he took an oath to the U.S., and he returned to his Swedish immigrant family in Connecticut (where he moved to N.C. from). He never crossed the Mason -Dixon Line for the remainder of his life. Kind of cool story.
My Great-Great Grandfather was in the Washington Artillery which fired the first shots of Pickett's charge. I have been to Gettysburg 4 times and I see something new every time.
I’m in Texas right now and have a much better understanding of Texas, and the men who fought for her! Lee once said, and I paraphrase, if I had held another two divisions of Texans I might have won that war! I understand.
I walked that most "IMHO" place.... I broke down in a weeping and sobbing manner. It was 10+ years ago and still as I think of that field.... It sends me too my knees
@@MiJacFan1 I have heard that, too. My folks went there when they traveled in Scotland. My mom said that that intense sadness feeling was intensivised by the "haunting" beauty of the local.
My three great uncles were in the charge under Pettigrew in the 26th North Carolina. All three, miraculously survived the war. Granville, the oldest, was wounded 9 times during the Civil War, 3 times at Gettysburg. What a human tragedy!
Iv just discovered this channel and I have to say it is exceptional! I’m an older Aussie- my father was one of the famed rats of Tobruk during ww2. I find my thirst and fascination with military history has become almost insatiable so to find a channel as good as this is truly a pleasure. Well done! Looking forward to more content.
History was my favorite subject in school. But, I have learned so much more from watching this series, than I did in school. You’re truly a gifted educator and historian. Thank you JD for a beyond excellent series.
Fantastic yet again my friend. I'm so glad to see your views and subs taking off the last few weeks. I have no doubt this Gettysburg series is a big reason why.
@@TheHistoryUnderground is a collaboration in the works gents? I know you were both at Toccoa, but I mean hooking up and doing a series together. I think your fans would lose their minds with excitement. A reaction video would be alright, but i am talking real life visit somewhere and together show us some history. Love both of your work.
Im from Tasmania Australia and the american civil war has always been fascinating for me,ive read numerous books about Gettysburg regarding this charge,General Lee made his biggest mistake that day,how he expected 12000 troops to succeed in open ground under artillery and musket fire is just suicidal.too all soldiers on both sides,you were all brave men in that civil war campaign, excellent documentary too,great work.ive now subscribed so i dont miss out on anything else, cheers.
Gen. Lee was counting on his opening cannon barrage to soften the Union's defenses. When this failed the assault was a suicide mission. Lee gambled and lost.
@@pattyconley4096 There is theory that it’s possible that Lee may have had a Stroke & I believe that may be true??? We’ll never know, unfortunately. I’m more angry with Longstreet! He should have relieved Lee of his duties! Because “Pickets Charge” made ZERO sense militarily & Longstreet knew it! Well, I guess it’s better that Longstreet (who was an excellent General, in my humble opinion) didn’t take charge of the situation, because the war would have just gone on & on & on for another year or two & I don’t know if the Northerners would have become war-wary or not? It is possible? It’s also not Possible? As it was, an entire Southern generation was killed, horribly, (for what? The rich man)?! Just horrific! There is NO POSSIBLE WAY in 2022 that we can relate to 19th Century Americana culture! It’s completely IMPOSSIBLE, regardless of your politics & or opinions about the war between the States!
Walked that ground many times. Glad you pointed out the Louisiana monument. The Mississippi and Longstreet monuments and amazingly dramatic/photogenic in the early morning light. And yes, if you like cannons, (in every size and description) West Confederate Ave is a day unto itself. I also liked how you framed the video; a personal experience of a place makes history tangible. That's why it's amazingly important to save these places. Thank you again JD!
I’ve been to the Gettysburg Battlefield countless times in the 40+ years since my first visit when I was 10 years old. The first time on the field I felt a mysterious bond to the battlefield since. I just wanted to let you know that your series on the battle and other bits of history is just AWESOME, honestly the best on Gettysburg, thank you so much for your countless hours working on and your knowledge of the Battle at Gettysburg.
Ive taken that walk and from the Virginia Monument to the High Water mark. I use to live near Manassas Battlefield and have been to most Battlefields in the East
JD knows how long I’ve been waiting on his episode for Picketts Charge lol. He will be glad when I stop asking about it :-D. Looking forward to it my friend!
Partly because of your shows, and partly because of our own personal interests, my husband and I recently returned from Gettysburg. We were there six days and could not see enough of it! We are planning to go back in a couple years. We did walk Picketts charge. We found Gettysburg to feel like a very reverent place.
Glad to see this!! My 3d Great Grandfather Jeremiah A Snider was killed during the charge somewhere between Emmittsburg Rd and the stone wall near the angle. He was with the 11th NC Regiment.
You should read the book “Lee's Tar Heels: The Pettigrew-Kirkland-MacRae Brigade” the 11th NC was in that Brigade. My G-G-Grandfather was in the 44th NC in the same Brigade.
Great-Great Grandfather's unit fired the first shots of the charge. Washington Artillery of New Orleans. Captured at the Wilderness Campaign at 18. He was penniless at 19 and went to south Georgia after the war.
Thanks for the tip! It’s on my to do list, but it was closed the last 3 times I visited Gettysburg. Hopefully I’ll luck out next time. Again, thanks for all the videos and keep up the great work.
JD you have done a wonderful job with the series, Gettysburg is a place worth visiting to learn what true sacrifice was on both sides and I thank you for what you do.
I've walked that field and after doing so I could understand why Pickett hated General Lee. Pickett's men were sent into a complete massacre. That Hallowed Ground I'll never walk on again. 🙏
Just think of the incredible courage those soldiers possessed to obey that order knowing that many of them faced certain death...have to admire that...
JEB Stuart tried to hit the Union in the rear during Picketts charge, but was stopped cold by George Armstrong Custer(a man I disliked, but he was useful at times). If Stuart is successful, maybe we're talking about a different outcome. There's so many "what ifs" in war.
@@Brianfightingmad i didn't want to be the one that said that, but just as the british did in ww1, men obeyed the orders from their 'betters' in society. 'walk towards the machine guns' lions led by donkeys. what continuously puzzles me is WHY a commander of lee's capability, copies what burnside did at fredricksburg against longestreet? uphill, a stonewall providing cover for the defenders, it makes no sense, manoeuvring was lee's strength.
Thank you. You give it a sense of realism. I visited Gettysburg Pennsylvania back in 1994, and I saw the clump I f trees and the forest line where Lee's men stepped out from. I can't even imagine the nightmare that walk would have been a lot of good men lost their lives that day. Thank you so much. You make it kinda like I am there walking with Just have a conversation and Gettysburg. Keep up the great work, and once again, thank you.
As someone who grew up in Northern Virginia and learned all about the Civil War in school, our school took a day trip to Gettysburg and I'll never forget it. Learning history and then walking history right in our own backyard (kinda, it's like an hour away), is crazy.
@@christopherh4653 LOL My best days? I think I'm living some of those right now but thank you. So head back under your bridge there troll. Maybe you can sit there and watch your cities burn because of those you liberated. So far it's been a great show from where I'm sitting.
@@carlhelms595 so, I post as a memorial to my relative who died and you wish more joined him? You just showed your true character. If you were to honor a family member I would certainly not respond with such a gruesome statement. Being racist must be a form of mental illness. Hating people because they are different than you is beyond sensible.
@@carlhelms595 I had 2 family members in 'Colored' regiment's. I'm just as proud of them as any other. Let me ask you an honest question, would you be ashamed of them if they were related to you?
1st VA Kemper's Brigade, Pickett's Division descendant here. As well as 61st Georgia Gordon's Division. The perspective you bring of the history teacher enthusiastic to keep learning and sharing that knowledge is great. Looking forward to watching you take that walk today. You have to walk it to really understand.
Thank you so much for this video. I have seen many of them and this one is personal. My great grandfather was wounded during Pickett's charge, he was under Kemper's command. He obviously survived the war and was much older then my great grandmother when my grandfather was born. This video speaks to me in so many ways. It is hard to imagine what the soldiers on both sides experienced. Thank you again for bringing history to life.
“It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.” The ultimate lesson of any battle. And yet, have we learned from history? A topic for another day. Happy Independence Day!!!
It’s amazing that they are able to preserve as much of the battlefield and the town as they have. Here in California a huge developer Corp would have bought it all and built a strip mall or high density condo on it. Ugh Love to see the history preserved, kudos to the civil war preservation society.
There were a series of lawsuits to rid Gettysburg of some really horrible tourist traps. It took years to secure the restoration and preservation of the battlefield.
I visited this very spot in May 1988. Watching this has brought back many memories. I'm a Yankee from New Jersey but I truly feel sorry for those brave Confederates who were slaughtered in that charge. My God, it must've been horrific.
“JD” Once again you captured my interest in a non comparison way regarding history. I thoroughly enjoy listening to you’re remarks. Thank you for sharing and have a fabulous 4Th of July🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 ✌️🚒🚒 Jesse
Once again, just fantastic. You know what would be a compliment to this series? A smaller series, "Meanwhile, in Vicksburg, Mississippi..." Two bookends to the July 4th "holiday" in 1863.
JD, visited Gettysburg Museum of History yesterday, stopped at MR G’s again for ice cream and than walked the path from the Virginia monument to the Angle. It was mid 80’s and I had a difficult time trying to get a firm understanding as to what these men experienced. Hot, wool uniforms and bombs bursting all around them. When I got to Emmitsburg Road, I was overwhelmed as to how many men died where I was standing. Later, I again went on the Auto Tour, this time with my wife. Sharing what I have learned on my own, from watching your videos and what information the tour guide you provided on our meetup helped me add additional facts than what was on the CD. Thanks again for ALL the hard work you do.
The music you choose for your videos is haunting, yet soothing in a mysterious way, reminds me of the HBO series "Deadwood", quite poingnant and apropos. Love your videos and your enthusiasm, take care and wish you and yours the best! Happy independence day!!! Long live the Republic!
I had the honor of walking Pickett’s charge with the NPS’s leading expert on Gettysburg. While walking the charge’s path he explained what was going on during this charge in excruciating detail. I was struck by many things that day but what I remember the most was the bravery that it took to walk this route under the withering fire from the Union Army. It was unbelievable that anyone survived that charge!
Thank you for your love of our history, ……. and for your part of this documentary, …..the true history of the charge is told, …….just think,…..to work to the seminary ridge, knowing that the cannon with the grape shot is waiting for you, but your Believe in South is greater Then your life. My wife and I have walked the gauntlet of their demise. The pain and agony of the charge to the Seminary ridge, I can feel the heat of July day,the long March to the enemies line. This is a true history of our country!! This is what America is, to sacrifice our self. All This and all the lives lost,is our history. May they all Rest In Peace, North and South.👍👍👍💕💕💕
I fondly remember visiting the battlefield back in the early 60's. The one thing that I remembered was the small ground-level monument that said "The High Water Mark". I wonder if it's still there.
Went to gettysburg in 8th grade on a 4 day end of the year field trip.. i used to love military history and that trip really ingrained that into my passions. On the 2nd or 3rd day we went to the scene of the charge and we all ran only 50 yards of that terrain. Nasty, uneven terrain , and now i cant imagine the grisly charge that underwent that day. Amazing one-of-a-kind feeling of standing upon ground rife with such immense and potent history. One of the best trips of my life, and this video took me back. Thank you !
JD another great video, thank you sir! Last time I was there I had watched Gettysburg again prior. Standing at both sides was humbling to think of the carnage that transpired those three days. First time Lee took a huge gamble without having complete advantage was his ultimate downfall. Union troops did an amazing job holding the little ground they had also. Imagine the momentum if the Confederacy had succeeded in crushing the line? Damn
JD thank you for the videos about Gettysburg. You deliver so much information that all Americans must remember. I am always impressed with your narrative.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Was born shortly after WWII. If per chance I live into my 90s I'll witness the V-E and V-J centennials ( assuming the woke crowd hasn't cancelled them for being "fascist" or some other crap ).
I live 20 miles north of Gettysburg. Back in the 1860’s a young woman was a school teacher about a mile from our place. When the cannons started she thought the battle was just 2-3 miles away and raced home and hid. It was only later that day she learned it was Gettysburg. She wrote a book about her life, and her Gettysburg story was just one chapter
This video gave me cold chills. I have personally walked pickets charge and stood where my ancestors stood at the exact time of the artillery bombardment and it instills something into you unspeakable. I always wanted to do the same at Omaha beach where my grandpa was on first wave on june 6th with the 1st division but have yet to accomplish that. Well done series
I highly recommend a book by author Richard Rollins titled pickets charge and contains hundreds of pages of diary accounts and military reports of both sides and all ranks of pickets charge. The carnage is the book described is sickening
I was at this location over the weekend. The feeling you get there is like nothing else. It's truly humble to stand there and look over the fields and imagine the view of that day
Another great way of telling this epic fight. As you say, there are literally 1,000s of resources out there - yep, and I have read many. But I like the way you condense it all and tell a story for ordinary people, not historians, to get their heads around. I am not even American but am English, a real student of your civil war. I have walked that mile a couple of times, most recently only last year. I have stood on that angle and marvelled - and wept. The bravery (of both sides) was immense and having been there, I cannot imagine that I could have done what any of those guys did. Could I charge that mile? Could I face that charge? I am really not sure I could have even as a rash, younger man. God bless them and God bless them all.
@@kurtbaker4078 I was on horseback near Devil's Den on a trail and had stopped for a moment. I heard a voice beside me say "You sit a horse terribly!" No one near but me and horse, so yes they are all around and very judgmental.
I've been to Gettysburg 2 times because my fiance's great great grandfather's fought there. He's always drawn to that area every year. I came across your videos of the museum and the fields ...I just want to thank you for educating me even more! There's SO much to see and learn . I will be back!!
Excellent presentation. I'll just add that one of the reasons the charge failed. Was that hundreds perhaps thousands of confederate troops simply refused to advance past that fence along the Emmitsburg road. They simply hunkered down along it.
It's hard to hold the discipline of an order when it means continuing to engage in an obviously suicidal mass slaughter. Those Confederates who stopped there are to be respected as much for doing so as those who continued forward. Neither should be faulted.
Have been on this field, alone, at dusk...very much wanting 'something' to happen. The Confederate barrage that day created the loudest noise in history until the dropping of the Atomic bomb on Japan...Well done as always JD...You must have great admiration for those Confederate Soldiers who made that charge, knowing what they were going into...
I have read that the people of Ambridge Pa, which is roughly twelve miles from the city of Pittsburgh could hear the artillery fire of that day in Gettysburg.
Your videos are always very informative and "down to earth" discussion. I'm a big fan of history and I find Gettysburg (and the Civil War) fascinating. I visited Gettysburg when I was about 12 and was hooked. I'm a retired Air Force officer, and I've been to Gettysburg several times, but your videos ALWAYS show me things I've missed during my visits. Fantastic job!
I would like to say I am very impressed with your gettysburg series. I have been reading about the Civil War since I was a young boy and you managed to teach me a few things and entertain me in the process. I look forward to going back to gettysburg to see some of the places I missed. I also agree with you about George Meade his leadership style was one of a true professional. Keep up your good work. As they used to say when I was in the navy, bravo Zulu for a job well done.
THANK YOU for creating this series on all the various aspects of the 3-days at Gettysburg. As you often stated, the series is not an all-inclusive account, but rather has inspired me and hopefully others, to learn more. History often only recounts names, dates, and places, but your series has covered so much more. Rarely have I been exposed to the horrors that the local town folk were forced to endure, the truly innocent. But also the sniper’s nest, the lasting damage to structures, the real walking of various fields and stone outcroppings. I live in Atlanta, and I’ve been able to experience similar with re-enactments at Nash Farms, and battle damaged structures and designated Union and Confederate cemeteries in Fulton, Spalding, DeKalb, and Clayton counties; as well as throughout Atlanta Metro. You have inspired me to learn more. I again thank you and hope in the future you will do a similar series on other historical areas and events.
Any statue, memorial , marker or plaque there should be federally protected by the US Government. They are beautiful works of art in their own right and art belongs to all people and a demented, misguided few do not have any right to remove, vandalize or destroy any art, monument or memorial on the battlefield or any other place for that matter. If they actually studied and learned their history, maybe they might understand things a whole lot better.
I think if any group of stupid people tried anything anywhere at Gettysburg, they would have a huge surprise!!! People would come out and the woodwork to protect and defend this hallowed ground.**out of***
@@TheHistoryUnderground No one will be permitted to touch any monument in Gettysburg, believe me. We may be hicks here but we believe strongly in the Second Amendment. Such nonsense will not be allowed on that hallowed ground.
Can you imagine the shear bravery, dedication, and valor that it must have took to walk that mile under fire , getting up to the union line and face 5000 rifles.
I am a retried MI Army National Guardsman that served in Iraq. I was in the Signal Corps. I cannot imagine the courage or fortitude of those men that day. I am glad I was trained to fight in other ways. None though is fun.
In a word, no. Unimaginable courage and devotion to duty. "Walking that mile under fire" means that the farther you got, the more you were seeing those men in front and either side of you disappearing in mists of red and traumatically amputated body parts flying in all directions. How could you keep going?! With unimaginable courage and devotion to duty.
I love Civil War history. It's not just a hobby bit a ture part of my dale life. I'm a true Southern. To love this as a part of TH-cam. So good for a turn walk throw of real history. Thank you. M.
If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out.
Thanks!
@illmerica Thanks!!!
Probably my favorite channel.
I'm EllenJ Pickett , Robert E Lee Pickett great great granddaughter Thank you for putting together a awesome documentary he would be proud of your great work.
To quote my great great grandfather "Boom here comes the boom ready or not here comes the boys from the south" -Robert E Lee Pickett
@@mrsellenj.a1740 What an honor to have this man in your family tree!!!!
I'm a new fan. Subscribed and ready.
No one can watch these vids and not appreciate the brilliance of storytelling backed up by deep knowledge.
One of the greatest thrills of my life was participating in the movie "Gettysburg" and stepping off with 3,000 other reenactors on the actual battlefield. We advanced from Seminary Ridge as far as the Emmitsburg road. Ted Turner pulled some strings, I'm sure, to get permission but it was the lure that brought thousands of us for this once-in-a-life-time event. When the artillery began to fire the realism was awesome. When we advanced I'm sure I wasn't the only man who wondered how anyone truly expected to survive that long march to the small clump of trees.
Well done! That portion of the film is so moving. I don’t have words to describe how it makes me feel. I can’t imagine the courage of the men who made the actual charge. It must have been quite something to participate in such an outstanding re-creation.
@@myroselle6987 of
@@myroselle6987I've walked it, and it creates a very melancholy feeling as you approach The Emmitsburg Road prior to reaching Cemetery Ridge, sir
My son and I spent 6 days during the 30 June - 5 July 2006 after he graduated from the Air Force Academy. We went to all the local museums, a ghost tour, drove with a ranger for a guided tour and of course watched the battle with re-enactments. Then walked all over the battlefield. We had ancestors that fought on both sides of the conflict. Mostly cousins against cousins. But one instance of brothers fighting each other. I had been several times but this was Stephen’s first time. We spent 2 weeks visiting 7 different battlefields from Vicksburg, all through Virginia to Gettysburg. It was an amazing experience.
Congrats 4 your son's commencement, Ms. Music😊👍 Is he still in The Service??
I visited battlefields in Virginia after my retirement. I spent too long in Lexington and the valley, Harpers Ferry, on the 150th Anniversary, Antietam. Gettysburg and Antietam were the highlight of the trip. I was disappointed in the condition of other battlefields, with all the development, to the point that I shortened my trip. That is why I joined the Civil War Preservation Trust then, Later called Civil War Trust, then American Battlefield Trust. This organization saves Civil War Battlefields one piece at a time.
I walked Pickett's Charge (from Seminary Ridge to Cemetary Ridge) with my daughter's 6th grade class about 15 years ago. It was a warm day in May. I can't imagine what it was like on July 3rd with the heat, smoke and a battle raging. Thanks for doing this entire series, JD -- it has been epic.
Men died from heat stroke just in the march to Gettysburg because there was no ready water supply. When they did have water, they drew water from steams that had had urine, feces, dead soldiers, and dead animals deposited in it. The deadliest weapon in the life of a Civil War soldier was his canteen.
@@ronbednarczyk2497 Quite True Indeed .... Dysentery was a MAJOR cause of Soldiers Deaths ,along with very UNSANITARY medical procedures and wound treatments .. ANY wound could become Lethal ..
@@Wilett614 There's a very good book titled "Learning from the Wounded, The Civil War and the Rise of American Medical Science" by Shauna Devine.
@@ronbednarczyk2497
Awesome ! I will look for that Book
And Thank You !
@@Wilett614 The author spoke at our local Civil War Round Table. Her talk was very enlightening. She's a Board Member, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Fredrick Maryland/Washington DC.
I walked that exact same path in 1996 in full Confederate uniform and as a Carolina man took pictures of me at that NC monument. It is unbelievable how any man could even reach that close to the enemy line with the massive lead pouring into them. The carnage was beyond belief. Their bravery was beyond measure.
Just so some rich guys could own slaves. Bravery… yes. Stupid… yes
A few Confederates actually made it! But took prisoner!
@@kimoandrews5802 why you so mad?
@@kingjoe3rdIn the confederacy every man had to serve but if you paid $400 (About $20,000 today) you could get out of the Draft and you didn’t have to fight. Poor people had to fight so that the rich people could keep their plantations and their slaves and become even richer. Poor people gave their lives so that the rich could have a good life that’s an old story
martello44, the rich bought their way out in the north also. If you look you'll find that many of those federal troops didn't want those slaves moving north and competing for jobs. Maybe look into the draft riots in NYC.
I made this walk about 25 years ago by myself. I felt like I could see the battle all around me. The men that made this "walk" must have been unbelievably brave. To be able to make yourself do what these men did is nothing short of superhuman.
A good book written by Dave Grossman (Lt. Col.ret. Army Ranger..teaches psychology at the Army War College (On Killing...is the name of the book.) points out that over 20,000 muskets were picked up after the Battle of Gettysburg ...most were loaded with more than one charge in them, many were found to be loaded up to 14 times without ever being fired. It is supposed that the men carrying them simply went "through the motions" so as not to have to shoot anyone and at the same time not let their friends down or appear a shirker. Love gave them the bravery.....funny aspect of war.
The real bravery was on the other side of the battlefield.
No
As an Australian, to walk the battlefield's of the civil war has been a dream of mine since i was a young fella.
Hopefully these videos will hold you over for awhile 🙂
It's pronounced feller.
And Yankees still pronounce Gettysburg as "geht-tees-burg".
In the the Honorable South, we pronounce it as "get-tis-burg".
Small distinction between two nations.
✌🤟🖖...forevermore.
@@stone-coldsteveautism6986 I spelt it how it's pronounced over here, we shorten a lot of words
@@incubus1160 Oh, I meant no disrespect...just a tutorial. God love ya, Sir.
@@stone-coldsteveautism6986 I guess you forgot, we're ONE nation now. Though in today's America I like the South a lot more than the north based on current politics. This coming from a lifelong resident of Chicago area, with a few years living in NJ during my childhood.
The music sounds eerie and haunting. It has a certain sadness and somberness to it😔 It fits Pickett's Charge almost perfectly💯
General Armistead had to know he was taking his last breath when he held his hat up and charged.
These Gettysburg videos have been very moving. Nice work👍
I would think so. Got a little more on Armistead in the next video.
I’ve been there several times
It’s very humbling to stand there and look out across that field
There is a small marker inside the angle walls where General Armistead fell.
I always make a point to visit that marker
@@TheHistoryUnderground Richard Jordan also did an amazing final performance in the role and died of a brain tumor while the film was in postproduction.
They were, both Yankee and Confederate, our countrymen, my bretheren. That so many were sacrificed on this field saddens me deeply. I think of those who have shed blood in service to the United States, and hope they consider my service worthy.
Well weren’t the confederates simply insurrectionists? Just like Trumps drones? They were trying to destroy the country, they should have been forgotten and condemned to history.
I wish the Cconfederates would have never continue to choose slavery. Then all these would have never died this way.
@@morrison3599 Spot on!
They should have freed the slaves and then fired on Ft Sumpter
@@morrison3599 Most of them weren’t fighting for slavery. They were fighting for the rights of their states to govern themselves without the interference of the federal government. It became more about slavery as it went on but the VAST majority of confederate soldiers were not slave owners. It’s a very difficult thing. And, fun fact, Confederate Major General George Pickett was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. He wouldn’t allow anyone to speak badly of Lincoln in his presence.
And now, so many many years later, we’re told by race baiters and perpetual victims that the sacrifice, even of the yankee troops, meant absolutely nothing! They say we’re still where we were. It’s SHAMEFUL!
I'm glad that the monument to the 11th Mississippi was shown briefly in the beginning of the show. My great-grandfather was in this unit, survived and lived a very long life.
"General Lee, I don't think this is a good idea, I don't want to go." I don't think there would have been anyone that brave. I stood at the top of the wall and thought, 'That's just crazy!" Brave, brave men, enormous sacrifice.
Can't even imagine.
Never understood why General Lee made that decision. So many were slaughtered.
L F Up until that time the Army of Northern Virginia had never been defeated. Lee had all the confidence in the world in his Men. He thought they were invincible as most of his Army though as well. He was simply overconfident at their constant proven ability to win battle after battle in the face of being outnumbered and under supplied.
@@lf7961 I think it was because he had the Union Army here, and may never get another chance like this again... to march on Washington. Operational warfare is all about supply. Perhaps he only had the resources for this one thrust up far into the North. Had he won this battle he could have won the war. There was nothing much to stop him from reaching Washington. Whether he was aware of that I dont know.
@@ChineseChicken1 sounds to me like he was over confident, probably got cocky.
I just found your videos today JD. My great grandfather ,Stephen Wilkins ,was in The Iowa 7th regiment. He fought in 180 scrimmages and battles during the 4 years he fought. He was hit in the hand by a musket ball in battle at Corinth. He had 2 fingers shot off but wrapped his handkerchief around his hand and continued to fight on.. He was among the Iowa regiment that did not retreat at Shiloh and defeated the southern troops there that held the line for the union army at Shiloh. Other Union army units fled in fear of a huge attack by Confederate troops that tricked them into thinking they had many more troops than they actually had.. He battled 4 years and returned home. I have his discharge papers. He died at 93 years old but always wore his civil war medal on his suitcoat with such pride. I SUBSCRIBED to you today with hopes of learning so much more about these battles his Iowa unit fought in. You are doing an amazing job gand great service to us.... the surviving members of those civil war soldiers. God bless you. ⚘🙏⚘
Wow! Thanks for sharing that and thanks for the sub!
@@TheHistoryUnderground the confederate troops fooled the waiting union soldiers at Shiloh by forming a single person parade of soldiers, cart with Cannon, horse mule umits and traveling through the very edges of the Forrest, in and out of the edge , then they would circle back around inside the woods and circle through again making the union scouts think they had a massive amount of soldiers and cannons when in fact it was a small amount just circling on edge then into woods and back around, out of sight recircling..... Union troops fled in fear at Shiloh but Iowa unit stayed and fought with , I believe, Illinois or Indiana unit. The war would have been different maybe had they not stopped confederat advance there. I would love for you to report on that battle at Shiloh. Thanks JD.
Thank you for showing the 11th Mississippi Infantry statue. I recently discovered that so many soldiers in that unit shared my mother's maiden name which is not a common name (and from the region where she was born). I knew this regiment was at Gettysburg and that there was a statue but I hadn't seen it. When you panned across it at the beginning of the video it certainly caught my attention. Thank you for all you do JD. Always informative and respectful.
We’ve walked Pickets charge multiple times. The feeling you get is you are actually embedded with the troops. You can almost feel the cannonade, smell the burned powder, and sweat.
Doing that mile walk, you become a part of history.
Great doc!!!!
Keep up the good work!!
Very humbling indeed. Thank you for not taking sides as every man out there were Americans. We have to learn from these things. Together we are strong.. divided, we lose! Love your channel.
I can only imagine the feeling of walking out of the trees knowing what is about to happen…I hear Ken back to the movie Gettysburg when Armistead talks to the French ambassador and says these men would make this charge with no officers…true courage
I and my wife have visited Gettysburg four times. Culp's Hill, the Peach Orchard, the Wheat Field, Little Round Top; words can't describe standing at the Angle knowing what occurred there. It brings me to tears.
I learned more about this in 17 minutes than in years of movies and reading. Simply because you walked it and showed me it is uphill and the terrain with the details of those who were there. I was there with you. I was amazed the length of the charge going uphill in the open against an entrenched enemy with canons! As a former Soldier I find that suicidal....Lest we forget... Thank you from a fellow Origin Customer.......
JD, absolutely incredible how you with words, camera work, and music, define this historical moment of our Nation from 3 July 1863.
Thank You!
It is almost overwhelming when you stand at the high water monument and look around realizing what had happened there. Time almost stands still. I’ve been at that spot twice and had the same feeling both times. Nice video. Really enjoyed it.
I visited Gettysburg five times over the years. To stand in the same locations these soldiers fought and shed so much blood in this battle is a moving experience. Definitely hallowed ground.
My wife and I really enjoy and appreciate your channel. I cannot even begin to imagine participating in what went on during the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble charge. One can read all the books and scrutinize all the maps but until one actually walks the same path and stand at the same position which you have afforded no one can truly appreciate their efforts and sacrifices. Thank you J.D. Kudos! Keep up the good work.
Well said. Thanks!
Wonderful series, one thing that movies can’t realistically present is the tremendous noise of combat . The noice is debilitating , disorienting and frighting . You can’t hear yourself, nor what’s going to happen. In Vietnam I have never ever been so afraid when our camp was being shelled . Your series is first class and thank you. Walking Pickets charge to the angle should be experienced by all.
Thanks! Can’t imagine what the sound must’ve been like.
Your Gettysburg series inspired me to finally watch Ken Burns’ Civil War series. Getting the macro view was a perfect complement to seeing you walk the battlefield. It just brought it all to life. It boggles the mind how far the southern troops had to “charge” all the while being under constant fire to reach Union lines.
Suicide charges were Robert E. Lee's signature move.
Looking forward to it. I have an acquaintance who’s paternal great-great-great grandfather survived Pickett’s Charge (I recall him saying he was with a N.C. Unit) and was captured by Union Cavalry on July 5th while on a foraging party. He was sent to a northern POW camp, for a period of time, until he wrote to President Lincoln for a pardon. His request was eventually granted, he took an oath to the U.S., and he returned to his Swedish immigrant family in Connecticut (where he moved to N.C. from). He never crossed the Mason -Dixon Line for the remainder of his life.
Kind of cool story.
My Great-Great Grandfather was in the Washington Artillery which fired the first shots of Pickett's charge.
I have been to Gettysburg 4 times and I see something new every time.
I’m in Texas right now and have a much better understanding of Texas, and the men who fought for her! Lee once said, and I paraphrase, if I had held another two divisions of Texans I might have won that war! I understand.
The NC regiments were in the worst of the fighting on Day 1 and Day 3. One quarter of Confederate casualties at Gettysburg were North Carolinians.
@@jamesdovel6967 I don't see anywhere where Lee said that.
@@jamesdovel6967 He would have gotten them killed like all his other men...
I walked that most "IMHO" place.... I broke down in a weeping and sobbing manner. It was 10+ years ago and still as I think of that field....
It sends me too my knees
As it does me. Profoundly sad.
VERY HALLOWED Ground INDEED ... Thousands of young Men and older Perished on that Field ...And they were ALL AMERICANS ..
I have heard that Culloden has the same effect on people. To be totally decimated like that, imagine.
@@MiJacFan1 I have heard that, too. My folks went there when they traveled in Scotland. My mom said that that intense sadness feeling was intensivised by the "haunting" beauty of the local.
@Ray Jones I can only imagine. Demoralizing. Humiliating. Profoundly unexpressive anger. To name a few.
My three great uncles were in the charge under Pettigrew in the 26th North Carolina. All three, miraculously survived the war. Granville, the oldest, was wounded 9 times during the Civil War, 3 times at Gettysburg. What a human tragedy!
Iv just discovered this channel and I have to say it is exceptional!
I’m an older Aussie- my father was one of the famed rats of Tobruk during ww2. I find my thirst and fascination with military history has become almost insatiable so to find a channel as good as this is truly a pleasure. Well done! Looking forward to more content.
Thanks!
History was my favorite subject in school. But, I have learned so much more from watching this series, than I did in school. You’re truly a gifted educator and historian. Thank you JD for a beyond excellent series.
Fantastic yet again my friend. I'm so glad to see your views and subs taking off the last few weeks. I have no doubt this Gettysburg series is a big reason why.
Thanks, man. Appreciate that. I’ve been enjoying your work as well.
@@TheHistoryUnderground is a collaboration in the works gents? I know you were both at Toccoa, but I mean hooking up and doing a series together. I think your fans would lose their minds with excitement. A reaction video would be alright, but i am talking real life visit somewhere and together show us some history. Love both of your work.
@@dbach1025 🤔
@@TheHistoryUnderground tease. Emotional manipulator. Lol
Yes, he’s excellent. I wish I had him as my history teacher.
Possibly one of the top channels on all of TH-cam
Oh man. Thanks.
Im from Tasmania Australia and the american civil war has always been fascinating for me,ive read numerous books about Gettysburg regarding this charge,General Lee made his biggest mistake that day,how he expected 12000 troops to succeed in open ground under artillery and musket fire is just suicidal.too all soldiers on both sides,you were all brave men in that civil war campaign, excellent documentary too,great work.ive now subscribed so i dont miss out on anything else, cheers.
That was Lee's exhibition of uncaring.
@@doncook2054 I think he cared but he became arrogant and delusional. Maybe overly confident?? Just my opinion
Gen. Lee was counting on his opening cannon barrage to soften the Union's defenses. When this failed the assault was a suicide mission. Lee gambled and lost.
The Civil War after effects are still being felt.
@@pattyconley4096 There is theory that it’s possible that Lee may have had a Stroke & I believe that may be true??? We’ll never know, unfortunately. I’m more angry with Longstreet! He should have relieved Lee of his duties! Because “Pickets Charge” made ZERO sense militarily & Longstreet knew it! Well, I guess it’s better that Longstreet (who was an excellent General, in my humble opinion) didn’t take charge of the situation, because the war would have just gone on & on & on for another year or two & I don’t know if the Northerners would have become war-wary or not? It is possible? It’s also not Possible? As it was, an entire Southern generation was killed, horribly, (for what? The rich man)?! Just horrific! There is NO POSSIBLE WAY in 2022 that we can relate to 19th Century Americana culture! It’s completely IMPOSSIBLE, regardless of your politics & or opinions about the war between the States!
Walked that ground many times. Glad you pointed out the Louisiana monument. The Mississippi and Longstreet monuments and amazingly dramatic/photogenic in the early morning light.
And yes, if you like cannons, (in every size and description) West Confederate Ave is a day unto itself.
I also liked how you framed the video; a personal experience of a place makes history tangible. That's why it's amazingly important to save these places.
Thank you again JD!
Thanks! Appreciate that. I was pretty apprehensive about this one. Lots of strong opinions 😅
An awesome job! Been to Gettysburg twice, on the 150th as a reenactor and another time with the family!
Thanks!
I’ve been to the Gettysburg Battlefield countless times in the 40+ years since my first visit when I was 10 years old. The first time on the field I felt a mysterious bond to the battlefield since. I just wanted to let you know that your series on the battle and other bits of history is just AWESOME, honestly the best on Gettysburg, thank you so much for your countless hours working on and your knowledge of the Battle at Gettysburg.
Thank you. That really does mean a lot to me.
Yes, what he said. I really like your videos. I'm enjoying your Normandy series. Very worthwhile and informative.
Ive taken that walk and from the Virginia Monument to the High Water mark. I use to live near Manassas Battlefield and have been to most Battlefields in the East
JD knows how long I’ve been waiting on his episode for Picketts Charge lol. He will be glad when I stop asking about it :-D. Looking forward to it my friend!
Partly because of your shows, and partly because of our own personal interests, my husband and I recently returned from Gettysburg. We were there six days and could not see enough of it! We are planning to go back in a couple years. We did walk Picketts charge. We found Gettysburg to feel like a very reverent place.
Glad to see this!! My 3d Great Grandfather Jeremiah A Snider was killed during the charge somewhere between Emmittsburg Rd and the stone wall near the angle. He was with the
11th NC Regiment.
You should read the book
“Lee's Tar Heels: The Pettigrew-Kirkland-MacRae Brigade” the 11th NC was in that Brigade. My G-G-Grandfather was in the 44th NC in the same Brigade.
My 3rd Great Grandfather, John Walls, was on the other side. Company B of the 69th PA.
The 18th N. Carolina Regiment was the best. They killed Stonewall Jackson in May, 1863.
Great-Great Grandfather's unit fired the first shots of the charge.
Washington Artillery of New Orleans.
Captured at the Wilderness Campaign at 18.
He was penniless at 19 and went to south Georgia after the war.
You earned it. Well done, and spine shiverin.
I’ll be there in a month, and can’t wait to walk these fields again. The horror of July 3, 1863 must have been unimaginable. Thanks for posting.
Awesome! If you haven't been to it yet, the Gettysburg Museum of History is AWESOME!
Thanks for the tip! It’s on my to do list, but it was closed the last 3 times I visited Gettysburg. Hopefully I’ll luck out next time. Again, thanks for all the videos and keep up the great work.
MY GGGRANDFATHER CHARGED WITH THE 24TH VIRGIA INFABTRY REGIMENT.
JD you have done a wonderful job with the series, Gettysburg is a place worth visiting to learn what true sacrifice was on both sides and I thank you for what you do.
Many thanks!
I've walked that field and after doing so I could understand why Pickett hated General Lee. Pickett's men were sent into a complete massacre. That Hallowed Ground I'll never walk on again. 🙏
Just think of the incredible courage those soldiers possessed to obey that order knowing that many of them faced certain death...have to admire that...
@@jeffsmith2022 fine line between bravery and stupidity.
JEB Stuart tried to hit the Union in the rear during Picketts charge, but was stopped cold by George Armstrong Custer(a man I disliked, but he was useful at times). If Stuart is successful, maybe we're talking about a different outcome. There's so many "what ifs" in war.
Fragging wasn't invented. Yea, if you stand there all you can think is WTF make a new plan.
@@Brianfightingmad i didn't want to be the one that said that, but just as the british did in ww1, men obeyed the orders from their 'betters' in society.
'walk towards the machine guns' lions led by donkeys.
what continuously puzzles me is WHY a commander of lee's capability, copies what burnside did at fredricksburg against longestreet? uphill, a stonewall providing cover for the defenders, it makes no sense, manoeuvring was lee's strength.
Thank you. You give it a sense of realism. I visited Gettysburg Pennsylvania back in 1994, and I saw the clump I f trees and the forest line where Lee's men stepped out from. I can't even imagine the nightmare that walk would have been a lot of good men lost their lives that day. Thank you so much. You make it kinda like I am there walking with Just have a conversation and Gettysburg. Keep up the great work, and once again, thank you.
Ooh, July 3...didn't see that coming. Well played. jd.....well played. Cant wait!!
As someone who grew up in Northern Virginia and learned all about the Civil War in school, our school took a day trip to Gettysburg and I'll never forget it. Learning history and then walking history right in our own backyard (kinda, it's like an hour away), is crazy.
Respectful presentation. I've walked that field. It feels erie, weird, devastating and peaceful. One cannot imagine how terrible that day was.
Yes you can feel the
Devine Pre
Yes you can definitely feel the Devine Precence of God there at Gettysburg.
The effects of grapeshot was horrendous
You do an outstanding job of communicating what you are experiencing which makes the viewer feel like they are right there with you.
A relative of mine, Union 19th Maine Volunteers, died at Pickett's Charge. They were left flank to the 20th Maine on the line.
Wish there'd been a bunch more that joined him.
@@carlhelms595 You won't rise again. Ever. How's it feel knowing your best days were short-lived and over 100 years ago?
@@christopherh4653 LOL My best days? I think I'm living some of those right now but thank you. So head back under your bridge there troll. Maybe you can sit there and watch your cities burn because of those you liberated. So far it's been a great show from where I'm sitting.
@@carlhelms595 so, I post as a memorial to my relative who died and you wish more joined him? You just showed your true character. If you were to honor a family member I would certainly not respond with such a gruesome statement. Being racist must be a form of mental illness. Hating people because they are different than you is beyond sensible.
@@carlhelms595 I had 2 family members in 'Colored' regiment's. I'm just as proud of them as any other. Let me ask you an honest question, would you be ashamed of them if they were related to you?
Love to watch this Civil War series videos. Thanks from Japan.🙏
1st VA Kemper's Brigade, Pickett's Division descendant here. As well as 61st Georgia Gordon's Division. The perspective you bring of the history teacher enthusiastic to keep learning and sharing that knowledge is great. Looking forward to watching you take that walk today. You have to walk it to really understand.
Thank you so much for this video. I have seen many of them and this one is personal. My great grandfather was wounded during Pickett's charge, he was under Kemper's command. He obviously survived the war and was much older then my great grandmother when my grandfather was born. This video speaks to me in so many ways. It is hard to imagine what the soldiers on both sides experienced. Thank you again for bringing history to life.
Thanks for sharing that and for the kind words. Hope that you enjoy the rest of the content on the channel :)
Outstanding JD. Well done 👍. Greatly appreciate your vids. Thanks for taking us along!
Glad you enjoyed it!
“It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.” The ultimate lesson of any battle. And yet, have we learned from history? A topic for another day. Happy Independence Day!!!
🇺🇸
Sometimes war is unavoidable and necessary. Terrible yes, but it is what it is.
It’s amazing that they are able to preserve as much of the battlefield and the town as they have. Here in California a huge developer Corp would have bought it all and built a strip mall or high density condo on it. Ugh
Love to see the history preserved, kudos to the civil war preservation society.
There were a series of lawsuits to rid Gettysburg of some really horrible tourist traps. It took years to secure the restoration and preservation of the battlefield.
I visited this very spot in May 1988. Watching this has brought back many memories. I'm a Yankee from New Jersey but I truly feel sorry for those brave Confederates who were slaughtered in that charge. My God, it must've been horrific.
Pretty terrible ordeal all around.
“JD” Once again you captured my interest in a non comparison way regarding history. I thoroughly enjoy listening to you’re remarks. Thank you for sharing and have a fabulous 4Th of July🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 ✌️🚒🚒 Jesse
Thank you! Have a safe and happy 4th!
Once again, just fantastic. You know what would be a compliment to this series? A smaller series, "Meanwhile, in Vicksburg, Mississippi..." Two bookends to the July 4th "holiday" in 1863.
When I look across that rolling sea of green, what see is carnage. Absolute carnage. Very sad.
JD, visited Gettysburg Museum of History yesterday, stopped at MR G’s again for ice cream and than walked the path from the Virginia monument to the Angle. It was mid 80’s and I had a difficult time trying to get a firm understanding as to what these men experienced. Hot, wool uniforms and bombs bursting all around them. When I got to Emmitsburg Road, I was overwhelmed as to how many men died where I was standing. Later, I again went on the Auto Tour, this time with my wife. Sharing what I have learned on my own, from watching your videos and what information the tour guide you provided on our meetup helped me add additional facts than what was on the CD. Thanks again for ALL the hard work you do.
I don't remember JD doing a premier before. This ought to be interesting. Reminder set 👍
Edit: well done JD. Really enjoying the series 👍
I’m gonna be honest. This hit home. I’m really glad you did this.
👍🏻
The music you choose for your videos is haunting, yet soothing in a mysterious way, reminds me of the HBO series "Deadwood", quite poingnant and apropos. Love your videos and your enthusiasm, take care and wish you and yours the best! Happy independence day!!! Long live the Republic!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for this. As a Englishman, we are not taught much at school about the American civil war. So its great to get educated by your good self.
I had the honor of walking Pickett’s charge with the NPS’s leading expert on Gettysburg. While walking the charge’s path he explained what was going on during this charge in excruciating detail. I was struck by many things that day but what I remember the most was the bravery that it took to walk this route under the withering fire from the Union Army. It was unbelievable that anyone survived that charge!
Thank you for your love of our history, …….
and for your part of this documentary, …..the true history of the charge is told, …….just think,…..to work to the seminary ridge, knowing that the cannon with the grape shot is waiting for you, but your Believe in South is greater Then your life. My wife and I have walked the gauntlet of their demise. The pain and agony of the charge to the Seminary ridge, I can feel the heat of July day,the long March to the enemies line. This is a true history of our country!! This is what America is, to sacrifice our self. All This and all the lives lost,is our history. May they all Rest In Peace, North and South.👍👍👍💕💕💕
I have done this walk before, it gave me chills.
Walked it with my son last year, same chills.
Why? 😆 what a dork!
@@TheJrzdevil Don't be a horses ass.
I’ve really wanted to do this but each time I go I don’t out of respect
Brave men! Every man on that field no matter what side you fought on are heroes! I salute every soldier!!
I fondly remember visiting the battlefield back in the early 60's. The one thing that I remembered was the small ground-level monument that said "The High Water Mark". I wonder if it's still there.
Went to gettysburg in 8th grade on a 4 day end of the year field trip.. i used to love military history and that trip really ingrained that into my passions. On the 2nd or 3rd day we went to the scene of the charge and we all ran only 50 yards of that terrain. Nasty, uneven terrain , and now i cant imagine the grisly charge that underwent that day. Amazing one-of-a-kind feeling of standing upon ground rife with such immense and potent history. One of the best trips of my life, and this video took me back. Thank you !
JD another great video, thank you sir! Last time I was there I had watched Gettysburg again prior. Standing at both sides was humbling to think of the carnage that transpired those three days. First time Lee took a huge gamble without having complete advantage was his ultimate downfall. Union troops did an amazing job holding the little ground they had also. Imagine the momentum if the Confederacy had succeeded in crushing the line? Damn
Thanks!
JD thank you for the videos about Gettysburg. You deliver so much information that all Americans must remember. I am always impressed with your narrative.
Lived to see our 1776 bicentennial and even the Pickett's Charge centennial. May those no longer with us R.I.P.. Happy 4th of July everyone.
Both would've been something to see in person.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Was born shortly after WWII. If per chance I live into my 90s I'll witness the V-E and V-J centennials ( assuming the woke crowd hasn't cancelled them for being "fascist" or some other crap ).
Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY!
JD, you and ABT do an unbelievable job presenting and preserving Our History. Thanks once again.
Subscribed!
Your work: story line, cinematography. delivery, is outstanding!
Thank you for what you do.
I live 20 miles north of Gettysburg. Back in the 1860’s a young woman was a school teacher about a mile from our place. When the cannons started she thought the battle was just 2-3 miles away and raced home and hid. It was only later that day she learned it was Gettysburg. She wrote a book about her life, and her Gettysburg story was just one chapter
A lot of history here that makes me sad this ever happened but i guess it was meant to be Great Video JD Thankyou
This video gave me cold chills. I have personally walked pickets charge and stood where my ancestors stood at the exact time of the artillery bombardment and it instills something into you unspeakable. I always wanted to do the same at Omaha beach where my grandpa was on first wave on june 6th with the 1st division but have yet to accomplish that. Well done series
I highly recommend a book by author Richard Rollins titled pickets charge and contains hundreds of pages of diary accounts and military reports of both sides and all ranks of pickets charge. The carnage is the book described is sickening
Thanks for sharing that. I have several videos on this channel from Normandy that you may enjoy as well.
Yes I have watched all of your videos
Standing "in the place" is a powerful experience. But for the limitation imposed by time, you could be side-by-side with them. So close, so far ...
Very good episode JD presented with up most respect to both sides, the way it should be. Regardless on personal opinions, they were all Americans
Thanks! I'm glad that the Union prevailed, but I try to offer a balanced view of both sides and respect the bravery of the individual soldier.
I was at this location over the weekend. The feeling you get there is like nothing else. It's truly humble to stand there and look over the fields and imagine the view of that day
165,000 troops were on that field. Crazy
Awesome episode, as always from History Underground. Always.
Glad you enjoy it!
Another great way of telling this epic fight. As you say, there are literally 1,000s of resources out there - yep, and I have read many. But I like the way you condense it all and tell a story for ordinary people, not historians, to get their heads around. I am not even American but am English, a real student of your civil war. I have walked that mile a couple of times, most recently only last year. I have stood on that angle and marvelled - and wept. The bravery (of both sides) was immense and having been there, I cannot imagine that I could have done what any of those guys did. Could I charge that mile? Could I face that charge? I am really not sure I could have even as a rash, younger man. God bless them and God bless them all.
You get a weird vibe when you visit these historic battlegrounds, it's like a 6th sense.
Yea I was at the battlefield today
Simply put, you're not alone walking those sacred battle grounds.
@@kurtbaker4078 Absolutely, those spirits are there.
Absolutely. Cold chill vibes like the spirits are with you
@@kurtbaker4078 I was on horseback near Devil's Den on a trail and had stopped for a moment. I heard a voice beside me say "You sit a horse terribly!" No one near but me and horse, so yes they are all around and very judgmental.
I've been to Gettysburg 2 times because my fiance's great great grandfather's fought there. He's always drawn to that area every year. I came across your videos of the museum and the fields ...I just want to thank you for educating me even more! There's SO much to see and learn . I will be back!!
Excellent presentation. I'll just add that one of the reasons the charge failed. Was that hundreds perhaps thousands of confederate troops simply refused to advance past that fence along the Emmitsburg road. They simply hunkered down along it.
Good point. Thanks.
It's hard to hold the discipline of an order when it means continuing to engage in an obviously suicidal mass slaughter. Those Confederates who stopped there are to be respected as much for doing so as those who continued forward. Neither should be faulted.
The courage of both sides is so humbling.
How could this charge have ever been considered a good idea? Such horrible human suffering. Great shots in the video & informative as always 👍
I could give all kinds of explanations but when I stand at the high water mark and look back at Cemetery Ridge, the whole thing seems crazy.
Thank you for your thoughtful commentary and insights. I appreciate that you're helping keep those frightful times in perspective.
Thanks! Hopefully people are sharing the videos and it’s doing some good.
Have been on this field, alone, at dusk...very much wanting 'something' to happen. The Confederate barrage that day created the loudest noise in history until the dropping of the Atomic bomb on Japan...Well done as always JD...You must have great admiration for those Confederate Soldiers who made that charge, knowing what they were going into...
Can you even imagine the sound? My gosh.
I have read that the people of Ambridge Pa, which is roughly twelve miles from the city of Pittsburgh could hear the artillery fire of that day in Gettysburg.
@@danielpurcell7395 I have heard that as well. Makes sense with the mountains.
Your videos are always very informative and "down to earth" discussion. I'm a big fan of history and I find Gettysburg (and the Civil War) fascinating. I visited Gettysburg when I was about 12 and was hooked. I'm a retired Air Force officer, and I've been to Gettysburg several times, but your videos ALWAYS show me things I've missed during my visits. Fantastic job!
Over a mile in an open frontal assault! Unbelievable! It is a wonder any of them survived.
SHOCKING appalling decision, can anyone tell me WHY?
I would like to say I am very impressed with your gettysburg series. I have been reading about the Civil War since I was a young boy and you managed to teach me a few things and entertain me in the process. I look forward to going back to gettysburg to see some of the places I missed. I also agree with you about George Meade his leadership style was one of a true professional. Keep up your good work. As they used to say when I was in the navy, bravo Zulu for a job well done.
🙏🏼
Can’t wait!
THANK YOU for creating this series on all the various aspects of the 3-days at Gettysburg. As you often stated, the series is not an all-inclusive account, but rather has inspired me and hopefully others, to learn more. History often only recounts names, dates, and places, but your series has covered so much more. Rarely have I been exposed to the horrors that the local town folk were forced to endure, the truly innocent. But also the sniper’s nest, the lasting damage to structures, the real walking of various fields and stone outcroppings. I live in Atlanta, and I’ve been able to experience similar with re-enactments at Nash Farms, and battle damaged structures and designated Union and Confederate cemeteries in Fulton, Spalding, DeKalb, and Clayton counties; as well as throughout Atlanta Metro. You have inspired me to learn more. I again thank you and hope in the future you will do a similar series on other historical areas and events.
Beautiful statue, I hope it survives what is happening in 2021.
Me too.
Any statue, memorial , marker or plaque there should be federally protected by the US Government.
They are beautiful works of art in their own right and art belongs to all people and a demented, misguided few do not have any right to remove, vandalize or destroy any art, monument or memorial on the battlefield or any other place for that matter.
If they actually studied and learned their history, maybe they might understand things a whole lot better.
I think if any group of stupid people tried anything anywhere at Gettysburg, they would have a huge surprise!!! People would come out and the woodwork to protect and defend this hallowed ground.**out of***
@@TheHistoryUnderground No one will be permitted to touch any monument in Gettysburg, believe me. We may be hicks here but we believe strongly in the Second Amendment. Such nonsense will not be allowed on that hallowed ground.
@@victorianidetch if you need assistance in protecting them please give me a holler, I’m just up the road in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Great Narrative on Noble deeds by men against men, of one nation. Thank you, for a great story.
Can you imagine the shear bravery, dedication, and valor that it must have took to walk that mile under fire , getting up to the union line and face 5000 rifles.
Those guys were made from a different material.
No, I cannot imagine what they all did that day.
I am a retried MI Army National Guardsman that served in Iraq. I was in the Signal Corps. I cannot imagine the courage or fortitude of those men that day. I am glad I was trained to fight in other ways. None though is fun.
It was only 3/4 mile. Piece of cake.
In a word, no. Unimaginable courage and devotion to duty. "Walking that mile under fire" means that the farther you got, the more you were seeing those men in front and either side of you disappearing in mists of red and traumatically amputated body parts flying in all directions. How could you keep going?! With unimaginable courage and devotion to duty.
I love Civil War history. It's not just a hobby bit a ture part of my dale life. I'm a true Southern. To love this as a part of TH-cam. So good for a turn walk throw of real history. Thank you. M.