I have watched app. a dozen of these NPS videos from Gettysburg now and I must say I am very impressed. These guys are historians as much as they are park rangers. In all the vidoes I have watched, the rangers have been extremely knowledgable and articulate. Some aspects of the battle are very complicated, none more so than the events on the second day involving Sickles' corp. Jim Flook does a great job of explaining the action of that day. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg for the first (and maybe last) time, but I had to tour the entire battlefield in one day. Not nearly enough time. Coming back now and watching these videos helps to fill in the gaps of what I didn't have the chance to see while I was there and have explained in detail the significance of what I did see. Thank you, National Park Service, for making and posting these. This is a use of taxpayer dollars I can fully support.
This was a superb video. I love going to Gettysburg but only get to go every few years. Having this video online let's me to stay in touch with Gettysburg and to continue to benefit from the dedication of the staff and the rangers. Jim Flook has to be commended for his excellent presentation.
This is the best point of view description of the south end of the battlefield I have seen! Big bonus for getting the cardinal directions established and maintained - it’s very easy to lose your sense of direction because the major roads all run at odd angles (the “spoked wheel” of Gettysburg). I wanted to have a sandwich and a cold drink, and then proceed to The Wheatfield and Devil’s Den, maybe even up to Little Round Top! This is what I would do, if I had only one day on the battlefield - those four major battles, all within about a mile and a quarter, are the heart of the action of the three day battle! Hats off and a salute to Ranger Flook! 🫡🇺🇸
I just spent a day again at Gettysburg, I don’t know why but I’m drawn to this place. Spent 3-4 hours walking the peach orchard, a part of the battle I never understood, especially Sickles decision. But as I looked at the terrain, I thought maybe he was right after the Hooker moved him at Chancellorsville. But anyway, this video is the best I’ve ever listened to on this part of the battle. Simply outstanding!
To watch a few of these Battles of Gettysburg NPS videos of June & July, 2014...I find, at times, the National Park Rangers get emotional in these historic battles. I believe that is good...it makes the viewers "feel" some of the moments of emotions that these men of both sides of the battle sides. Imagen...it's like watching the movies dealing with battle scenes, such as, "Gettysburg" - the TV movie made in 1993 and shown in '94. (I think that many scenes of the battles showed some emotions on these men ready to fight ~ friends...relatives...men that actually had same life backgrounds that were dramatic with rapid actions that changed these fellows.) I'm glad to see that getting the visitors involved are good...real good. "Numerous times, there are brothers going forward with each other." How true! Ranger Jim...you clearly explained the events. Thanks.
Hidilian me all the times I lived in the area guided tours not available. I went many times and used the placards and maps but really was lost on the sequence of events
Unless I missed something, his math on soldiers doesn't work around 26:20. He says six on the gun, two at the caisson for a total of ten - did he miss two at the limber or did he mean to say "8 soldiers"? Also, in the run down of how to fire the cannon, what does 5 do? I don't think that number ever came up.
It has been argued that the forward placing of the 3rd corp by Sickles actually may have caused the delay of Longstreet's attack. Is it the 3rd corp that the confederates saw in the peach orchard that caused Longstreet to back track and find another way to get to the Union's left flank? If Longstreet's attack started any earlier he would've had a better chance at taking the round tops as the Union 6th corp didn't arrive on the field 'till later in the afternoon. This blunder by Sickles may have saved the day???
when sickles moved forward that did delay longstreets attack to some extent . the plan had to be altered somewhat and hoods division had to move further south to envelop the union flank. but most of the delay occured as a result of a counter march to reach the jump off position because the original line of march could be seen by union signal men on little round top.the blunder did not save the day. if sickles had stayed where he was supposed to on cemetary ridge and occupy little round top as he was ordered there would have been no salient at the peach orchard. also his flanks would have been secure,his left on little round top and his right connected to the 2nd corp. he also did not have anywhere near enough men to man his forward line! as a result reinforcements from the 2nd and 5th corp arrived piecemeal and were chewed up by longstreets men. if he would have stayed on the original line reinforcements would have reached him more quickly and in mass. thanks for reading
I've always had these questions: If Sickles had deployed as he was told would he have placed a brigade on LRT or have left it open? Had Longstreet gone ahead with McLaws' division in the lead would they've reached LRT before Col. Vincent placed his brigade (20th ME was placed about 15 minutes before Oates two regiments reached it and that after it climbed up and over BRT, something else I don't quite understand.)
A few general questions regarding these tour/talks. Is prior registration required to attend these programs? Is there a limit on the number of people per gathering? Can a couple folks just show up at the visitors center in the morning, get a schedule and decide to attend a presentation or two during the day?
Delays can lose a battle as well as win but I truely believe if the south could have got culps hill on the first or 2nd it would have been desaster for the north .
this guy is an absolute professional! He deserves to be full time
they have sessional rangers on the field cause during the winter and fall season the field isn't as busy as it is in the summer
These guides are just flat out amazing.
Outstanding presentation
I have watched app. a dozen of these NPS videos from Gettysburg now and I must say I am very impressed. These guys are historians as much as they are park rangers. In all the vidoes I have watched, the rangers have been extremely knowledgable and articulate. Some aspects of the battle are very complicated, none more so than the events on the second day involving Sickles' corp. Jim Flook does a great job of explaining the action of that day. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg for the first (and maybe last) time, but I had to tour the entire battlefield in one day. Not nearly enough time. Coming back now and watching these videos helps to fill in the gaps of what I didn't have the chance to see while I was there and have explained in detail the significance of what I did see. Thank you, National Park Service, for making and posting these. This is a use of taxpayer dollars I can fully support.
Ranger Flook made it come alive and moved me to tears.
big fan of ranger Jim and his lectures!
This man knows what he's talking about. It was a pleasure listening to him. Thnaks for the video.
Excellent video. Ranger Flook is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate. The perfect combination. The Park Rangers rarely disappoint.
This was a superb video. I love going to Gettysburg but only get to go every few years. Having this video online let's me to stay in touch with Gettysburg and to continue to benefit from the dedication of the staff and the rangers. Jim Flook has to be commended for his excellent presentation.
this guys is good at what he does and needs a raise
The Gettysburg Park Rangers are just Awesome..They Really Know their History, and they speak with such Great Interest!
I teared with the presenter at the termination of his presentation. Couldn't have been done better in this humble opinion. Kudos and thanks. Carry on.
Ranger Jim Flook is the best by far he makes everyone imagine they are there and so much info I have no questions.
Agreed
This guy is realy amazing, what a pasion and wide knowledge
This is the best point of view description of the south end of the battlefield I have seen! Big bonus for getting the cardinal directions established and maintained - it’s very easy to lose your sense of direction because the major roads all run at odd angles (the “spoked wheel” of Gettysburg).
I wanted to have a sandwich and a cold drink, and then proceed to The Wheatfield and Devil’s Den, maybe even up to Little Round Top!
This is what I would do, if I had only one day on the battlefield - those four major battles, all within about a mile and a quarter, are the heart of the action of the three day battle!
Hats off and a salute to Ranger Flook! 🫡🇺🇸
I just spent a day again at Gettysburg, I don’t know why but I’m drawn to this place. Spent 3-4 hours walking the peach orchard, a part of the battle I never understood, especially Sickles decision. But as I looked at the terrain, I thought maybe he was right after the Hooker moved him at Chancellorsville. But anyway, this video is the best I’ve ever listened to on this part of the battle. Simply outstanding!
What brilliant shows ( Not just this but the others) with ALL rangers, JIM talking made me feel i was at the battle...thank you :)
I like this bloke- probably the best of the rangers I've seen on here.
This guy is very talented. He can interpret this battle with the best of them. Great storyteller and gets to the point.
Awesome. The passion, the knowledge..... and, again , the passion.
They - park rangers - ask questions and engage the audience's imagination. Professionalism personified!
a great video! Jim Flook was a wonderful guide, i hope to see him when i'll phisically visit Gettysburg in the future
Really enjoy this guy's talk.hope he's there next summer when my wife and i visit Gettysburg.
Did you visit?
Love long videos like these, very informative Park Rangers & great to watch! Thanks!
Great job Jim. This is the way history should always be taught
I like how Ranger Jim is concise and informative.
Awesome Job! It was so much fun to watch the video
rangers make tours like this priceless
They make great videos! Thank you Gettysburg NPS
To watch a few of these Battles of Gettysburg NPS videos of June & July, 2014...I find, at times, the National Park Rangers get emotional in these historic battles. I believe that is good...it makes the viewers "feel" some of the moments of emotions that these men of both sides of the battle sides. Imagen...it's like watching the movies dealing with battle scenes, such as, "Gettysburg" - the TV movie made in 1993 and shown in '94. (I think that many scenes of the battles showed some emotions on these men ready to fight ~ friends...relatives...men that actually had same life backgrounds that were dramatic with rapid actions that changed these fellows.)
I'm glad to see that getting the visitors involved are good...real good. "Numerous times, there are brothers going forward with each other." How true!
Ranger Jim...you clearly explained the events. Thanks.
Jim Flook is most excellent.
Thank you Ranger Flook.
This one is fantastic!!
Brilliantly executed talk, loved it
Well done and should give people a great general view of the battle.
Brilliant. You made me very sorry I didn't visit the place when I travelled around US.
Well prepared and concise tutorial.
WE NEED MORE JIM FLOOK VIDEOS! Just awesome stuff! :)
what a great guide. wish I would of done a guided tour when I was there 9 years ago
Hidilian me all the times I lived in the area guided tours not available. I went many times and used the placards and maps but really was lost on the sequence of events
Great video,keep up the extraordinary work of showing how,out of so much suffering,a great country was made made even greater by this terrible war.
i love these videos. these guys are passionate and knowledgeable!
Watched is talk here and on Culps Hill. Sincerely hope I get a chance to take a battlefield walk with him.
Outstanding Ranger Folk!
Great job Jim
Thanks
Great video. Im hoping to go to Gettyburg someday
Well done, Jim!
Fantastic job.
a joy to watch listen and learn ty again
This is very cool. More videos like these please :)
Thank you!
Outstanding! thank you.
That was great! Clap clap Jim Flook
Peach was my great great grandfather Daniel e Sickles
Unless I missed something, his math on soldiers doesn't work around 26:20. He says six on the gun, two at the caisson for a total of ten - did he miss two at the limber or did he mean to say "8 soldiers"? Also, in the run down of how to fire the cannon, what does 5 do? I don't think that number ever came up.
It has been argued that the forward placing of the 3rd corp by Sickles actually may have caused the delay of Longstreet's attack. Is it the 3rd corp that the confederates saw in the peach orchard that caused Longstreet to back track and find another way to get to the Union's left flank? If Longstreet's attack started any earlier he would've had a better chance at taking the round tops as the Union 6th corp didn't arrive on the field 'till later in the afternoon. This blunder by Sickles may have saved the day???
when sickles moved forward that did delay longstreets attack to some extent . the plan had to be altered somewhat and hoods division had to move further south to envelop the union flank. but most of the delay occured as a result of a counter march to reach the jump off position because the original line of march could be seen by union signal men on little round top.the blunder did not save the day. if sickles had stayed where he was supposed to on cemetary ridge and occupy little round top as he was ordered there would have been no salient at the peach orchard. also his flanks would have been secure,his left on little round top and his right connected to the 2nd corp. he also did not have anywhere near enough men to man his forward line! as a result reinforcements from the 2nd and 5th corp arrived piecemeal and were chewed up by longstreets men. if he would have stayed on the original line reinforcements would have reached him more quickly and in mass. thanks for reading
I've always had these questions: If Sickles had deployed as he was told would he have placed a brigade on LRT or have left it open? Had Longstreet gone ahead with McLaws' division in the lead would they've reached LRT before Col. Vincent placed his brigade (20th ME was placed about 15 minutes before Oates two regiments reached it and that after it climbed up and over BRT, something else I don't quite understand.)
Does anyone know where I can get Franklin Gaillard's first hand account? UNC's library has it but it's not online unfortunately.
A few general questions regarding these tour/talks.
Is prior registration required to attend these programs?
Is there a limit on the number of people per gathering?
Can a couple folks just show up at the visitors center in the morning, get a schedule and decide to attend a presentation or two during the day?
1. No.
2. No.
3. I highly recommend this.
Where was the Valley of Death located? I don’t heard about it but would like to know the area. Thank you
I love these videos.
Nice job explaining this I love hearing about the Civil War ❤
I'm in this video with my uncle and father
Mayan Hawk so what
So what- this isn’t about you.
So are you guys NPS rangers year round?
I try and imagine no roads,no cars..just mud and blood and smoke..So Sad
Ranger Flook is excellent
27:44 lol tells the girl to yell load!
lol 28:44 in the great tradition of Corny Dads, Dad runs with vigor as he executes his duty!
this is so good
There should of been shields for each personal on the battle field
What a great job, even part time.
Great presenter
Be nice if there was a Chick-fil-A in Gettysburg
goals
I used to go to Gettysburg for a week long time ago
This guy’s voice is very similar to Jason Clarke’s American accent.
Hello
This was excellent except the whole gun crew thing dragged on a bit!
no it didnt,it was great fun, in none of these videos have i seen something as "hands on" as that.
I hope the video that was shot was done by a tourist and not from a dedicated cameraman.
Thompson James Rodriguez Jessica White Sharon
Delays can lose a battle as well as win but I truely believe if the south could have got culps hill on the first or 2nd it would have been desaster for the north .