In Gettysburg for a week, Part 1, Oct 12-14, 2011

The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863

Thursday, Oct 13th, 2011

Cyclorama and Museum

A view (Pickets Charge) from the Cyclorama at Gettysburg, what an amazing painting. 360 degrees by 40’ tall, but it gives you the illusion of being able to see for miles.

The 34 stars of the United States Flag of 1861. “This flag includes the 11 states of the Confederacy. The US Government never recognized the right of the Southern States to leave the Union and their stars remained on the American flag throughout the war.”

Below is what they termed as “Lifesaving Lint”. “Woman on the home front scraped lint from linen cloth, twisted it into bundles like this and sent it to army hospitals. Surgeons used damp lint to cover wounds.”

Two bullets fused together as they met in mid air near Culp’s Hill.

This fence post was in the area of Pickett’s Charge. “The soldiers in Picket’s charge came under rifle fire as they approached the fences along Emmitsburg Road. Four bullets are embedded in this post.”

Since the concept of dog tags for the soldiers was about 50 years away, the soldiers came up with their own form of identification. Below is a wrist tag made by W. J Fisher. Others would stitch their name in their uniform or leave notes in their pockets.

We ended our Museum visit with an invitation to come and sit by me, what an interesting fellow.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Today we had three ranger led programs to attend and it was raining, but armed with umbrellas we head out.

First before the ranger programs, we were in search of the 73rd Ohio monument along with the R F and L F stones (right flank and left flank). My great grandfather Jeremiah C Woodyard possibly stood right where I am standing back on July 1-3, 1863, 148 years ago as he fought in this unit.

Right Flank marker and the Left Flank marker. Below I am pointing from the Left Flank market towards the Right Flank Marker which is the utility pole before you get to the stop light.

Our three ranger programs were excellent. This one was in the Devil’s Den area with Little Round Top in the background.

Then it was a challenge for Bob to give his full attention to the Ranger, with the rain and wind and an unruly umbrella.

Here we are getting the real scoop on Pickett’s Charge and the sun came out!!

Today we made arrangements for a private guided tour next Tuesday of the battlefield by a guide who had two ancestors who was also in the 73rd Ohio, so he knows that unit’s movements very well. Should be a great tour,I can’t wait.