Tuesday Evening Walk – August 6, 2024

LBG Chuck Burkell’s 6 August 6 2024  “Captain John Bigelow’s 9th Massachusetts Artillery Battery on July 2nd”

James Longstreet’s assault on the afternoon of July 2, 1863 is considered by some if not many historians to be one of the largest engagements of the entire Civil War. Thrust into the throat of this attack was a small group of Massachusetts artillerists commanded by a Harvard educated Captain, Johnny Bigelow. He and his soldiers performed heroically, honoring their command and orders, tragically surrendering to eternity a number of their colleagues. Their prolonged retreat was not one of choice, but literally survival to keep up the fight. This walk will examine the history, role, and aftermath of the 9 MA within this monumental engagement.

Acknowledgement of Risks