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Evening “Walks Through History“
Series – 2022
2022 will mark the eleventh year of Licensed Battlefield Guide-led “Walks Through History” on summer Tuesday evenings, Guides will lead an evening walk each Tuesday evening dedicated to a specific topic. These are ideal for those who desire a more in-depth look at one aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg, or for those simply looking for something to do on a beautiful, and at times not-so-beautiful, summer evening. Each session is offered for a fee of $35, payable to the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides.
Note: Under the provisions of our Commercial Use Authorization permit with the Gettysburg National Military Park, we are required to have on file that you have read and agreed to the provisions detailed in the Acknowledgement of Risks form. Should you wish to register for any of the programs detailed below you will have to agree you have read and understood this form before you will be taken to the payment site.
Please car-pool whenever possible and make sure to obey all National Park regulations regarding parking in the National Park. At all times make sure your car is parked in a legal parking place OR parked in such a way that it does not present a road hazard by partially blocking tour roads. Be aware of traffic flow on two-way roads. At no time should your vehicle be parked on the grass or dirt berm. All four wheels must be on the pavement.
When: Tuesday Evenings throughout the late spring and summer.
Dates: June 7, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16.
Time: All programs will run from 5:00 PM until approximately 8:00 PM
Where: Detailed in descriptions. Parking is limited. Abide by park rules and consider car-pooling
Cost: $35 per session.
June 7, 2022 Evening Walk
“General Andrew Humphrey’s Division at Gettysburg” featuring LBG Mike Rupert
This walk explores the ground fought for and held by about 3,700 soldiers on the afternoon on July 2nd, essentially between the Peach Orchard and the Codori Farm on the Emmitsburg Road. General Humphreys, a career US Army officer, leads his division with intellect and fearlessness throughout the battle. “General Humphreys in the midst of this hail storm moved among the troops, and himself looked to the fire of the batteries, stepping between the guns and giving his directions, wholly intent upon the work & heedless of the murderous missiles that were felling the very gunners around him.” As the Confederate attacks moved up the Emmitsburg Road, Humphreys’ men would be nearly enveloped by three Confederate brigades and ordered to withdraw to Cemetery Ridge, all at about the same time. This would be a fighting withdraw as Humphreys describes, “the fire we went through was hotter in artillery and as destructive as at Fredericksburg. . . twenty times did I bring my men to a halt and face about to fire”. As the division remnants made it back to Cemetery Ridge, General Winfield Hancock would observe them, as it “seemed nothing left of the division but a mass of regimental colors still waving defiantly.” The total walk will be about 1 and ½ miles mostly using the paved park roads with some walking in the mowed areas on the safe side of the fencing on the Emmitsburg Road.
June 14, 2022 Evening Walk
Note: Commercial activities in the Soldiers National Cemetery are no longer permitted under the terms of the Code of Federal Regulations 36: Parts 2, 5, and 12. Regretfully, this program has been cancelled.
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June 21, 2022 Evening Walk
Program not approved by NPS – cancelled.
“Game legged cusses and wagon rats” The far right of the Confederate line on 3 July” featuring LBG Rob Abbott
Everyone knows of JEB Stuart’s cavalry action on the far left of the CSA line on 3 July, but what about the of the mixed Confederate cavalry force protecting the General Lee’s right flank? Join LBG Rob Abbott as we meet Col John Black, 1st South Carolina Cavalry and his band of “game legged cusses and wagon rats” as they square off with Union BG Wesley Merritt on 3 July, 1863. The walk will set the stage for the creation of Colonel Black’s force, walk south to the US Cavalry markers near the Battlefield B&B, walk Merritt Avenue and then follow the fight as it moves north to the Bishop Farm. This is NOT a BG Farnsworth discussion. The walk will be easy, but long, either on the shoulder of Emmitsburg Road or on the edge of farmer’s fields. Wear good shoes and spray down for ticks. Reflective vests will be available as we walk against traffic
June 28, 2022 Evening Walk
“…we poured a most destructive fire upon their flanks…”: The Bucktail Brigade at Gettysburg featuring LBG Therese Orr
July 5, 2022 Evening Walk
“Early’s Attack on July 1st: The Key Secondary Attack by the Confederates” featuring LBG Rick Schroeder
July 12, 2022 Evening Walk
“Joseph R. Davis’s Brigade, July 1, 1863” featuring LBG Phil Muskett
July 19, 2022 Evening Walk
“The 1st Minnesota” featuring LBG Chris Army
This program will focus on the actions of the famed 1st Minnesota Regiment on July 2nd, 1863. During the height of the battle, as Union General Winfield Scott Hancock was riding north up the line he saw a threat coming across the field in the form of an entire Confederate brigade. Looking to buy more time to get additional troops positioned for defense, Hancock came across the small regiment of the 1st Minnesota. His orders for them to go in resulted in heavy casualties for the Minnesotans, but the action bought Hancock the precious time he needed to get more troops to the friction point. We will walk approximately ¾ of a mile over mostly even ground, although parts of the field may not be so. Participants are encouraged to wear good boots, and bring water and bug spray along.Meeting Place : 1st Minnesota Memorial
July 26, 2022 Evening Walk
“The New York Draft Riots and Gettysburg: The most violent battle and insurrection in American History” featuring LBG Joe Mieczkowski
August 2, 2022 Evening Walk
”The Attack and Repulse of Wright’s Brigade on the Second Day” featuring LBG Bill Thomas
August 9, 2022 Evening Walk
“Rorty’s Empire Battery” featuring LBG Michael Rupert
Captain James McKay Rorty – one of the 140,000 plus Irishmen who would serve in the American Civil War. Like most Irishmen who served, he was motivated by a dual purpose. One to America, because the idea of liberty and its Constitution is worth fighting for. One to Ireland, to which they hoped to someday bring their fighting experience back to their native land. We will include and explore this topic at our first stop. Also at the first stop, which is the approximate place where Rorty’s battery fought on July 2nd we will cover the confusion as they supported Sickles withdraw from the Peach Orchard. We will then follow Captain Rorty to the July 3rd position where Confederate artillery & infantry attacks pummel the battery and the Captain gives his life. “Rorty’s death is as severe a loss as Ireland has had for a long time. He surpassed everything in the Army of the Potomac on the 3rd instant. . . No words can express what he deserves.” (Suggested to bring a hiking chair). The total walking will be about 1.25 miles on paved roads and mowed paths.
August 16, 2022 Evening Walk
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