I have long included the link to the blog of the Gettysburg NMP, so I don’t usually rehash events going on at the park that are covered there. Of course, this is a big year for the park and there are a lot of programs on the schedule.
If you make it there (and I will admit that as much as I enjoy going to Gettysburg I do my best to avoid the crowds July 1 – 3 each year), do yourself a favor and try to make the Overview Hikes on July 1st and 2nd that cover the actions the 17th CVI was involved in.
The July 1st hike – The Battle North of Town – takes place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. You’ll meet at the Barlow’s Knoll Key Moment Station. This will cover the battle between the 11th Corps and Early’s and Rodes’ divisions of General Ewell’s 2nd Corps.
The July 2nd hike – Cemetery Hill and Culp’s Hill – takes place from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. You’ll meet at the Baltimore Street entrance to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. and hike from Cemetery Hill to the western slopes of Culp’s Hill, the scene of attacks by Ewell’s Second Corps on the evening of July 2.
These hikes are not quite as long or detailed as the ranger programs that normally occur, but still get you onto the field with people who know what they are talking about. Some years ago my son and I took part in a ranger hike covering the attack on East Cemetery Hill. It was hot but well worth it to walk the field and see it from the perspective of the attacking Confederate troops. I’m pretty sure that hike was led by Troy Harman that day and it was informative, well planned and very enjoyable.
One tip: tick repellent. Bring it. Use it. Easier than trying to pick the buggers off.
I’ve always been impressed by all the rangers who work at Gettysburg (and the other Civil War parks I’ve been to). If you are visiting during the 150th commemoration, do yourself a favor and spend some time with them. If you want more information you can check out their events guide here.
On a different note – check the summer issue of TRAINS magazine for an informative story about the 50th anniversary commemoration, specifically the work done by the railroads to bring in the thousands of veterans to the battlefield…literally. Tracks were laid from the mainline to the encampment built for the veterans on the field. Little known fact – you can still see some of the ties laid for that spur track in some places in town!
Why don’t you guys fly a flag from the flagpole at Barlow’s Knoll? I live in Gettysburg & thought I could help you get one flown there for the next 3 days….
I’m hoping that the NPS will have the flag flying for the 150th – last time I was there I saw the hardware was all in good shape and I know that NPS approves various groups requests to do so.
I’m not affiliated with any of the reenactor groups that portray the 17th CVI but am friends with some, and I’m sure that they’ll be present…and hopefully will fly the flag.
The 17th Conn. Infantry donated a National Flag in 2003 after getting the flag pole painted and the NPS removed the nearby tree. When I inquired about the flag in 2008 they knew nothing? Seems the NPS can not fly or be responsible for a flag! Each dept blames trhe other……greens has it, security has it, the ranger took it down, etc.,. So I am still looking for answers…… We were there at the reenactment and portrayed Ames Brigade at full strength at East Cemetery Hill on the evening of July 2. Our regimental flew in the face of the enemy and we repulsed them after a bitter fight ! BULLY FOR BUCKINGHAM!