Gettysburg Culps Hill

[Johnny Reb]

I Just finished reading a book titled Culps hill and Cemetery hill (for the third time) by Henry Pfanz. I bought this excellent book several years ago because I wanted to know more of what happened on this hill during the 3 day battle at Gettysburg. Much has been written about other parts of the battlefield like Little round top, the wheatfield, Pickets charge, Cemetery hill, ect. But I never heard much about Culps hill, so about 5 years ago I Bought 2 Books the One already mentioned and another by Jeff Wert titled Gettysburg Day 3. Culps Hill Has become my Favorite area of the Battlefield, it was just as important as Little round top and Pickets charge. If the confederates broke through culps hill and the Unions right flank they Could have done 3 things.
1) They Could have cut off the Federals escape route (the Baltimore Pike)
2) They Could have captured the Federals supply trains on the Baltimore pike
3) They Could have attacked the federals form the rear and the front from Seminary ridge. (Pickets Charge)
The Battle would have had a much different outcome if this had happened. I guess this is why this part of the battlefield intrigues me so. I don't think it ever got the recognition it deserves. If any of you are planning a trip to Gettysburg in the near future, make sure ya pay a visit to Culps Hill. You wont be disappointed.

[Adam Helmer]

Johnny Reb,

Excellent post. I have read about and walked over the Gettysburg Battlefield many times. Longstreet was right when he suggested to Lee that the Rebs go around either flank of the federal "fish hook" and offer battle on better ground. A wise man once said, "two walkie talkies on the field would have changed the course of the battle." It is interesting to read about delays in troop movements, fortunate events and lapses like Jeb Stuart's absence.

I read a lot about Little Round Top (LRT) and what really happened there. The book, "Killer Angels" makes it sound like the 20th Maine saved the whole Union Line. Actually, General Warren went to LRT and saw the weakpoint on the Union left. He rode to the rear, found Brigade Commander Strong Vincent and told him to fill in the line on LRT. Without asking his division commander, Vincent put the 20th Maine, 83rd Pennsylvania, 44th New York and 16th Michigan into the line. So, yes, Colonel Chamberlain did put the 20th Maine on LRT, but there were three other regiments there to help.

Adam

[Jack]

Good posts.
I think Gettysburgh is the most 'what if' d battle in history.
Adam, you're right about several units being involved in the defense of Little Round Top. Those 4 and the 140th New York as well.
There has been some recent books on Gettysburgh, with some new research. Stephen Sears book is particularly good, IMO.

[Johnny Reb]

Originally Posted by Adam Helmer

Johnny Reb,


I read a lot about Little Round Top (LRT) and what really happened there. The book, "Killer Angels" makes it sound like the 20th Maine saved the whole Union Line. Actually, General Warren went to LRT and saw the weakpoint on the Union left. He rode to the rear, found Brigade Commander Strong Vincent and told him to fill in the line on LRT. Without asking his division commander, Vincent put the 20th Maine, 83rd Pennsylvania, 44th New York and 16th Michigan into the line. So, yes, Colonel Chamberlain did put the 20th Maine on LRT, but there were three other regiments there to help.

Adam

Adam
I agree, I don't think Gouverneur Warren or Strong Vincent got enough recognition for their part in the Battle. Because of the importance of Colonel strong Vincent's action at Gettysburg he was promoted to General on the Battlefield. His last words to his men were: Don't give an inch.

Jack I also have Stephen Sear's book on Gettysburg, Great Book.

[grayghost]

I too love civil war history and have been metal detecting (private property with permission) for years as well as being a reenactor. My first reenactment was at Olustee, Florida. I was amazed to see 1500 in uniform. By the 125th anniversary, we were hosting 18,000 in uniform at Gettysburg. Now we are at the 150th anniversary. Should be some great reenactments over the next few years. Here are a few relics I dug from one site in Tennessee.