High water mark of the confederacy..where? (1 Viewer)

[Andanna]

Just read through these posts. One book I do not see referenced on the civil war (not Gettysburg specific) and its causes and consequences was McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom".


On Amazon it reads: "Published in 1988 to universal acclaim, this single-volume treatment of the Civil War quickly became recognized as the new standard in its field. James M. McPherson, who won the Pulitzer Prize for this book, impressively combines a brisk writing style with an admirable thoroughness. He covers the military aspects of the war in all of the necessary detail, and also provides a helpful framework describing the complex economic, political, and social forces behind the conflict. Perhaps more than any other book, this one belongs on the bookshelf of every Civil War buff. --"

Am I missing something?

Further, as an alternative to having a guide in the car, is to use a tour guide on CD. There were three choices last week and after trying two of them, I had a clear preference for this one by Wayne Motts:

http://www.amazon.com/Gettysburg-Fi...1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1272476896&sr=8-1-fkmr1

Whatever you do, enjoy the trip. It is a great battlefield and during the last years several buildings that were not part of the battlefield in 1863 as well as trees and shrubs have been removed to allow for a better view.

 

[jazzeum]

Andres,

I agree with you on that one and just it mentioned it to Rob via pm. However, I remember that when I once recommended it to a member Bob thought it might be a little too much for a novice. I forget the reasons but perhaps he can elaborate. I enjoyed and continue to enjoy it.

 

[UKReb]

Andres,

I agree with you on that one and just it mentioned it to Rob via pm. However, I remember that when I once recommended it to a member Bob thought it might be a little too much for a novice. I forget the reasons but perhaps he can elaborate. I enjoyed and continue to enjoy it.

Brad

I cannot find the post where this came up before but yes I remember the previous discussion. And I still stand by my reasons for stating that McPherson's book although a splendid read is far far too heavy a tome for a beginner exploring the causes and nuances of the ACW. You asked me why I would recommend Catton's trilogy to a student beginner when they were all written in the 60's-my answer his style of writing which just flows like a good novel that would immediately grip a novice and yet his skill as an author covers every important aspect of the war. Compare the two and judge for yourself

McPherson's book page 1.

The hallmark of the United States has been growth. Americans have typically defined this process in quantitative terms...........economic growth did not necessarily mean unalloyed progress although per capita income doubled....etc.

Now page 1 of Cattons "The Coming Fury"

Mr Yancey could usually be found at the Charlestown Hotel......no one seeing Yancey in a room full of politicians, would pick him out as the one most likely to pull the cotton states into a revolution.......

Now put yourself in the position of a professor of history recommending to a student his/her very first book to read on a very complex war that they knew absolutely nothing about.

You and Andanna may disagree but having experienced many dis-interested students in my time I know where I would pitch my tent.

Bob

 

[jazzeum]

From an objective point of view I suppose I agree with you. Personally, I would choose the McPherson book as I am a former would be history professor.

 

[FirstLegion]

Finally, the new dismounted Cavalrymen from First Legion,would they have been anywhere near the 55TH North Carolina regt also relesed by FL?.

Thanks in advance guys

Rob

Hi, Rob,

Much of this has already been addressed, but just to clarify one point in regards to your question about the 55th NC and dismounted Union Cavalry...

The 55th NC was part of Davis' Brigade/Heth's Division. Archer's and Davis' Brigades formed the intial advance of Heth's division and were engaged by the dismounted Union cavalry from about 8-11am (actually from about 6am for the very first contact with Archer's lead elements). The Union cavalry fought a fighting retreat falling back from Herr's Ridge to McPherson's Ridge. Archer and Davis crossed Willoughby run in force at around 9am and were engaged by Gamble's Cavalry from Buford's division which stalled the attack. While the rebels reformed, reinforcements were brought up by the Union and Davis' new attack found itself facing Union infantry from Cutler's Brigade and the 55th NC took part in charge which drove the Union back. The 6th Wisconsin, part of the Iron Brigade, then swung north after they had routed Archer's brigade and drove Davis' brigade into the Railroad cut where they were pretty soundly chewed up and fell back on Herr's ridge to reform and took no further part in the fighting on day 1.

So the 55th NC as part of Davis' brigade did engage the dismounted Union Cavalry as part of the first three hours of the battle. They also engaged elements of both brigades of Wadsworth's division, Cutler's Brigade and Meredith's Iron Brigade. After this, Davis' brigade was spent and didn't fight again until day three where they participated in Picket's charge....

Best,

Matt

PS - Read "Killer Angels".

 

[maddadicus]

It was the Rosensteel family, they donated the artifacts to the museum in 1971 on the pretense that they would be displayed, which they were for years. In the new museum, the number of items have dropped from 6,633 to 1,338. But the size of the new visitors center grew by 3,000 square feet What the heck, they are suppose to have more room for the vast amount of artifacts, but are only displaying a fraction of them Apparently the family is pissed

ABSOLUTELY HATE THE NEW VISITOR CENTER. My wife and I went there and were totally put off by most of the info kiosks that have replaced actual artifacts. Save your money, buy a good Gettysburg book or a vintage reenactors video/cd. At least you can fall asleep in your easy chair. HARD to do in a museum setting..Love the new cyclorama setup...Best part of the new center..Michael

 

[Combat]

ABSOLUTELY HATE THE NEW VISITOR CENTER. My wife and I went there and were totally put off by most of the info kiosks that have replaced actual artifacts. Save your money, buy a good Gettysburg book or a vintage reenactors video/cd. At least you can fall asleep in your easy chair. HARD to do in a museum setting..Love the new cyclorama setup...Best part of the new center..Michael

The old visitor center was falling down. It had become a disgrace. Agree they don't make the best use of the space - it seems designed for the summer crowds at the expense of more exhibits - but it's still a vast improvement. And their book store is fantastic.

 

[Rob]

Hi, Rob,

Much of this has already been addressed, but just to clarify one point in regards to your question about the 55th NC and dismounted Union Cavalry...

The 55th NC was part of Davis' Brigade/Heth's Division. Archer's and Davis' Brigades formed the intial advance of Heth's division and were engaged by the dismounted Union cavalry from about 8-11am (actually from about 6am for the very first contact with Archer's lead elements). The Union cavalry fought a fighting retreat falling back from Herr's Ridge to McPherson's Ridge. Archer and Davis crossed Willoughby run in force at around 9am and were engaged by Gamble's Cavalry from Buford's division which stalled the attack. While the rebels reformed, reinforcements were brought up by the Union and Davis' new attack found itself facing Union infantry from Cutler's Brigade and the 55th NC took part in charge which drove the Union back. The 6th Wisconsin, part of the Iron Brigade, then swung north after they had routed Archer's brigade and drove Davis' brigade into the Railroad cut where they were pretty soundly chewed up and fell back on Herr's ridge to reform and took no further part in the fighting on day 1.

So the 55th NC as part of Davis' brigade did engage the dismounted Union Cavalry as part of the first three hours of the battle. They also engaged elements of both brigades of Wadsworth's division, Cutler's Brigade and Meredith's Iron Brigade. After this, Davis' brigade was spent and didn't fight again until day three where they participated in Picket's charge....

Best,

Matt

PS - Read "Killer Angels".

Excellent,thanks very much for taking the time to post that Matt,much appreciated.I was wondering that if I got your new Union and Reb troops and put them facing each other whether some collectors would be telling me off re Historical accuracy,and you've answered my question!.They all look really good by the way

All the best

Rob

 

[lancer]

The old visitor center was falling down. It had become a disgrace. Agree they don't make the best use of the space - it seems designed for the summer crowds at the expense of more exhibits - but it's still a vast improvement. And their book store is fantastic.

I always have loved going into the bookstore at the center. So many ACW titles in one place makes for a severe case of bookbuyer's overload. Just the sort of problem I encounter at Stan Clark's toy soldier set-up at the Antique Center. Gettysburg is great. The cyclorama had to be refurbished and rehoused. Less artifacts was a tradeoff, I guess. -- Al

 

[BlakeWR85]

ABSOLUTELY HATE THE NEW VISITOR CENTER. My wife and I went there and were totally put off by most of the info kiosks that have replaced actual artifacts. Save your money, buy a good Gettysburg book or a vintage reenactors video/cd. At least you can fall asleep in your easy chair. HARD to do in a museum setting..Love the new cyclorama setup...Best part of the new center..Michael

I found those to be a problem, they seemed to be located where people would try to walk through, you'd have to squeeze by them. I went before they finished the cyclorama, so I still need to see that, although I'm told they don't give you enough time.

 

[Warrior]

I went before they finished the cyclorama, so I still need to see that, although I'm told they don't give you enough time.

No, they do not, they rush you through like cattle. The whole painting is darkened when you enter the area, then the storyu unfolds and pieces of it are lit up as the story focuses on them.

At the end, the whole thing is visable, but they don't allow you to stand there and take it all in.

I was lucky in that the time I was there, a good friend of mine was working the cyclorama and he allowed me to stay awhile and soak it all it, it is spectacular...........

 

[BlakeWR85]

The old visitor center was falling down. It had become a disgrace. Agree they don't make the best use of the space - it seems designed for the summer crowds at the expense of more exhibits - but it's still a vast improvement. And their book store is fantastic.

A vast improvement When it comes to the actual building, the new one is nice, you're right there, but I think we're referring to the actual displays. Example, I really didn't like how the photos of the soldier's faces were displayed, some so high you couldn't see them very well, it made the soldier's seem too impersonal, there's enough of that in the cemetery of unknown graves.
To be honest with you, I was excited about the new visitor's center, even though I loved the old place for posterity sake, I've known that place ever since I was a born, I'm only 25 so I guess it's not as hard for me to see the old place go as others here on the forum. I remember being excited walking up to the new place, but as I walked through, I slowly but surely was getting more disappointed. The gift shop was definitely a vast improvement, but still need to see the cyclorama.
Basically when I see how disappointed I was with the new displays, I really didn't see the point in getting a new multi-million dollar building, I guess I expected this place to blow me out of the water, maybe it had too much hype That's really the reason I don't like the new place, because it failed to really out-shine the old place in terms of the actual museum. Like I said, the building is superb, especially how they made it look like a barn, very smart idea there (although it kinda looks like the Boyd's bear barn ) But it will be nice to get the cyclorama building out of sight of Pickett's charge.
I think there's nothing wrong that can't be fixed, it looks like it's setup to be arranged in different ways (dividing walls in a very large room). Bring back the insane amount of missing relics, and maybe in the huge lobby they could place the Pickett's charge diorama, don't know what happened to it, here's the link:
http://scottmingus.wordpress.com/20...s-charge-diorama-at-the-old-cyclorama-center/
I think if they put this on display in the huge lobby, you wouldn't hear another complaint from anyone on this forum

 

[BlakeWR85]

I've seen on the Gettysburg Foundation website that they have a special after hours cyclorama showing on certain dates. It is limited to 50 people and lasts 1 hour and a half, I think that would be the best way to see it. Here's the link:http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/events/gettysburg_cyclorama_painting_program.htm

 

[lancer]

Hey Blake, thanks for posting the dio pictures. All the times I have been to Gettysburg I somehow missed this dio. I didn't go into the old center much the last few years, spending my time on the field or buying toy soldiers. -- Al

 

[Andanna]

PS - Read "Killer Angels".

I agree with that recommendation. But having said that, I was surprised to learn last week that people found it necessary to publish a compendium addressing some statements made by Shaara in the book.

 

[BlakeWR85]

Yeah, I seen that little booklet last weekend in a gift shop in Gettysburg but I didn't have time to thumb through it, does anyone know what it is about? Good or bad?