Yesterday's Weapons Forums

I'll tell you, I was not the greatest history student while in school, however I did some extensive reading about the civil war a few years ago. Then went to see the map again. Let me tell you, especially for the non history buff the electric map really helps one to understand the events which took place during the four days of fighting in Gettsburg.

The other thing that most folks don't appreciate - is the fact that the town's folk went out with their picnic lunches to watch the battle - WOW!!

i knew that there were pic-nic-ers at the first manasas [bull run] but was unaware of them at gettysburg , i thought they had learned 'the lesson' when they had to run for their lives at that first battle

I may have to take back the part about the picnickers at the Gettyburg battle. I apologize for my error.

Yogi Berra once said, ' What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so.'

I will try and relook at a few of the books I read one summer regarding the Civil War, back about 15 years ago.

In the meantime, found a couple of facts posted at http://www.gettysburg.com/

As the two armies departed Gettysburg to continue the war elsewhere, the 2,000 citizens of Gettysburg came out of their cellars and back from their hurried escape to nearby towns. They returned to a community in shambles with almost every property damaged, houses looted, and all crops and food destroyed or stolen. Left behind were tens of thousands of casualties in and around the town. Nearly every house, barn and public building housed countless wounded badly needing attention. Many dead were left decaying where they fell, thousands of others were in shallow graves being dug up by animals. Lingering odors were sickening. Picture left: Trostle Farm after the battle with dead soldiers and horses in the yard.

Only civilian killed during the Gettysburg battle- Jennie Wade.

Between the Union line on Cemetery Ridge and the Confederate outposts in the town, was the home of Mrs. McClellan with her new baby. Helping her with the child’s care were her mother and her unmarried sister, Jennie Wade. Throughout July 1 and 2 Jennie baked bread for grateful Union soldiers. On the morning of July 3rd, while Jennie stood in the kitchen kneading dough, a bullet pierced the door and struck her, killing her instantly. The cries of her sister and mother attracted Union soldiers who carried Jennie’s body to the cellar. Jennie was the only Gettysburg citizen killed in the battle.

I well remember the map. Finding it boring as hell as a child and then appreciating its value in explaining the battle as an adult. I hope they find a way to save it.