Pickett's Charge

Welcome to Seminary Ridge, the elevated terrain that formed the Confederate stronghold during the latter stages of the Battle of Gettysburg. I invite you to stand here, looking eastward across the sprawling, undulating fields…

Before the infantry could begin their fateful march, the Confederate high command sought to paralyze the Union defenses with a devastating preliminary bombardment. Imagine standing along this ridge line at one o'clock in the…

As we progress further into the open fields, the reality of the terrain begins to reveal itself. Notice how the ground gently slopes downward into a slight depression or swale. …

As we navigate the middle ground of the battlefield, we arrive at an area that was effectively a lethal no man's land during the days preceding the massive charge. Look toward the markers indicating the former site of the Bliss…

We have now reached a critical threshold in our journey: the Emmitsburg Road. As you stand near this modern thoroughfare, you must mentally strip away the pavement and envision a dirt road lined with sturdy wooden post-and-rail…

As we ascend the final, gradual incline past the Emmitsburg Road, our eyes are naturally drawn to a prominent landmark: the Copse of Trees. This small, isolated cluster of oak trees stands as a silent sentinel on the battlefield,…

We have now arrived at the epicenter of the battlefield, a location simply known as The Angle. Here, the low stone wall marking the Union defensive line makes a distinct ninety-degree turn, creating a tactical jog in the…

As we conclude our profound journey across this battlefield, take a moment to stand near the monument recognizing the High Water Mark of the Rebellion. This bronze book, forever opened to the pages listing the commands that…