The Gettysburg Feeling

W. Richardson

Captain
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Location
Mt. Gilead, North Carolina
I often get sentimental over some things, especially Gettysburg. I have been told from Motorcyclist, mostly Harley riders, of the feeling, the overpowering feeling they have of the wind blowing in their faces as they travel down the road, and of the power of the "animal" they ride. Though I do not own a Harley, or a motorcycle at all, nor have I ever ridden or driven a Harley.................I do know the feeling they do experience, but in a different way.

For see..................

I've been to the top of Big Round top
I have walked Pickett's Charge
I have stood silent and still on Lost Avenue
I have walked the field where my ancestor died on July 1st in the assault on Seminary Ridge
I have visited the house where Meade held his council of war
I have stood on the ground that Lee walked
I have viewed the valley that Warren seen from Little Round Top
I have stood where Armistead fell
I have walked the ground of Cemetery Hill where brave, frantic men fought hand to hand
I have looked out from the Cupola, and seen the view from Buford's advantage
I have been to the railroad cut where Wisconsin met Mississippi
I have stood on the same ground where 100's and 100's of brave, gallant men laid buried, forever at peace
I have stood in silence, and viewed Iverson's Pits
I have seen sleepy lil Gettysburg from Oak Hill
I have visited the site of hell on earth, the Devil's Den
I have walked the ground where the Iron Brigade and the 26th North Carolina destroyed one another

So yes I do know the feeling the motorcyclist speak off, just in different terms.


Respectfully
William
Angle - Gettysburg.jpg
 
Gettysburg is magical. The area is beautiful by itself and once you combine the natural beauty with the history, true magic happens.

But I can never forget the courage that was demonstrated there. Infantry and cavalry charging, artillery shooting canister at point blank range and hand to hand fighting had to be terrifying. Then after the battle, the courage it took citizens and non residents to deal with the Battle aftermath.

I am so grateful that I live close enough to Gettysburg that make day trips doable. Gettysburg is a destination that requires many many visits.
 
I can think of no better words than this.

In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.

Joshua Chamberlain
 
I am so grateful that I live close enough to Gettysburg that make day trips doable. Gettysburg is a destination that requires many many visits.

Greensburg is a good ways for a day trip! My trip takes about 2 hours, 15 minutes. I should be thankful.
 
Greensburg is a good ways for a day trip! My trip takes about 2 hours, 15 minutes. I should be thankful.

It's about a 6 hour round trip drive. We typically leave at 5 am and arrive in and about 8 am. We typically leave around 5 pm and home around 8. We typically eat on the fly at the battlefield to maximize Field time. I come directly down Route 30. My problem areas are Chambersburg and Breezewood. I just hope for few trucks on 30.

When I worked, I had an 80 mile round trip drive everyday. We also have a place on Chautauqua Lake which is 192 miles from my front door. I also love to fly fish (thus the Wallyfish) and I routinely drive to either the State College or Bedford County trout streams all the time. So driving times don't frighten me.

Garyjd, I too love JLC's commerative words on Gettysburg. Beautifully said.
 
It's about a 6 hour round trip drive. We typically leave at 5 am and arrive in and about 8 am. We typically leave around 5 pm and home around 8. We typically eat on the fly at the battlefield to maximize Field time. I come directly down Route 30. My problem areas are Chambersburg and Breezewood. I just hope for few trucks on 30.

I hope that you take the turnpike to Breezewood, at least.
 
It's about a 6 hour round trip drive. We typically leave at 5 am and arrive in and about 8 am. We typically leave around 5 pm and home around 8. We typically eat on the fly at the battlefield to maximize Field time. I come directly down Route 30. My problem areas are Chambersburg and Breezewood. I just hope for few trucks on 30.

When I worked, I had an 80 mile round trip drive everyday. We also have a place on Chautauqua Lake which is 192 miles from my front door. I also love to fly fish (thus the Wallyfish) and I routinely drive to either the State College or Bedford County trout streams all the time. So driving times don't frighten me.

Garyjd, I too love JLC's commerative words on Gettysburg. Beautifully said.
Fly fishing :thumbsup:. My Dad was a pro staffer for St Croix rods for years. All salt water though. We would chase breaking fish for hours in the boat. Feel like your arms were going to fall off at the end of the day. Open water as well as accurate casting at the points and peat drop offs of the marshes.
 
I often get sentimental over some things, especially Gettysburg. I have been told from Motorcyclist, mostly Harley riders, of the feeling, the overpowering feeling they have of the wind blowing in their faces as they travel down the road, and of the power of the "animal" they ride. Though I do not own a Harley, or a motorcycle at all, nor have I ever ridden or driven a Harley.................I do know the feeling they do experience, but in a different way.

For see..................

I've been to the top of Big Round top
I have walked Pickett's Charge
I have stood silent and still on Lost Avenue
I have walked the field where my ancestor died on July 1st in the assault on Seminary Ridge
I have visited the house where Meade held his council of war
I have stood on the ground that Lee walked
I have viewed the valley that Warren seen from Little Round Top
I have stood where Armistead fell
I have walked the ground of Cemetery Hill where brave, frantic men fought hand to hand
I have looked out from the Cupola, and seen the view from Buford's advantage
I have been to the railroad cut where Wisconsin met Mississippi
I have stood on the same ground where 100's and 100's of brave, gallant men laid buried, forever at peace
I have stood in silence, and viewed Iverson's Pits
I have seen sleepy lil Gettysburg from Oak Hill
I have visited the site of hell on earth, the Devil's Den
I have walked the ground where the Iron Brigade and the 26th North Carolina destroyed one another

So yes I do know the feeling the motorcyclist speak off, just in different terms.


Respectfully
William
View attachment 129017
Sharing a part of that with you was a true honor.
 
Sharing a part of that with you was a true honor.

The honor was all mine. Having the opportunity to attend September to Remember with you and all the other great CWT members is truly an event I will always cherish. Thank you and all the others for making it possible. I wish I could attend this years event, I am sure you will once again do an outstanding job of coordinating it, and all of those who are able to attend will have a great memory making time.



Respectfully,
William
Confederate 3rd National Flag.png
 
So yes I do know the feeling the motorcyclist speak off, just in different terms.
And like the bond they have with others who like to ride, people like us who are fascinated by history know exactly what you're talking about. :smile:

It's funny how the brain works. I know so many people who would stand on a battlefield, bored and uninterested. And I understand this ~ it's not their thing. Yet we can stand there and and listen for voices in the wind, or run our hands along long standing rock, and get goosebumps or a rush of emotion. It's very cool!
 
And like the bond they have with others who like to ride, people like us who are fascinated by history know exactly what you're talking about. :smile:

It's funny how the brain works. I know so many people who would stand on a battlefield, bored and uninterested. And I understand this ~ it's not their thing. Yet we can stand there and and listen for voices in the wind, or run our hands along long standing rock, and get goosebumps or a rush of emotion. It's very cool!


Very true Lori Ann.


Respectfully,
William
1858 Gettysburg Railroad Station.JPG
 
Well said William with all those remembrances ... and your kind invitation that first evening to visit Iverson pits was the first of many highlights for me.

Ha! Iverson pits must be the informal Gettysburg newbie meet-n-greet location :wink: My first outing on my first night was a very generous invitation to Iverson pits with @Nathanb1 and hubby Neal :smile:
 
@W. Richardson you are so right in what you said. I have been to Gettysburg twice and would love to be part of the next meeting there, too.

Sharing a part of that with you was a true honor.

Yes, it was. With both of you and other members too. Friendships were formed or intensified and that contributed to the magic of the place. It added to the emotional energy the place has soaked up and will release to those who are open to feel it.
Reading your list I feel that I must come again, some points are still missing on my list.
But walking the field of Pickett's Charge with a group of friends will forever stay in my memory!
Maybe I should watch the movie once more later...
 
I can think of no better words than this.

In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.

Joshua Chamberlain
Excellent Post. I felt an incredible awe of the courage of the men who fought there and was touched by the huge sacrifices made. I felt a similar feeling on the beach at Dieppe as a college student years ago. There is a great deal to remind us to thank our military troops everyday in the present who protect our way of life.
 
Right on. There is no place like Gettysburg.

In my opinion, the Gettysburg National Military Park is the Mecca of all American Civil War battlefields. But with this stated, I am very fond of the Shiloh National Military Park. Shiloh is so well preserved and not crowded like the GNMP. Quite frankly, I am very fond of a ton of ACW battlefields and sites.

Bill
 
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@W. Richardson - How am I just now reading your post?!? I could feel the emotion in your words and it took me back to the way I have felt so many times standing on a battlefield, touching a historical artifact or indeed even viewing a historical document placed behind glass. It's difficult for me to express the magnitude of those moments. I have often looked around at others and whispered to my husband how sorry I felt for them because they didn't appear "to get it." My husband has often whispered back, "Don't let yourself worry about them. Just experience the moment yourself." And I have many times. Misty eyed and all.
 
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