A Walk Through the Wheatfield/Stony Hill Area

James:
I know this originated a year and a half ago, but meandering through the Gettysburg topics, I was struck by how similar my visit of last June, and part of my goal, was similar to your initial post. I too had always 'driven past' that area in past visits, mostly because it confused me. But I made up my mind to actually study it. I read Pfanz's book twice in preparation, with maps before me (and covering 8 pages a day sometimes) aiding my study. Then, during my visit, I used 2 days to really study and walk the area, as you did. In addition to the 19th Indiana at McPherson's Ridge, Bigelow's Battery, and the 'Whirlwind in the Wheatfield' were my study targets. I must say, the Stony Hill makes a lot more sense to me now! it was great to review your photos, great memories. And hopefully i'll be able to make more of those memories in the months ahead
I would've liked to have had even more time to spend, more like what you did, but at least I now have a much better idea of what happened there!
 
A few years ago I spent and entire day covering the area of the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Stony Ridge and the lower end of Cemetery Ridge. I too gained a much better understanding of the battle in those areas.It's a lot easier to visualize what you read if you've walked the ground.
 
Thanks James for posting the wonderful photos. cannot fully understand a battlefield until it is walked, and then one still may not be able to totally grasp what all took place and why.

Respectfully,
William

One Nation,
Two countries
Confed-American Flag - Thumbnail.jpg
 
A few years ago I spent and entire day covering the area of the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Stony Ridge and the lower end of Cemetery Ridge. I too gained a much better understanding of the battle in those areas.It's a lot easier to visualize what you read if you've walked the ground.

Gained a greater understanding as well as gaining a lot of ticks, no doubt.

Ryan
 
Gained a greater understanding as well as gaining a lot of ticks, no doubt.

Ryan
That was one of the benefits of our last year's April trip: despite (or because of) the unseasonably cold weather - NO VERMIN!
 
That was one of the benefits of our last year's April trip: despite (or because of) the unseasonably cold weather - NO VERMIN!

I generally don't walk through those parts of the field until late fall through early spring for that reason. When I was younger, I used to walk wherever and whenever and then just picked the ticks off when I was done. I don't have the energy or desire to do that anymore.

Ryan
 
James N. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photographs and sharing your insightful commentary which is always educational and informative. David.
 
I generally don't walk through those parts of the field until late fall through early spring for that reason. When I was younger, I used to walk wherever and whenever and then just picked the ticks off when I was done. I don't have the energy or desire to do that anymore.

Ryan

Geez, Ryan, you’re younger than me, and all I do is walk when I’m on the battlefield.:smile:
 
It is very interesting to see some of the less familiar monuments. I can't help but notice several other monuments visible in most any photo of Gettysburg. This raises a question: How many monuments are there at Gettysburg?
 
Geez, Ryan, you’re younger than me, and all I do is walk when I’m on the battlefield.:smile:

I still walk, I just tend to stick to the paths in the spring and summer. I no longer want to deal with the ticks, something I didn't mind doing when I was younger. I'll do my trailblazing when they're not around.

Ryan
 
It's between 1300-1400, depending on how they're being counted. The official tally is 1328 but IIRC, it doesn't count every single one.

Ryan
What he said.:smile:
A curious question: Gettysburg is the only battlefield I can think of with those otherwise odd flank markers - in the total given, are they counted separately; as part of the particular regimental monument; or not at all?
 
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