1886 View Inside the Angle

[Gettysburg Greg]

Here is a rare look inside the Angle taken in 1886 by William Tipton. If not for the Codori farm in the background, it would be difficult to precisely locate the scene. The line of scrub and small trees mark the wall with the Angle just out of frame to the right. I used an arrow to point out a wooden stake that may have been placed there to identify the proposed location of Armistead's Wounding Marker. It is known that during this period Historian John Bachelder marked several historic locations throughout the battlefield with wooden stakes. Was this one placed there by Bachelder? I can't say for sure, but it is known that Bachelder was responsible for designating the Copse of Trees as the aiming point for Pickett's Charge so he was familiar with this area of the battlefield. The google street view shows a similar now view on which I pointed out the Armistead Marker. I also including the Angle to help with orientation of Tipton's photo.

 

[danny]

Outstanding!

 

[dgfred]

Gosh... second on that outstanding!

 

[Rick Richter]

Here is a rare look inside the Angle taken in 1886 by William Tipton. If not for the Codori farm in the background, it would be difficult to precisely locate the scene. The line of scrub and small trees mark the wall with the Angle just out of frame to the right. I used an arrow to point out a wooden stake that may have been placed there to identify the location of Armistead's Wounding Marker. It is known that during this period Historian John Bachelder marked several historic locations throughout the battlefield with wooden stakes. Was this one placed there by Bachelder? I can't say for sure, but it is known that Bachelder was responsible for designating the Copse of Trees as the aiming point for Pickett's Charge so he was familiar with this area of the battlefield. The google street view shows a similar now view on which I pointed out the Armistead Marker. I also including the Angle to help with orientation of Tipton's photo.
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Nice work!

 

[JOHN42768]

Always great comparisons, thanks

 

[dennmorr]

Great job Greg!-Do you think the low stone wall was taken down between 1863 and 1886? Or is is it just hidden by the growth?

 

[JD Mayo]

That's some great detecting.

 

[Gettysburg Guide #154]

It is really cool to think that the old photo may show one of Bachelder's stakes. it is a peek into the process by which the history that we know came to be developed.

I also like the point about whether the stone wall is missing between the time of the battle and the 1886 photo. Visitor's often ask whether the walls on the field today are original. My typical answer points out that the battlefield has been the victim of a lot of souvenir hunting over a century and a half, so some of the stones were likely replaced when the walls were rebuilt over the years.

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

Great job Greg!-Do you think the low stone wall was taken down between 1863 and 1886? Or is is it just hidden by the growth?

Yes, it's there, but covered in scrub at this time.

 

[infomanpa]

Great work, as usual!

 

[JCF]

Might this be a Witness Tree ?

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

Might this be a Witness Tree ?

View attachment 383074

Might this be a Witness Tree ?

View attachment 383074

No, the Tipton photo doesn't include the area around the Angle and the tree in the modern photo is right at the Angle. The tree you circled in the Tipton photo is far left of the Angle. good question, though.

 

[JCF]

Love the then and nows - keep'em coming