Culp's Hill Today

[Wallyfish]

There are a few "split" rocks in the Gettysburg area. Get yourself a big rock with a crack in it, couple it with moisture and freeze/thaw cycles and lots of time and it is amazing what a little frozen water will do to a rock.

As you can see in my Avatar, The Split Rock is still strong enough to support my weight.

Again, we are just a couple weeks away from the perfect viewing time of heavily wooded areas such as Culp's Hill. Take advantage of the upcoming better viewing season by spending time there.

 

[JOHN42768]

Thanks for the photos

 

[Mdiesel]

It looks like they need to do a little clearing on the hill. Improve the view some.

In 1863 there wasn't Any undergrowth. Farmers at that time released there animals to graize in the woodlands. Any plant growth within reach was devoured. Although trees were plentiful during the battle the wooded areas of Culp's hill was relatively open.

 

[E_just_E]

I really enjoy taking the path down to see the Left Flank Marker of the 66th Ohio. That path really shows how steep Culp's Hill is. The 66th LFM is in a very remote area giving you the perspective that you are part of the battlefield.

Photo number 4 above is taken from the rock that the marker you mention is on (on the foreground full of leaves). You can see Confederate Ave down the Hill.

My thoughts at that place were that I'd love to see the people who think that Stuart could have taken Culps Hill start at the road below and try to walk up themselves, not even on horseback...

 

[JJordan]

Thank you for posting. I visited there a couple of weeks ago. My gg grandfather was mortally wounded there and died 15 days later at the 12th Corp Field Hospital at Bushmans Farm.

 

[Wallyfish]

More shots in and around the 66th Ohio perpendicular flanking action. Note how peaceful this area is despite the terrain and what happened here in 1863.

First shot shows the LFM peeking through the trees just down from the center of the shot. Note that without leaves, you can see all the way to East Confederate Avenue.

This shot is of the LFM of the 66th. Shows how large some of the rocks are and how Steep Culp's Hill is. Btw, this is a perfect spot to sit on the LFM rock and reflect on this area. There is rarely anyone in sight and you can't hear much from any activity on the top of Culp's Hill.

This shot was taken a few yards north of the 66th LFM. You can see how tough it would be getting through this area in the summer.

 

[Malingerer]

More shots in and around the 66th Ohio perpendicular flanking action. Note how peaceful this area is despite the terrain and what happened here in 1863.

First shot shows the LFM peeking through the trees just down from the center of the shot. Note that without leaves, you can see all the way to East Confederate Avenue.

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This shot is of the LFM of the 66th. Shows how large some of the rocks are and how Steep Culp's Hill is. Btw, this is a perfect spot to sit on the LFM rock and reflect on this area. There is rarely anyone in sight and you can't hear much from any activity on the top of Culp's Hill.


View attachment 162883

This shot was taken a few yards north of the 66th LFM. You can see how tough it would be getting through this area in the summer.

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I like how you can see Confederate Ave. through the trees in your first picture - really helps with the scale.

 

[Wallyfish]

Thanks Malingerer. That was precisely why I posted those photos. Again, this is how the seasonal changes that occur on the battlefield change your perspective. I understand completely that many here live great distances from Gettysburg. Vacations are planned in the summer and you get to see Gettysburg in all its finest greenery-which is beautiful. But the greenery gets in the way at times, especially so on Culp's Hill.

We are close to the no leave season. If you get a chance to visit Gettysburg during this season, I guarantee that you will see things from a different perspective.

Every thing looks different, note the 123rd NY monument without its summer backdrop of leaves.

 

[Doug5861]

Then they need to clear the undergrowth. It would improve the wartime view and also give access to areas that people want to see, visit or research.

The city of Pittsburgh has used a commercial goat landscaper for some of the more treacherous hillsides. He erects a temporary fence and turns loose the goats. He also releases a donkey who keeps the goats in line and acts as the muscle for the group.

 

[infomanpa]

First shot shows the LFM peeking through the trees just down from the center of the shot. Note that without leaves, you can see all the way to East Confederate Avenue.

Terrific shot, including the 66th OH, with its flank marker AND the road! I am amazed that even without the foliage that you can see all the way down to E. Conf. Ave. I had figured that the road was too far away to be seen from Culp's Hill under any conditions.
When I was there last April on the same Sunday that you were there, I was disappointed trying to see through Stony Hill and Rose Woods. Even though there were no leaves, yet, I was hoping to be able to see better.

 

[Wallyfish]

Thanks for the kind words infomanpa. Sometimes you have to squint a bit to see things but they are there.

Despite all the battlefield rehabilitation work the NPS has done, no one can dispute that there are still a lot of trees on the Gettysburg Battlefield.

 

[Brenal]

As nice as it must be exploring those areas alone, I'd love to have a guide to tell me stories as we walked along.

I did just that one October about 8 years ago, an LBG and me on the hill for a couple of hours, never saw another soul, fascinating and fabulous afternoon.