Culp's Hill Traverse

[Gettysburg Greg]

Since there was a great deal of interest shown in my post related to Culp's Hill yesterday, I thought I would bring up the subject of the traverse that was reportedly constructed at the end of the line to protect the Union line from a Confederate flanking maneuver. Not surprisingly, there are differing theories as to where exactly the traverse was located, but based on what I have heard from LBG's and what I have read on the subject. My understanding is that the 137th NY positioned on the right end of the Union line constructed a set of earthworks at right angle to the main line of breastworks in order to avoid being outflanked by the Confederates. As it turned out, the Confederates did attempt to approach the Union line from the flank, but the traverse did its job and no breach ever occurred. Below is a map of Culp's Hill showing the troop positions including the traverse perpendicular to the 137th NY line. I am hesitant to post videos, but in this case I will include a video clip I recorded that shows where I believe the traverse was located and discuss fighting in this area. It's not a short clip, over 6 minutes long, so check it out if the subject interests you.

 

[infomanpa]

Very interesting and will watch the video closely, later.
My question is.....at the end of the taverse breatworks is supposed to be "Spangler Lane," as shown on your map. Were you able to locate it? I have not had any success during my last visit.

 

[FZ11]

View attachment 126236

Since there was a great deal of interest shown in my post related to Culp's Hill yesterday, I thought I would bring up the subject of the traverse that was reportedly constructed at the end of the line to protect the Union line from a Confederate flanking maneuver. Not surprisingly, there are differing theories as to where exactly the traverse was located, but based on what I have heard from LBG's and what I have read on the subject. My understanding is that the 137th NY positioned on the right end of the Union line constructed a set of earthworks at right angle to the main line of breastworks in order to avoid being outflanked by the Confederates. As it turned out, the Confederates did attempt to approach the Union line from the flank, but the traverse did its job and no breach ever occurred. Below is a map of Culp's Hill showing the troop positions including the traverse perpendicular to the 137th NY line. I am hesitant to post videos, but in this case I will include a video clip I recorded that shows where I believe the traverse was located and discuss fighting in this area. It's not a short clip, over 6 minutes long, so check it out if the subject interests you.

Great piece! Impregnable position.

 

[Bee]

Fabulous presentation on Culp's Hill! I very much agree about the confusion. The map and the video are very helpful, thank you @Gettysburg Greg

 

[AndyHall]

Overlaid on the actual terrain -- elevations exaggerated x2.

 

[Bee]

Overlaid on the actual terrain -- elevations exaggerated x2.

So very cool!

 

[JohnW.]

Very interesting and will watch the video closely, later.
My question is.....at the end of the taverse breatworks is supposed to be "Spangler Lane," as shown on your map. Were you able to locate it? I have not had any success during my last visit.

The viewing of this clip is also on my docket for later when it quiets down around here. Thanks for the share!!!

 

[Burning Billy]

I'm surprised to read that the location of the traverse is a bit of a mystery. Can't the park service do a terrain study on Culp's Hill to pin it down?

Any digging in the soil can be detected for centuries afterwards. Julius Caesar's siege lines around Alesia for example have all been located thanks to modern science, and they're 2,000 years old!

 

[infomanpa]

Overlaid on the actual terrain -- elevations exaggerated x2.

First time that I realized that you can exaggerate the elevations in Google Earth.

 

[Tom Elmore]

The 1876/1883 contour map of the field, prepared by the Secretary of War, appears to show a partial piece of that traverse, extending in the direction of Spangler Lane. It may not be a coincidence, since Spangler Lane was a convenient path to the Baltimore Pike, and thus the traverse could also serve the purpose of protecting that path. The 137th New York reformed along the traverse during the night of July 2, and in the forenoon of July 3, the traverse was occupied by Cobham's (Kane's) brigade, consisting of three regiments (29-109-111 Pennsylvania) that rotated in and out of the line. It was never occupied by the 71st Pennsylvania so far as I can determine, as the above map indicates. The vestige of Spangler Lane can still be made out up the hill above the 5th Ohio monument.

 

[Wallyfish]

Burning Billy, I have been on several Culp's Hill Battle Walks and the possibility of multiple traverses have been mentioned. So there is uncertainty on the number and location of the Culp's Hill traverses. Gettysburg Daily has a piece on the subject below. Worth the read.

Enjoyed the video. While I like visiting in winter, it is nice to see the summer green in the video. Great job on the overlays as well.

http://www.gettysburgdaily.com/karlton-smiths-culps-hill-program/

 

[kholland]

Here is an hour video I just saw about a week ago with Gettysburg guide Jim Flook. He tours Culp's hill during which he explains the traverse and shows where it is at the 24 minute mark.

 

[infomanpa]

Watching the videos, above, it seems to agree with my try at an overlay.
It appears from the map below that the traverse (marked in red) starts right off the intersection of Slocum and Williams Avenues.

 

[AndyHall]

First time that I realized that you can exaggerate the elevations in Google Earth.

 

[rpkennedy]

Watching the videos, above, it seems to agree with my try at an overlay.
It appears from the map below that the traverse (marked in red) starts right off the intersection of Slocum and Williams Avenues.
View attachment 126302

I took a tour with a LBG about 20 years ago and we discussed the location of the traverse. He believed that it was where you have it marked.

Ryan

 

[5fish]

Where is the water pond that was at the base of Culp's Hill? Everyone forgets to put the pond in the maps... this pond is what kept the confederates from trying to flank the hill... It always seems to be lost to history this pond...