Mathew Brady Photo Location Shown Google Map

[Gettysburg Greg]

Mathew Brady recorded three impressive panoramas on the McPherson property that show us this area of the Day One battlefield at Gettysburg as it appeared soon after the battle. The one shown below was taken in the corner of the pasture looking ESE towards Herbst Woods and Seminary Ridge in the background. Very typical of Brady's photographs, he appears in the image with his ever-present assistant, possibly Anthony Berger with his back to the camera. In the photo, the assistant appears to be pointing into Herbst Woods where General Reynolds had been killed. The cornfield is surprisingly intact considering that both Armies fought through this field on July 1st. In the distance just above the tree line is the Seminary Cupola used as an observation platform by both sides. On the bottom I have shown the location of Brady's photo on a Goggle Earth map. "MB" denotes Brady's position in the image and the rest is self-explanatory, but questions are welcome.

 

[CharlesBrightly1864]

This is interesting! I like what you did with this. I recently visited this part of the battlefield along with the Lutheran Seminary but I didn't have the time to go up in the Cupola. I am determined to go up there next time and stand where Buford and eventually Lee did.

It is surprising that the cornfield is intact.

 

[rpkennedy]

Something that we all should notice is how thin the woods were. There was little undergrowth which allowed a much broader view than visitors get today when walking/driving through Herbst Woods.

Ryan

 

[CharlesBrightly1864]

Something that we all should notice is how thin the woods were. There was little undergrowth which allowed a much broader view than visitors get today when walking/driving through Herbst Woods.

Ryan

Good point!