McPherson's Ridge

[James N.]

The Battle of Gettysburg began west of the town along the Chambersburg Pike across several successive ridge lines. Union Brig. Gen. John Buford deployed his cavalry divison of two brigades here on McPherson's Ridge dismounted on either side of the pike near the McPherson Barn at the center of this view, taken from near Reynolds' Woods.

Statue of John Buford, surrounded by the 3" ordnance rifles belonging to Calef's Battery which was attached to Buford's division. The gun in the left foreground fired the first cannon shot of the battle, as proved by its serial number, and is marked with a plaque.

Guns representing those of Calef's Battery point west towards Confederate positions on Herr's Ridge. The small stone building is an NPS structure, originally a ranger station at the edge of the battlefield and now used as an information and restroom stop. Buford's statue is at center.

The McPherson Barn and a monument to one of Buford's cavalry regiments. The barn became a hospital for the wounded of the first day of the battle.

Statue of Union Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds whose I Corps arrived and intensified the battle. Reynolds was soon killed near what is now called Reynolds' Woods near the spot marked by the monument below.

After fighting here most of the morning, by afternoon the I Corps, now led by Maj. Gen. Abner Doubleday, retreated east across the fields bellow to nearby Seminary Ridge where they continued their resistance; the Lutheran Seminary is visible at the center partially hidden by trees.

 

[ole]

Pssssst, James. (It's West of town.)

 

[James N.]

Pssssst, James. (It's West of town.)

Thanks Ole - the other east!

 

[MRB1863]

James,
Great photos as usual! Always like to read about Buford & Reynolds. Think they were insightful and top-notch leaders. Can't help but wonder what would have become of Reynolds had he not been shot 1st day.

 

[James N.]

James,
Great photos as usual! Always like to read about Buford & Reynolds. Think they were insightful and top-notch leaders. Can't help but wonder what would have become of Reynolds had he not been shot 1st day.

Hard to say, since he'd already turned down command of the army on a previous occasion. Since the battle here was such a fluid one, it's hard to imagine it would've developed any differently if he had survived it, or that Howard would've done better than Schurz even if he was therefore able to put his full attention north of town. Once Hancock arrived, Meade would probably have continued to let Reynolds direct the left flank of the army, while Hancock looked after Cemetery and Culp's Hills. Since Sickles had already been under Reynolds during the advance, maybe Reynolds could at least have kept an eye on the impulsive Dan!

Supposing Reynolds had continued to survive the entire battle, it's hard to say about his future involvement, but he would likely at least have continued corps command and might've even eventually replaced Meade.

 

[MRB1863]

Had he survived the battle, I think he was surely a shoe-in for a major political appointment or position.

 

[James N.]

Had he survived the battle, I think he was surely a shoe-in for a major political appointment or position.

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/city-cemetery-lancaster-pennsylvania.104010/

As you can see, Reynolds hasn't been forgotten in his hometown, Lancaster, PA; there's also a historical marker on a downtown street pointing out the site of his home.

 

[ole]

Sans all those dang rocks and the pronounced hills, the landscape is very like the rolling hills where I was raised. We never named the features on the farm as this or that ridge.

 

[rider]

Love the photos and the descriptions! It really makes me want to visit again!

 

[Just Jim]

Calef's cannon shot the first Union cannon shot of the battle but Confederate artillery in Pegram'a Battery had already opened up with at least 2 shots at the Union vedettes on Knoxlyn Ridge, in response to Marcellus Jone's carbine shot.

 

[jay gale]

I really enjoy walking that part of the field......those pictures really make me want to visit again.

great shots

 

[bankerpapaw]

Great pictures. Thanks.