View From Steven's Knoll

[Gettysburg Greg]

On the evening of July 2, 1863, Avery's North Carolinians formed a battle line that extended from the town to near the base of Culp's Hill. The left end of Avery's line crossed directly in front of the guns of Steven's Battery positioned on a small knoll, later named Steven's Knoll. Steven's guns unleashed a devastating barrage on the Confederates as they advanced towards Cemetery Hill from right to left in this view. The 57th NC on the left end of the attacking formation took the bulk of casualties from Steven's guns. They were just on the other side of the stone wall seen in the photo. That stone wall is the one farthest from the camera in my similar modern photograph. The original image is from the late 1860's according to historian Garry Adelman.

 

[Tom Elmore]

The 21st North Carolina also suffered from Stevens' Fifth Maine. The map (attached) depicts how the 21st and 57th North Carolina could not attack the hill without exposing their left flank to a deadly enfilade fire at close range from Stevens' guns. The thing that saved them from massive loss was the onset of darkness. By 1952 (7:52 p.m.) the light was already getting quite dim.

 

[Bee]

The 21st North Carolina also suffered from Stevens' Fifth Maine. The map (attached) depicts how the 21st and 57th North Carolina could not attack the hill without exposing their left flank to a deadly enfilade fire at close range from Stevens' guns. The thing that saved them from massive loss was the onset of darkness. By 1952 (7:52 p.m.) the light was already getting quite dim.

Another great map saved for upcoming visit to Culp's hill -- thanks!