Your "Connection" at battlefields.

[Freddy]

My parents and brother made a trip to Andersonville in GA a few years back as my GGF survived the hell hole. I would be willing to wager they felt a presence at times of some of the nearly 13,000 who died there.

 

[damYankee]

my gg grandfather George W. Davis was at the Battle of Island N. 10, Pea Ridge and a buch of other battles, was wounded at Cedar Creek. I have been to Pea Ridge and I felt a deep connection.
Other ancestors were at Gettysburg and two that I know were at Cold Harbor. I hope to get a chance to see those battlefields some day. My name sake was killed at Cold Harbor.
I have the same connection with the Oregon Trail and live right on it, I have walked many parts of it and wonder how it was that so many people walked that rout, you can still walk in the wagon tracks.'
IMO it is a shame that so many battlefields of the Pacific where thousands of men died are forgotten. Outside Naha, Japan, there is a 50 foot high hill that is 300 yards wide. Today it is unmarked and unremarkable, few have ever heard it's name, Sugar Loaf Hill, US 6th Marines took that pile of dirt 12 times, lost it 11 times, and lost 1,656 men dead, and 7,429 wounded in 12 days of the most intense fighting of the war, no bronze plaque, no statue, not even a flag pole marks it...
http://www.warofourfathers.com/war/146okinawa.html

 

[unionblue]

My parents and brother made a trip to Andersonville in GA a few years back as my GGF survived the hell hole. I would be willing to wager they felt a presence at times of some of the nearly 13,000 who died there.

Been there twice, and I tell you, I could have sworn to hear the moans. I have NO desire whatsoever to visit that place at night. I fear that my senses would "tune-in" and I would stroke out at what I think I would see.

Unionblue

 

[BillO]

I grew up on a battlefield and I guess I just don't have that kind of imagination.

 

[kel1985]

I feel a connection most keenly at Gettysburg. Maybe that's because my ggggg-uncle fought there on Day 1 with the 153rd PA, and was mortally wounded on Barlow/Blocher's Knoll. That's a part of the battlefield that's hardly ever visited, and I can easily walk down to near Rock Creek where the 153rd lined up to meet Ewell's men and pretend what it must be like to see men come out of the woods hollering and shooting at you. Sometimes I just sit on the base of the 153rd monument at the top of the hill, facing the woods and the creek and soak it all in; it works especially well in the summer, near the battle anniversary. I have also been able to go to the George Spangler farm, which was used as a hospital for the XI Corps, and stand alone in the barn, and try to imagine what it looked and sounded like for the men being treated there. I have been to the Chancellorsville battlefield, and stood where the 153rd was flanked by Jackson's surprise attack, but I can't quite get the same feeling there as at Gettysburg.

Of course, I have also gotten a different, non-specific "feel" for the battle watching the sun set while sitting on the lower level of the PA monument, or standing at the Angle at the same time, or Culp's Hill early in the morning. I think the key, for me, is trying to find a place on that very busy battlefield that is empty, so I can let my mind roam.

Checked out the G. Spangler farm a couple years ago (before all the no tresspassing signs went up), can't wait until they get around to restoring it and allowing visitation...If you want I can post pix from there.

 

[Glorybound]

Kel, feel free to post any pics you want, I'm sure they will be viewed.

Lee

 

[unionblue]

I grew up on a battlefield and I guess I just don't have that kind of imagination.

BillO,

I feel the same way about Columbus, Ohio, the capitol of the State.

Never went to the Ohio Statehouse, never visited some of the historic sites in downtown, for a very LONG time, not until I retired from the Army.

I guess its true that one never appreciate what one has until its gone or given a first visit.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[pamc153PA]

Checked out the G. Spangler farm a couple years ago (before all the no tresspassing signs went up), can't wait until they get around to restoring it and allowing visitation...If you want I can post pix from there.

Definitely! I'd love to see them--I'll reciprecate with some of mine!

 

[kel1985]

Great will post in a few hours!

 

[kel1985]

Sorry it took a few more than a few hours, I couldn't find the discs they were saved on, then had to upload to photobucket...



The George Spangler Farm Summer Kitchen (where Armistead died)

Close up of the plaque on the summer kitchen

Alcove of the summer kitchen next to the fire place

The fireplace in the summer kitchen

My large posterior reading graffiti on the window sill

George Spangler Farm House

Reading more graffiti on the windowsill of the summer kitchen

What I was reading on the windowsill

The approach to the George Spangler Farm, barn on right kitchen visible left of trees

Monument at the front of the driveway to the George Spangler Farm

I have other pix from inside the barn, but can't seem to find them at the moment.

Enjoy

 

[Glorybound]

Nice photos Kel, thanks for posting.

 

[pamc153PA]

Aw, it was like being there myself! Except that it was about 90 degrees at the end of July, and I don't recall seeing any graffiti, but I was too busy being awed thinking,"I wonder if THIS is where Armistead was lying when he died." Nice pics. Kel. I'll look for mine tomorrow.

 

[Glorybound]

Aw, it was like being there myself! Except that it was about 90 degrees at the end of July, and I don't recall seeing any graffiti, but I was too busy being awed thinking,"I wonder if THIS is where Armistead was lying when he died." Nice pics. Kel. I'll look for mine tomorrow.

I KNEW I recognized that first photo he posted...it's in your avatar..you're standing right there!

 

[damYankee]

Great pictures. We need to protect these historic sights, I fear that in the near future few people will have any interest in our history-our heritage.

 

[kel1985]

thanks! I sometimes think you're right, but we got the bug, why can't younger people get bit?

 

[Rob9641]

I am very optimistic that the George Spangler farm will be suitably restored and become a center for education about Civil War medicine at Gettysburg. It would be perfect for that, and Gettysburg needs it badly. Thanks for the pics.

 

[Rob9641]

I had one of these experiences yesterday at Antietam, watching the film. Just began crying - couldn't help it.

 

[ghostchaser]

While walking through the woods at Chickamauga, I was struck by a feeling that I can't really put into words. My GG Grandfather (along with other family members) was there, and I was following the path of his regiment who lost better than 50% killed/wounded. It occured to me that he was not yet married, therefore had no children at the time. Had one ball or shell taken a slightly different path, I would not be standing there.