July 13, 2006 - Gettysburg Day 2

I am so glad that I stayed another day to visit the battlefield. This morning I took the self-guided tape tour at about 8:00. It is a 2 1/2 hour tour and there were very few people out at that time. This was my third tour of the battlefield in the last 2 1/2 days. Each one was a little different, however each one entrenched the facts into my mind. I now have a great idea of how, why, where, who, and when this battle was fought. My military background leads me to desire to know the "military tactics/decisions" that were made. Each of those tours have helped me to understand that better.

I just had a wonderful dinner at the historic Dobbin House. It was built in 1874 and serves customers in the late 1800 atmosphere. Wonderful evening.

Trying to decide whether or not to go to Washington DC. I've been there before, but would like to see some of the monuments again like the Vietnam Veterans Wall, Korean Memorial, White House, and a couple others. If I do it on Saturday and Sunday, it will be easier for me on traffic.

Plan on driving to Antietam, Manassas, & Fredricksburg battle fields in the next two days. Then there are the homes of James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Monroe. They are all within about 25 miles of each other so I will take those in one day.

The memories that I have of Gettysburg are these: Extreme sacrifice for ones beliefs; dedication to service of their country, families and friends; heroism; love for their fellow soldier (regardless of union or confederate), and willingness to die for a cause. In today's world, with the exception of our soldiers, you do not see this willingness. It is always give me, give me, me, me and seldom for anyone else. Thank God for men and women who hold this valor close to their heart.

Here are a few more pictures to close out Gettysburg:

Marker where 1st shot of Gettysburg was fired by Lt. Jones

3 miles west of Gettysburg at 7:30AM 7/1/1863.


Location of 1st days battles with Gen. Buford -

McPherson Ridge - west of Gettysburg

Location of 1st days battles with Gen. Iverson -
Oak Hill - northwest of Gettysburg

Cupola at Lutheran Seminary utilized by Gen. Buford on

1st day of battle.



Rock protection points on Little Round Top looking towards

the Devil's Den. Confederates tried to come up this slope.

Fences separating fields.

Triangle at final focus point of Gen. Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863.

High Water Point of Confederacy.

Gettysburg National Cemetary

Gettysburg National Cemetary

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Location in the

National Cemetary