May 17, 10:45 am: Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg

If there is sufficient (at least 3) James River Hikers interest and participation in this May 17, 2025, Meetup at Gettysburg, I may arrange a Licensed Battlefield Guide tour for our group of the Gettysburg battlefield for Sunday, May 18. I would request our guide feature two men from Richmond who had epic experiences at Gettysburg including Gereral and Virginia Governor Extra Billy Smith and Benjamin Watkins Leigh who was killed on the final charge to capture Culps Hill and later buried at Richmond's Shockoe Hill Cemetery.

There is a $150 fee for this event. Details are here.

https://cart.gettysburgfoundation.org/30131/33349

Pickett’s Charge, In Memory, In Media, and In Reality: A day of unique immersion in the Civil War’s most famous charge

Utilizing the Gettysburg Cyclorama and modern human insights of the soldiers on this terrible day, experience the valor, heroism, and fear of Union and Confederate Soldiers during Pickett’s Charge July 3, 1863.

We will begin by taking in Paul Philippoteaux’s stunning 1884 painting, “The Battle of Gettysburg.” You will find yourself immersed in the vivid tableau of Pickett’s Charge—an unforgettable moment in history marked by exploding shells, murderous red-hot metal, and the haunting screams of soldiers caught in the chaos. You will feel the sacrifice, courage, and determination of both Union and Confederate by the vivid colors and dramatic scenes, accompanied by stunning narration, capture the heart-pounding action of that fateful day captured in the painting.

Then our group will head to the Ford Room for lunch before Licensed Battlefield Guides Chris Brenneman and Fran Feyock ignite your curiosity with an engaging discussion of Pickett’s Charge in memory, media and reality. Using the 1884 painting, historical burial maps, modern battle maps, and film clips from Hollywood, you will gain a multifaceted understanding of the events that unfolded. Together, we will dissect the contrasting narratives that emerge from such representations, revealing the complexities of historical memory versus the reality of those men who actually experienced the charge.

Next, we will board a bus for a guided walk across the very fields where this monumental charge took place. As you walk these storied grounds, Chris and Fran will share riveting insights drawn from human physiology, new modern medical research, the bombardment, and the ground itself shedding light on the physical and emotional realities faced by those who fought fiercely that day. You will come to appreciate the extraordinary bravery exhibited by both sides and the profound significance of their struggle.

Upon reaching The Angle, we will delve into personal vignettes that highlight the individual stories of soldiers, ordinary men transformed into heroes in the heat of battle. Each step will allow you to connect back to the Cyclorama, uncovering truths often overshadowed by grand narratives in art and film.

Our adventure will culminate at the Museum & Visitor Center, where you will have an exclusive opportunity to explore the Gettysburg Cyclorama in greater depth beyond what a visitor usually experiences. Chris and Fran will discuss the creation of this monumental piece, discussing the intricate relationship between memory, art, and the brutal realities of war. You will be invited to engage in a dynamic question-and-answer session on the Cyclorama Platform!

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey that brings the intensity of Pickett’s Charge to life, providing you with a deeper understanding of one of history’s most consequential moments.