Going INSIDE The Copse of Trees and Pickett's Charge: Gettysburg 160
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Published 2023-07-03
Explore the angle, the High Water Mark, and the Copse of Trees with Wayne Motts of the Gettysburg Foundation, Chris Gwinn of Gettysburg National Military Park, and Garry Adelman and Kris White of the American Battlefield Trust. Hear the stories of Medal of Honor recipients. Walk the ground once tread by Union and Confederate veterans, Dwight Eisenhower, and the United States Marine Corps.
This video is part of our tour series commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. View the full series here: • Gettysburg Campaign: 160th Anniversary
The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
All Comments (21)
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Well, that’s a sight I never thought I’d see! Thank you gentlemen.
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Wayne Motts is the only other history buff that can match Gary in enthusiasm.
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That was very very cool. To get a view inside the copse... you can just feel the history dripping rich here. Such a shame that there's a segment of society today actively trying to erase it.
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My great great Grandfather was Pvt. William R. Bailiss, Co. A, 18th Virginia, Garnett’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division, killed in action July 3rd, 1863. He wasn’t officially taken off the rolls until October 17th, 1864.
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This has to be one of the coolest places on the battlefield. Thank you for bringing us there. ♥️👍
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My relatives where there that day. Two Wisconsin farm boys standing shoulder to shoulder against the Confederate charge. They both survived the war and never did speak much of it. The repeaters are still in the family.
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I knew I was a history loser but this video confirmed it beyond all doubt. I got legit chills when the gate swung open and the group entered the Copse of Trees.
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My great great grandfather, Calvin Poindexter Dearing, was there that day. 28th Virginia. He lived to tell the tale.
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Awesome! When I Was a kid during the 100th anniversary, the re-enactments were still held on the battlefield. My family was standing near the angle, perpendicular to the stone wall, and watched Pickett’s charge and saw the reenactors meet and fight at the wall. Even at 11 years old I was impressed
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Ironic note: General Armistead's Uncle was in command of Fort McHenry when it was bombarded by the British in the War of 1812, and so was the guardian of the original Star Spangled Banner!
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Thanks to all who keep history alive. Special thanks to the NPS and ABT. Fifteen years age I was able to visit Gettysburg. One morning, at dawn, I walked out to the location where the 7th Michigan Volunteers stood. This was my Great Great Grandfather's outfit. I'm glad I was all alone as I was moved to tears for what these men experienced.
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Those two dudes with sunglasses were definitely time travelers 😂
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The men would rather die than yield….it’s so hard to imagine how brave these men were. You said it best, Garry….Unthinkable.
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I had several Uncles and great grandfather's there on that day. Most survived. They were with Pickett and a couple with Armistead.
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This is unbelievably cool to be inside the Copse of Trees!
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I've been there and those trees look healthier than I have ever seen them! The ones I saw were old and leaning over and I am surprised how green and healthy they look. They all can't be the same ones because the ones I saw were very old and leaning over the fence around them. They were bigger and thicker also. I must say it is beautiful to see the greenery and health of the ones there now! Did anyone think to make souvenirs of the ones that died? They did this at other battlefields to raise money to save plantation houses and other landmarks. Pencils were very popular.
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I know most people like going to Gettysburg during July1-3, but I recommend late fall or winter (not with snow). You can really see into the copse of trees then, and the difficulty of the landscape is really visible. Culp’s Hill, both Roundtop’s, and others are really cool to see then. And as an added bonus, it’s not nearly as crowded then. I usually walk Pickett’s charge then, too
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A great video, from a place I managed to visit last May. A word on PTSD and veterans: in our century, I am convinced few talk about their war experiences because they cannot be explained in words to people who have not experienced such things. It is painful to relate and with words alone, futile to do so. The man are of course very different among their fellow veterans regardless of the passage to time. Your visit into the Copse of Trees reminds me of Verdun, another wooded area off limits for its sacred nature. I have walked in the forest there (with approval) and it still reeks of death... the remnant trenches, collapsed dugouts, pieces of iron and wire around... it gets you.
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These video's just keep getting better, So much Information. Had to be a great experience going into Copse of Trees
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This is amazing. I can't imagine how it felt to go inside the copse of trees. Thank you for sharing this!
