Going to Gettysburg this summer? Park rangers are back on the battlefield, leading walks, tours and anniversary programs

Little Round Top was a key objective for Rebel troops (NPS photo)

After a nearly two-year hiatus, Gettysburg National Military Park will host ranger-led activities this summer, including hikes and programs focusing on the 158^th anniversary of the July 1-3, 1863, battle.

The park, like others in the National Park Service, largely turned to virtual programming during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Hike the fields of Pickett’s Charge, explore the rocky summit of Little Round Top, reflect on the words of the Gettysburg Address, and much more,” the park said in a press release Wednesday. “There are a host of new and exciting offerings that will appeal to first time and repeat visitors alike.” 

Ranger-led walks, talks and hikes resume this Saturday, June 12.

The park released its summer schedule, including these for the balance of June: A 90-minute hike that provides an overview of the battle; a tour of Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address; the fight for Little Round Top; care of the wounded; and an African-American history hike.

Park staff waxing the Vermont monument several years ago (NPS photo)

Special July 1-3 programs for the battle anniversary feature hikes for families; first day of the battle; Edward McPherson farm; second day’s fighting; Lydia Leister home; Abraham Brian farm; and the third day, including Pickett’s Charge.

“Visitors are invited to follow in the footsteps of the Confederate soldiers that took part in Pickett’s Charge, the climactic moment of the Battle of Gettysburg. Who were the men that made this assault, what motivated them, and what did they experience in the fields between Seminary and Cemetery Ridge? Join Ranger Matt Atkinson and retrace the route of the most famous charge in American military history.”

The park says that July 3 program involves significant hiking and walking occasionally over rough terrain. Water, headgear, sun protection, insect repellent and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended.

Park Superintendent Steven Sims said in the press release that the summer season will bring back in-person programs that “share the inspiring, tragic, and relevant stories of the battle and its aftermath. Our professional Park Rangers make the past come to life on this hallowed ground.”

You'll learn, you'll exercise, you'll love it

One of the highlights of my journey last week to Shiloh National Military Park were two ranger-led hikes scheduled to occur exactly 150 years after the events.

Participants marveled at guide Bjorn Skaptason's ability to recall, in exacting detail, troop movements and the order of battle.

The afternoon walk of April 5 focused on Gen. William T. Sherman's outposts and how the Federal army failed to detect the Confederates' surprise attack. Stops included Fraley Field and the appropriately named Reconnoitering Road.

Sherman was dealing with green troops and officers not trained in proper reconnaissance and the deployment of pickets.

But, more importantly, Sherman failed to properly interpret events occurring before his eyes, thinking the attack might come from another direction.

Other factors included his previous reputation of overestimating the strength of the enemy and the desire to hold off engaging with the enemy until the Army of the Ohio reached Pittsburg Landing.

For history buffs, the sesquicentennial at Shiloh offered 20 hikes over four days. The weather was spectacular.

On the morning of April 6, Skaptason covered "Turning the Enemy's Right: S.A.M Wood's Brigade and Confederate realignment."

Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston's battle plan had called for the Confederate army to turn the Union left flank and drive them northwesterly into flooded Owl Creek.

Instead, the Confederate attack broke into two distinct efforts, one pushing the Union left and one pushing Federals who were falling back on the right.

Amid confusion and heavy smoke, Wood's brigade pressed the attack, despite significant casualties from friendly fire. His troops helped pushed the Union army back to Pittsburg Landing by the end of the first day of the battle.

Skaptason likened a Civil War army to a dinosaur: Massive power in the body, but limited by a small brain. Troop movements and alignments took hours and commanders had a difficult time modifying them in the heat of the battle.

This was the first time I had participated in such a program. I heartily recommend trying one at another park during the sesquicentennial.

Daily tours of Gettysburg begin June 12

Beginning June 12, rangers will lead walks daily across Gettysburg National Military Park's landscape. Seven days a week throughout the summer they'll lead visitors to famous sites like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill. They'll also offer programs that focus on the battle, key moments of the fighting, the aftermath, and the Civil War experience. In addition to rangers, costumed interpreters will present programs called, Visits to the Past, portraying men and women who witnessed and participated in the events of 1863 in Gettysburg. • Details