Ranger Atkinson is the at the top of his game. These parks have some amazing Rangers and they have a lot of professional pride. It's awesome that we can watch them without traveling to these sites. That being said it's always nice to make the trip and see these amazing places in person. Keep up the great work.
Over 10 years ago, my husband and I went to Gettysburg. Heavy rain so we were unable to walk the field from the start of Pickett's Charge to the Angle. My mother's line is old Virginia. Robert E. Lee is my 3rd Cousin, his wife my 4th. Lewis Addison Armistead is my 5th Cousin. My Great Grandfather, 3rd Sgt. (later 2nd Lt.) Edward Harrison Estes and his brother, Capt. Joseph Estes were in Pickett's Charge. They were 38th Virginia Infantry, Cascade Rifles, Pittsylvania Co., Company K. A letter that Edward Harrison Estes wrote on retreat to Mayport on July 11th of his account of what happened to Kemper and Garnett was donated by our family (my brother, my 1st Cousins and me) to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia. I am a 5th Great Granddaughter of PATRICK HENRY. Thank you for this great video.
Ranger Matt I wish more Americans would take the time to watch some of your videos. We need to get back to venerating the men who fought that great and terrible war, Maybe the haters would stop tearing down monuments and learn to respect the price that was paid at places like Gettysburg.
@@jaymanb2914 Completely agree. They have their monuments on the battlefields where they died defending their racism and immoral commitment to slavery and the maintenance of gentrified plantation society ... and that's more than the terrorist rebel traitors deserve.
It’s amazing that people use these forums to extol personal views. Concentrate on the excellent video presented by ranger Atkinson and posted by Stuffwriter for viewer enjoyment. Thank you both for the availability of these battle walls for everyone on RU-vid.
It’s bad when you know the answers to Matt’s questions and yell them out even though you aren’t there and standing in your driveway washing your truck. Love listening to these videos on RU-vid! Thanks for posting. Matt is the best!
I love history and I love people that tell a story with passion. I wanna go on a tour of Gettysburg with this fella. I've watched a few of his presentations and you can tell he has a passion for it. A great mix of humour, seriousness and history.
Lewis Armistead (lothario) , I will always see him as a gallant Confederate officer of the highest caliber. Real men don’t come any better than this. Not just because I watched Gettysburg. I read his life story, his biography, this was a real Southern man only few men can aspire to be. I wish that I would have had a tenth of his DNA after serving 25 years on active duty in over 2 war zones. This was a man amongst real men.
Rebel "history" written after the Civil War ( 1861-1865) by. Caucasian Southern "historians" like Shelby Foote is largely fiction and should be so listed online, in libraries, and bookstores. Much of it was written by crippled rebels, Sons of Confederate Veterans, members of the Ku Klux Klan and their sister auxiliary; United Daughters of the Confederacy. These groups and others similarly situated are largely responsible for the gross miseducation and ignorance of Southerners about their vile and repugnant history.
I've had the luxury of walking the charge in uniform many times, in and not in the reenactment. Amazing when you think about the amount of courage it took to make this charge.
So true I visited the battlefield when I was 13-14 years old and remember looking from the confederate lines where they are at the start of the video and looking over to cemetery ridge and being amazed at the courage it would take to attempt that attack. It made me understand Longstreet’s adversity to the offensive attack on the 3rd day and why he delayed in hopes of not having to make this attack. As a young teenager I even recognized the futility of such a advance across a open field into a stonewall/ fence protected troops overwatched by superbly placed cannons. It literally blew my young mind I just couldn’t grasp what would have Lee make such a decision and send his men on such a doomed advance
@@marknewton6984 No. Not a chance. Most of the men charging either stopped along the way or stopped at the Emmitsburg Road. Reserves would have done the same thing.
The disconnect between Lee’s intents on Day 3 and Day 2, and the outcomes is breathtaking…there’s a good story in there somewhere. James Longstreet disaffection and scepticism is in the middle of it. He’d been by Lee that the campaign in the north would be a matter of offensive strategies executed by defensive tactics. That’s not what Lee pursued at Little Round Top or at Cemetery Ridge. Ava the formulation of battle orders. Why wasn’t Longstreet charging at the Union’s left flank on the morning (instead of 5 hours later) of Day 2 in concert with Hill’s charge at the right flank? Was there a coherent order of battle for that charge on Day 3? The sequence of events described here on this fascinating walk with Mr. Atkinson suggests that there was not.
Armistead was able to breach the rock wall due to the fact that the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment "Boys of Philadelphia" fled in cowardly fear to the rear of the Union lines thus exposing approx 150 feet of rock wall to the Confederate charge. The rock wall was undefended when Armistead breached it. Unfortunately for Armistead and his men, hundreds of reinforcement Union soldiers converged on them and they were either killed or captured in a matter of minutes. The Confederate soldiers largely surrendered, at this point. Their plight was hopeless and they knew it.
It makes much more sense that Armistead's brigade was a second line behind Garnett, matching Trimble backing up two brigades of Pettigrew on the left. The concentration for the breakthrough would therefore consist of two lines in the center with single lines of brigades (Davis & Brockenbrough on the left, Kemper on the right) on the flanks. Longstreet deployed in similar multiple lines for a breakthrough attack at Chickamauga a couple of months later.
Absolutely riveting presentation, Ranger Atkinson! I’ve studied the War for many years and have walked a number of battlefields, including Gettysburg, and attended the 125 th and 150 th re-enactments. I learned so very much from you today that I never knew before. Can’t wait to listen to some of your other tours. Thank you!
I love these NPS battle tours; however, it seems that in each and every video there's at least one fellow who just CANNOT help himself but ask the Ranger, MID-TOUR, an extremely obscure and disruptive question the Ranger is not capable to give a simple answer to (often because there isn't any simple answers to such a ridiculous question). It really seems like these guys go to these battlewalks for the sole purpose of "impressing" their fellow visitors with just how much they know about the Civil War; which usually entails making the Ranger stumble on the absolute smallest and least significant details which may/may not have ANYTHING to do with the topic of the tour. When the Ranger asks if the audience has any questions, take it with a grain of salt. Do not ask a question which incorporates info which has not been (or will not be) discussed at any measure during the tour. For example, in this video, the gentleman who asked the Ranger about the "alternate attack plan".... like.... why?? You can tell the Ranger is a little frustrated upon hearing the question, and hearing the follow-up questions from the same man. The tour is about Armistead's brigade and the story which the Ranger is giving you. Save a question like this for after the tour; I'm sure the Ranger will be more than happy to have a short discussion with you for a few minutes once the tour is over. But.... in all honesty... I believe the people who ask questions like this KNOW they can save it for after the tour. I also believe the people who ask these questions don't even CARE about the answer to it themselves. I think these people concoct these questions for the sole purpose of inflating their ego by confusing not only their fellow visitors, but the Ranger himself.
4 года назад
Some asshole..guaranteed its a guy (overweight) 100% of the time, always wants to how how big his history dick is, to compensate for his actual dick which he hasn't seen whilst standing up in years.
Been a fan of Mr. Atkinson for years. Been a HUMBLE fan of the battle of Gettysburg for much, much longer. Walked the soil myself in 2001, a month prior to 9/11. Seen the most recent videos as of July 2019, and #Easily identify similarities between Mr. Atkinson and Australia's Steve Irwin, et al. Disconcerting, not so much of any effort to extend fame and occupation generationally...but because BEFORE fame...Mr. Atkinson recants from MEMORY and sheer passion his acumen and recitals. However, recently...he reads from...something, and responds "in the moment" as he discovers--same time as us, the viewers--certain facts. That is not to suggest that Mr. Atkinson isn't chock full of erudition of his own, as noted throughout and right up until the end of this particular video...) I sense, even through these recent videos...Larger Forces At Work. (Been there, done that, personally, as a professional myself.) Something essential has been lost. ALL that said..nothing but affection and respect towards Mr. Atkinson, and Son. "$25.00....already gone.", says Mr. Atkinson near the end. O, what to conclude from such a trusted man? My mind wanders...I fear I might have chosen the "$30.00 Tour", in spite of Mr. Atkinson's "...That was just a joke". Sure, that was "just a joke". I love you, Mr. Atkinson...do what you need to do moving forward personally...
The movie "Gettysburg" portrays Confederate "General" Armistead as a pathetic, love sick puppy, lusting after Hancocks' wife. Wonder if Armistead had any sisters he could lust after?
Matt has renewed my interest in Gettysburg. Having grown up there we took the Battlefield for granted. I would love to meet him and say thank you and even do a few of his tours. Thanks for doing these videos and sharing them!
Mavourneen is pronounced Ma-vur-nen. With the long A sound like maw. Vur like fur with a V. OR, Vor like For with a V. Nen with the long 'eh' E like Ten with two N's. It means 'my darling' or 'my beloved'.
What a wonderful talk with a sprinkle of humor mixed in!. Ranger Atkinson's high degree of education always amazes me! He really knows what he's talking about, and loves his people he guides and his profession.
Interesting take on the friendship between Hancock and Armistead. Hancock supported Armistead when his wife and child died, and Armistead made arrangements for his personal bible to be given to Hancocks wife when he died. I would surmise that both knew that the other was directly across the battlefield and neither wanted to be the one responsible for the others death. You can still be a professional soldier and not want to "cross the field and kick in someone's teeth". Even Longstreet knew of this friendship, and respected Hancock.
@idunbeezasmart1 Just head to the Visitor’s Center and speak to the ranger on duty. There’s a book with tours and they can tell you if and when Ranger Atkinson is doing tours and battle walks.
If I went I’d have to take a tour with Matt or it wouldn’t be fun. Learning history should be be fun as well as educational. I love the way he uses the kids to show parts of the battle line. They will always remember a part they played showing the history of Gettysburg’s history.
I can't believe he didn't mention Armistead's nickname, "Lo." It was short for Lothario. The name of his uncle who defended Fort McHenry was George. His father, Walker Keith Armistead, was a lieutenant colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers during the War of 1812.
Austin Tashis I was stationed there my last year and a half at the Navy Reserve Center. We volunteered there on weekends. Loved it and you are right on the history.
" Croosing the T "is a Navy term not an army .., "outflanlking was better " remarks by " the angel" grtz and all the good ( godsspeed ) from Holland ( Europa)
Okay just watched other guides. Informative but no humor. They were shouting the information. Historically accurate but tiring for a listener. Factual presentation but I wish some others would loosen up a bit. Your groups will listen. They don’t half to have a full repertoire of studies just a few
A-yup. It's the VMI thing. He still should know that. How does this guy still not know "Kathleen Mavourneen"? Is it really that hard? I mean what kind of intelligent man has a problem pronouncing words he's been TAUGHT to say several times? It's things like this and blatant omissions I see in other videos that make me think this guy is more entertainment with the southern yokel thing. That's harsh... but you know what I mean.
I don't think you can request him but you can look at his scheduled battle walks and camp fire talks and choose to go to them. The schedule is found here on the park website: www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battlewalks-campfires.htm
There is a housing project in Baltimore Maryland named after Lou Armistead, it’s called Armistad Gardens. It is a rundown housing project unfortunately it does not honor this man.
Wrong Armistead. Lewis Armistead's uncle defended Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812, when the Star Spangled Banner was written. The housing project is named after this uncle.
Be careful what you say about the Amish. Many have cell phones these days. They bring billions of dollars in tourist money in Lancaster County don’t disparage them.
Lewis Armistead is a fine study no matter what side your on, it doesn’t matter, if you study a great man’s life and make an effort to know him, it will be rich and rewarding. All great men have a story that will never leave you, Lewis Armistead was one of those men.
Man Stuffwriter love ur videos but dang I had to watch an ad about every 2 minutes! Gosh couldn’t even get into Matt’s amazing stories because they were constantly interrupted. And I know it’s a new thing because this is a rewatch and I’m really disappointed bc I really enjoy Matt’s presentations.
@StuffWriter: Just a question. Do you think Ranger Matt would agree to wear a wireless mic, connected to your gear? I do meteorology and radio production for a living, and I was wondering if he'd do that. I understand he might not be able to, due to Park rules. If he can, I can recommend some good mics, and would even be willing to help you foot the cost. (They're not very expensive, and they'd cut out the background noise quite a bit.) Thanks again for your efforts. Maybe I'll get a chance to meet you next summer.
@@marymoriarity2555 Thanks Mary. I'm a re-enactor from Colorado, and I love that StuffWriter is posting these. I can't get out much, but I'm planning a trip to Gettysburg next summer, (I'm a PA native). StuffWriter's efforts mean a ton to me. :-)
The nicest monuments at gettysburg. The pa momument is absolutely gorgeous. The fighting 69 looks great. But most of the best monuments are on confederate row. The north Carolina and Tennessee monuments are amazing. Lee sitting on his horse traveler as the sun hits it is breathtaking.
I agree that he does seem pretty awesome. I had a question, and I emailed him my question last Thursday night around 11:30 or 12:00 and he answered me by 7:00 a.m. on Friday. He was just as kind as could be answering what was probably a dumb question from a complete Civil War novice. The National Park System is lucky have a guy like him. He definitely makes me want to make the trek from Alabama to Pennsylvania.
In his official report of the battle at G-burg, Lt. Col. James M. Bull of the Union Army writes that the rebels involved in the famous charge approached Cemetery Ridge in four lines.
Shaw A yes you are right. Matt Atkinson is one of the rangers. Each ranger writes his or her own program. If course they have noes.rarely do tourists not enjoy his tours or lectures. He combines humor and knowledge of history. He’s good with kids.
@@deanmacmanus595 He generally only reads specific comments from the participants for accuracy. He is actually very knowledgeable about the battIefield. You don't know anything about children if you think they are always going to be happy wherever their parents take them. If you think it is so easy to capture the environment then I think you should sign up and become a guide - since you think the job is such a piece of cake. One thing I have learned in life - there are doers and complainers. The complainers are people who have no talent who spend all day criticizing the doers.
Worth the view just to see the $25 people get the wind up when the guide group do a plausible Rebel Yell. There you go... you get your $15 value right there so you do...
Really Someone complained about $25 fee, I am from Australia and l would pay more than that easy for the Tour. How do they think guides and to help preserve monuments and Gettysburg get done , Free. No place in the world has something like Gettysburg. Americans are one great thing Patriotic. Go Stuffwriter, Thanks
Well, we do have a little place called "Waterloo" here in Belgium, which is arguably as important as Gettysburg in Europe ^^ But I completely agree with your point !
Little tip for Matt and the visitors to the battlefield. When we reenacting the 130th wilderness North Anna campaign we were in the middle of the woods. For Ticks and chiggers I put seven dust in a old sock tie the end up and use the sock like a Rosen Bag . I keep the sock in a zip lock bag just powder around the ankles and your shoes or pants legs if in jeans.
This guy is unreal! My great great grandfather was in the 62nd company k from WV on the Confederate side. From what I gathered he was lucky enough to miss this battle. Great talk, hopefully I can see this place one day. Thank you
It’s the busiest military park by millions of tourists per year. Too much traffic too much noise too many tourists tramping every where. It’s very close to heavily populated areas. It’s better in nice days in the spring and fall. Brigades of visitors and their dogs plus screaming kids are gone. These hoards cause more damage than anything. People climbing monuments etc. restaurants are nice but overpriced .
Go on Christmas afternoon. Practically nobody there. I was lying around one Christmas afternoon and my wife said “Let’s go to that place with all the monuments”. Empty.
lee wants all the men the south could spare for the invasion. too bad he dis not get them... d.h. hill should have returned them.... but lee should have been more forceful. but not in his nature
Lee destroyed the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. He went North to win the war and didn't use what cavalry he had to protect his army and scout out Union intentions. Lee had luck early on but came mighty close to losing at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. At Gettysburg, Lee split up his army one time too many.
Lee didn’t want any engagement with Union forces until his army was regathered into a cohesive force and he knew of Union strengths and positions. He had success on the first day but lacked the force to win the day completely. Meade was preparing a withdrawal to Pikes Creek where he wanted the battle to take place with ground very similar to Gettysburg. Remember Lee in the 2 previous battles lost nearly 40% of his experienced line officers as well as Jackson.
@@TheJohnswa Pipe Creek Lol. Everything you're saying is easily proven incorrect and arguing is obviously going to be a waste of time and energy. You are hindsighting the daylights out of everything.
I know this is silly but what happened to the farm animals. In other videos Matt refers to the umdergrowth being much less due to farm animals i presume most were cows maybe some pigs. Did farmers put them in the barn hoping they would be safe, were they shot accidentally & became collateral damage, did they run off or did they farmers move them. I can't imagine driving a herd of cattle with battles raging. Maybe the answer is lost to the mists of time. But i do wonder
Kimberleyanne Demong most of the local farmers list their livestock in the carnage. When I toured the battlefield many decades ago there were some animals around in places which surprised me. They were soon gone. Once the battlefield was overrun by often idiot tourists the animals would not be safe. At that time there were no walking tours etc. the excessive growth of trees weren’t removed until the late 90s. There were so many deer destroying the crop etc due to no hunting policy they had to have a controlled deer kill. All controversial decisions
Yes, the 44th NC was left behind in Virginia for guard duty. They did have a fight there. My great-great grandfather was in the regiment. They also were involved in Jackson's funeral procession.
