Thank you for making these videos. I’m a huge CW history buff. My dog and I travel to battlefields all over the east coast. Seeing you standing in the same places we’ve been is pretty neat. Please keep it up, even though I’ve read, re-read and listened to as many CW books as humanly possible I can still learn new things at any time and your videos are a huge help!
Living around and loving our treasured Gettysburg battlefield, my son and I spent many visits to the farm long before the foundation took it over and cleaned it up....knowing what took place there and never being a soul around when we would wander the premises for hours, made for a very, very special time of reflection, prayer and awe....knowing that here in this tiny room is where General Armistead took his final breath on earth as well as so many other men in the blue & gray was mesmerizing...at that time the property was in total disarray, all grown up and wild with weeds, tools and farm equipment...with the summer kitchen looking "nothing" as it does today...I can vividly remember saying to my boy numerous times how I simply could not believe that such an incredible storied place in history was just being allowed to deteriorate and disappear from the annals of history and would soon be gone forever....with it now looking pristine and being a paid attraction, I will forever hold those amazing days and times with my son alone at a monumental place in history forever in my heart....good, bad or indifferent, we must never erase our past...thank you Gettysburg Foundation for keeping our American history alive!....👍💥🇺🇸💥
General Armistead's gravestone is at Old St. Paul's Cemetery in downtown Baltimore. Its a very small cemetery that's not in the best of condition and borders Druid Hill park. You would walk by and would never think that a Confederate general is buried there.
@@XxBloggs Why were they traitors? 11 states got together to legally withdraw from the United States that they saw as over reaching their Constitutional power, sounds a lot like our problems today. The issue of succession was argued back and forth since the signing of the Articles of Confederation in 1777, and even argued in the Supreme court, with no legal opinion given either way. Read the 10th Amendment of the Constitution as this is what their argument was based on, though the Constitution does not specifically address the issue of succession. Remember that the individual states had much more power and "pride" about them from the residents of the states, as this is before the power grab of the Federal Government starting with the Civil War. The US Senate as originally written in the Constitution was elected by the state legislators, not the "people", which is why the House of Reps was supposed to do. This was changed by the 17th amendment which took away the direct representation of the individual states from the Federal Government. This is why you see through out any war before and during the Civil War how the vast majority of units were from the individual states, like the 1st Pa. Cavalry, etc. The Civil War was not entirely based on slavery, though it was an issue. After 1808 and the banning of the importation of slaves to the US, and prevailing culture and technology, slavery was seen as on its way out. Lincoln did not issue the Emancipation Proclamation until 1863, almost 2 years after the start of the war, and only did to undermine the southern economy, not because slavery was a big issue of the war. The south only fought back after the Union invaded the southern states, to try to keep them in the Union, against their will, which is why in the south it is known as the War of Northern Aggression. Not sure how old you are, I am 50 and this is how it was taught in my history classes back in school, and that was in PA, actually 30 minutes east of Gettysburg. Try to read some books published before 1980's on the causes of the Civil War, and don't listen to the whitewashing of history by the history books in schools today, and the media. There was bravery and heroes on both sides.
@@XxBloggs If they were traitors, you should be able to quickly assemble a list of Confederate government officials and army officers who were tried and convicted of treason. I'll wait ...
JD, I really enjoy learning about history and you really bring it to life. I'm a budding filmmaker and I can't say enough about the excellent quality of your work. Thank you!
The foundation will reach greater heights with more amazing results under Wayne Motts. His passion is nearly unrivaled. Support the Gettysburg Foundation!
Well done. Thank you. It is hard for me to imagine the sights, smells, sounds and sorrow of this place, even for me a Veteran of the American War in Vietnam.
I just found your page and can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy it. History is so amazing. I’d love to go back to that area, but now immobile and live out west. Thanks for your wonderful videos!
Just rewatching this episode again J.D. And started wondering what the smell is like before battle. To the timber from the boards saturated in blood must have seeped and stank for years after. How anyone could have worked here after the battles where long done and dusted. It’s bound to be full of spiritual beings who couldn’t let go? To be in that building for a overnight stay, would not be a place I would want to stay for a single night! Know the saying “The dead won’t harm you, but the living will” sometimes I’ve not been sure of that. Having a few unexplained happenings at my home and a former work place. Really helps in a time when you have no hope, to experience things that cannot be explained!
It sounds a tad macabre, but luminol and a blue light would be so interesting to see in the barn, to bring home the reality of war. Brilliant series from the UK.
Great Stuff. You seem to synthesize information in a way that is both understandable and moving to us common folk. I enjoyed your appearances in the American Battlefield Trust "Gettysburg 158" videos. Did you get to meet or talk to Ranger Matt Atkinson during your stay? If so I envy you. And as a Vet, I reiterate what I commented after viewing the Jennie Wade video and what I would have said to Mr. Spangler in July 1863, "Anything can happen anywhere at anytime". Keep it up.
Hi JD.. Man that was a awesome job Sir.. Very well done.. You certainly seem to know all the facts.. I can't wait to go see it some day..Lord willing..🇺🇸🙏..
My wife’s 2x grandfather, Lt. J.T. Stanford, was captured where Armistead was wounded. He was with the 11th Mississippi. My 2x grandfather, Pvt. Joel Hamilton Carpenter, 11th Mississippi Infantry, made it to the “High Water Mark” too. He was captured but paroled shortly after. Deo Vindice.
Great episode! I toured Gettysburg Battlefield back in 1999, but did not visit the Spangler farm. You must be a history teacher, and if not, you should be. Thanks for this great tour.
He mentioned the home value at the time was $2500 growing to $5000. I have studied inflation rates since that period a little, which is not an easy thing to do. Most sources vastly underestimate based on some old 12:1 ratio that was never correct to begin with. In short, based on my studies, that farm was worth about $400k and it grew to be worth $800k using 2021 dollars. Love your videos. Cheers
My Family lineage is related to J.E.B. Stuart's wife's side of the Family and in the family archives there are letters From Gen. Stuart expressing his great respect and Christian love for His "Brother Lewis" . These were great God fearing people with the best of intentions and believed that God's hand guided them in their decisions.
Just curious.......at 16:46 to 16:52 in the video as the host was walking to the summer kitchen where Ge. Armistead died I noticed a very dark out line of a person blacked out the window and then moves away. Did anyone else noticed that? Question is, was there anyone in that building at that particular time?
In a lot of these video’s the subject of relocating the remains if the fallen is discussed . Do not forget that the majority of who these people were forever remains part of that soil.
Richard Jordan of both Logan's Run and Dune, played General Armistead in "Gettysburg." That would be his last role before he died. Jordan's portrayal of Armistead was moving and sad, you could really feel the pain and conflict that Armistead must have felt knowing he had to lead his men to sure destruction and to face his old friend in battle.
My wife surprised me with a 4 day trip to Gettysburg a couple of years ago. We walked and drove that Hallowed ground. Keep up the excellent work amigo.
I was there twice years ago. This farm would have been privately owned at the time. I would love to go back to Gettysburg and if I ever do I want to see this farm, it is a beautiful place and so very historic.
Thoroughly enjoying this Gettysburg series! I like how you include content of how this battle changed the locals lives for a long time. Injured men did not just go heal in the woods. The whole surgical medical side of the civil war is a fascinating arena of its own. And this old farm girl just loves a good old Pennsylvania bank barn. Spent wonderful time waiting out a sudden shower sitting on a feed bag listening to my Granddad on the barn floor of a Pennsylvania bank barn. Thank you JD!
@@billd.iniowa2263 Watch the video again. When JD is talking about the threshing floor notice the grassy strip leading up to the threshing floor. This is literally a bank of ground the barn is built up against. So you can drive the horses , now tractors right up to the second story of the barn. Pennsylvania is known for our hills. The early settlers utilized every bit of land they could. Many different styles can be found throughout this state. Food storage on top. Animals in lower levels. The barn I speak of fondly in my childhood was a dairy barn. You could throw hay into mangers below from the barn floor. Hope this helps a bit Bill.
@@dawndickson2156 Very well described. I'm in Indiana and most of the large barns were built with the "ramp" up to I the 2nd floor. I spent several happy seasons helping a childhood friend harvest straw and throwing bales into the loft.
I love the series and the Gettysburg movie is one of my favorite movies. I love history, especially American history and the Civil War. It is so tragic yet so interesting and needs to be remembered and glorified by every American. The people who fought the war should be honored for their importance which should be realized by every American.
☑️ Yeah, he does a great job. However, I'm surprised he didn't take this opportunity to talk about how the actions ^here led to the creation of one of America's best known patriotic songs. In a nutshell, one of the union flags had been shot up so badly by confederate cannon fire that the stars on its upper left hand corner had been blasted clean off. Mrs. Spangler witnessed this travesty, whereupon she immediately broke out her sewing machine and repaired that flag, replacing all of the missing stars. A spectator named Francis Scott Key was so moved by this, that he penned the famous patriotic hymn that we know today as "The Star-Spanglered Banner".... {😉}
As you were talking, I was thinking about the emergency room I worked in. On a busy day, in a pristine building with state of the art equipment it was difficult to see people in a timely manner. I can't imagine how hectic it was, not to mention the flies and the heat. You never forget the smell of old blood. Slaughter wholesale!
@@jeffdarnell7942 Then comes the “Soldiers’ Disease “ that bastard of Opiate addiction that most would never completely get rid of . Laudenum was legal and somewhat available but it was no walk in the park
found you around the anniversary and love your style of “documenting” these events, really helps me picture and feel what it was like to be there or the emotional stories of the people involved in this war. thank you for your work!
Richard Jordan did a phenomenal job with the role of General Armistead. I was shocked to find out that he had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour prior to taking that role. Sadly he passed away 5 weeks before the movie premiered.
I remember walking in and around the barn, the house house was closed to visits back in 2000. I did not know about Gen. Armistead dying there. I surely read about it, probably never registered with me for some reason. You taught this old man something new. To me, learning something new in history is like a kid getting candy. Yummy and exciting. Thanks.
Armistead was good friends with Union general Hancock.I remember watching the movie Gettysburg,Armistead said about a book of his going to Hancock's wife.Also said he was sorry for something he wanted messaged to Hancock.Hancock was wounded the same day and survived when Armistead was shot on the 3rd day of the battle
Richard Jordan did a phenomenal job with that role. I was shocked to find out that he had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour prior to taking that role. Sadly he passed away 5 weeks before the movie premiered.
It's been said, as mentioned in the movie. Before they left California to go their seperate ways. Armistead told Hancock "May God strike me dead if I ever raise a hand against you." They were said to have been as close as brothers, Armistead and Hancock. Also present at the farewell party was Albert Sidney Johnston. Sadly neither he or Armistead survived the war. In the scene where Geneal Armistead is wounded and laying against the fence. When C. Thomas Howell asks Richard Jordan about his condition. That is genuine concern as the cast knew of his condition and were worried about him. Like the trooper he was. Richard Jordan finished the movie. RIP Richard Jordan and all the men of Gettysburg.
@@mako88sb Sad, wasn't it, sir??😣 It was his final, but most memorable, performance as an actor. I remember when he passed in August, 1993 when Gettysburg was in post-production. It was tragic seeing him posthumously in it when it was released. He never got a chance to see his great performance in the final product, sir
@@mako88sb You're right it was a brilliant performance. I have often wondered (and I think it probably did) whether his medical situation added to the emotion he wax able to put into a very moving role?
I saw the summer kitchen well before the Foundation acquired it. It was in bad shape covered in vines. But, I could look in the window and almost "see" the general lying on the floor. I'm so glad I saw it before it was rehabbed because it truly felt like I had stepped back in time. It is an amazing place to visit and the Foundation has done a spectacular, honorable job in making this place a must-see when visiting Gettysburg.
There must have been thousands of vultures feasting on the dead after the Battle. I read a book once, where it was reported that there were over a thousand cultures present after the Alamo battle.
@@wilburshuman I have read witness accounts of the battle and the aftermath. They said almost all of the ground seemed to be covered in blankets from a distance. Up close, it was dead animals and soldiers . In the July heat, I cannot imagine.
Hi JD 😊 Of all the videos I've watched about the George Spangler Farm, yours is the BEST! Bcoz you brought us through the 2nd level of the barn, it was very emotional and sad 😔😢 I may be from Singapore, but I've always been very drawn to the American Civil War. Past life, perhaps? I really love your Gettysburg Series, and NEVER tire of rewatching all the videos! Thank you so much 😊 ❤️
HEY, JD HOW ARE YOU DOING WOW, I Can't believe how much time and money Had been put in to the Spangler farm buildings totally Amazing place filled with honor and history of the Gettysburg battle OK Thank you for this amazing videos Please take care stay safe and will see you in the next adventure
Now I'm wondering, about life after the battle... did the Spanglers remain on their farm, did their lives go back to how it was before, how did they deal with all the blood, graves and refuse of war?
The farm was destroyed. Not only did they have the hospital, but graves as well I read an article years ago that said so much was taken from the farm, and the Spanglers only received ninety dollars from the government in compensation.
Nice, more Gettysburg content! Between NBT and yourself JD this has been one of the best Gettysburg Anniversary I have been apart of via internet. And awesome guest star, thank you again so much!
I just wish that more people would truly study our history, warts and all. The price of freedom always goes up, today they teach CRT in schools. The founders would weep about what happened to the nation that they purchased with blood and treasure!
I was lucky to have grown up near Gettysburg. We went there on class trips in grade school and many times as an adult. It is an awe inspiring place. So hard to imagine all the death that occurred there. My favorite place was always Devil’s Den. Those rocks looked so much bigger as a child. We lived close to Antietam Battlefield also. A lot smaller and less commercialized. Very humbling to see both places.
Even though I have visited the battlefield many times, your videos add new information and perspective which make what happened there even more interesting.
The Gettysburg Foundation has done an amazing job of restoration, and saving history. They have all the history, but I have learned so much from you due to condensing it. There is so much happening at this time with the civil war, I tend to lose names, places, easily. Lets just say sometimes to much information at one time, is hard to digest. In no way am I knocking this wonderful group of people, it's just it is easier for me to understand. Thanks JD
I too like being around people who are smarter than me. I don't have to look far. My Son took me there. On that day; first I was wowed, then humbled, all on the same day. A month later it hit me: "Who the hell do you think you are?" After seeing it, it's become planted. I can't shake it off. To me the place is sacred. Thank you.
Man I love all your videos JD.. Thank you for all the trouble you go to , so you can get the story out there to people who can't go see this for them self. Frank from montana..
Another great episode! Jonathan Letterman was a true hero of the Civil War. He revolutionized the process of treating the wounded soldiers. We still employ his methods today!
3 days of battle in the hot sun, all those dead soldiers and animals must have raised an almighty stink as well and attracted every fly for miles. 2400 people and something like 60,000 dead? Not a place I would have liked to been living in at that time. A great series for sure but the misery those walls have seen.
To add they did not have enough tents or supplies so after the surgeries the soldiers were simply placed in the fields under as much cover as available - imagine the rain pouring and muddy water getting in the open wounds. Then try feeding them and seeing to basic human needs - horrible sight I bet.
@@markcrampton5549 Imagine the scope facing the citizens who lived there - approx 7200 combined dead soldiers, approx 18000 wounded Union troops and 8000 Confederate prisoners. And there were running battles during the retreat to Virginia ....... and the horrors of the wilderness and Petersburg still to come.
Starting on July 4th it rained for about a week. I'm far from religious but maybe God was saying STOP FUCKING KILLING EACH OTHER! 🥺 Bodies floating, animals running away with arms and legs. Not an experience I'd want to witness.
My Great Great Grandfather fought here at Gettysburg. John McCall enlisted as a private with Company H, 10th Georgia Infantry Regiment, Wilcox County Rifles, on 20 May, 1861. He was promoted to 4th Corporal on 15 June, 1861 and to First Lieutenant on 2 December, 1864. John W. McCall saw action in the following engagements: Seven Days Battle; Gettysburg; The Wilderness; Spotsylvania Court House; and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. G .M., BT3, USN; HSC, USCG, (Ret.)
I regret to say that I have just stumbled upon your videos today, but I am absolutely awestruck by your work. Even as someone who grew up within a short drive of the battlefield, the presentation of these stories via your videos gives the history a weight that it has never held for me before. Even after only two videos, I feel as though I owe it to myself and my own history to learn as much as I can about this place.
The story of Armistead and Hancock's long friendship and the division the Civil War caused between men that would in our day be called "Brothers from Different Mothers" fully illustrates the tragedy of the Civil War. Hancock would survive his injuries. Armistead would not. But Armistead' concern from the moment he learned his best friend was also a casualty, centered solely on Hancock's disposition as he took his last breaths. Of all of the stories of our Civil War, the story of Armistead and Hancock, remain for me both the saddest and the most inspiring.
I am filled with awe at this episode. JD, you have a way with your words that both inspires and at the same time fills the viewer with dread. I couldnt help but think of the one thing you dont mention, (perhaps its just as well) the stench of the place. Blood has it's own smell. Then there are the other odors that come from belly wounds. I dont think I need to elaborate. Then there is the excrement, urine, vomit... It must have been a place of pure hell. Thank you for your treatment of the subject.
Admittedly the citizens of Gettysburg suffered during the battle. However, the people in Confederate states suffered out of all proportion to them (the North) since most of the war, and battles, took place in their Southern towns and cities, as well as losing their food sources to the demands of both sides.
Our reenacting unit comes out every couple of years and does a living history at the Spangler Farm. We usually have 12 stations or so, including 2 folks who do an impression of the Spanglers.
You filmed a ton there in the spring. I visited that place as well a few weeks ago. The volunteers with the Gettysburg foundation were an incredible source of information. Loved it and look forward to going back.
At 12:04 in the video there was a stain on the barn floor. I was wondering if it was blood. The shot was so prominant I thought he was going to mention something about it.
Good video JD, have you read 'Too Much for Human Endurance' by Ronald Kirkwood? Heartbreaking and amazing study of the Spangler property before, during and after the battle.
I could only imagine what horror this ole barn witnessed during that time. My ancestor fought here. Although he fought for confederates as a calvary general on the wrong side of history. What took place here galvanized a country to become the greatest in the world. Im southern born, im an american by grace of god.
It's easy to forget the familie's and all the horror and devastation they experienced amidst all the storie's of general's and charge's. Can't begin to imagine what it must have been like to see these event's play out before your very eye's.
General Lee statue was pulled down in Charlottesville the other day. They won’t get away with the attempt To erase and rewrite and cover the real engineers of the profiteering puppeteers. Freemason. Jesuit. Rothschild payseur Vatican London slavers. Pick one or all of the above.
