The Adams County Historical Society is excited to announce three special “Battle Walks” that will take place later this year! Here’s more:
| August 21st: “We Ought to Have Held the Place Easily”: Barlow’s Knoll (aka Blocher’s Knoll) on July 1, 1863 Led by James Hessler and Eric Lindblade On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, Union Army General Francis Barlow either disobeyed or misunderstood his orders and decided to seize high ground in front of his division. Barlow’s men were then attacked and defeated by Confederate forces under General Jubal Early. As a result, Barlow’s controversial decision and the Confederate assault contributed to the collapse of the Army of the Potomac’s first day position. While the fight at “Barlow’s Knoll” is one of the most important July 1 actions, it is also one of the least visited locations on the battlefield. Join us as we explore Barlow’s Knoll and the surrounding terrain. We will discuss the military action, the command decisions made on both sides, several noteworthy human-interest stories, and the impact on the local civilian population. Is it really a precursor to similar actions by Union General Dan Sickles on July 2? Examine the ground and decide for yourself, “Why did Barlow advance without orders?” |
October 23rd: Across the Harmon and Herbst Farms: Biddle’s Brigade at Gettysburg
Led by Larry Korczyk and Andrew Dalton
Explore the fighting on both sides of Willoughby’s Run as we cover the battle action of Colonel Chapman Biddle’s Union brigade on July 1, 1863. This unheralded and often overlooked fighting unit suffered horrific losses on July 1st attempting to defend an indefensible position on McPherson’s Ridge.
We will discuss the courageous actions of the commanding officers and the men in the rank and file, as well as the civilians who crossed paths with Biddle’s men at the Emanuel Harmon and John Herbst farms during the thick of the fighting. Our trek will cover approximately 1/4 mile of walking and will include visits to both farms and each regimental monument.
November 21st: Hills, Ridges, Roads, and Farms: An All-New Gettysburg Hike
Led by Garry Adelman and Tim Smith
Cemetery Ridge. Seminary Ridge. Culp’s Hill. Cemetery Hill.
These now-famous features hosted some of the most ferocious and critical fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg, and saw movements or combat on all three days of the conflict. But long before the soldiers arrived, Gettysburg was a place where people had been living peacefully for decades. The battle forever changed this community as farmers’ fields became burial grounds, and years-worth of treasure and work vanished in an instant. Gettysburg was destined to become a tourist town, with every inch of the battlefield explored, and much of it photographed.
Join Tim and Garry for a lively and fast-paced tour to some of Gettysburg’s most storied places with photos, fighting and folklore throughout.
