Gettysburg Itinerary & Roles
Welcome to Gettysburg! The numbers before each stop correspond to locations on this map of the battlefield. The times after each stop approximate the time of day that the events we are discussing occurred. Each stop is also linked to maps and photos showing the places and events we are discussing. The "Role" for each character is the only preparatory material you need for participating in the staff ride, and the official report shows how the person involved described the battle in their own words.
JULY 1, 1863
1.McPherson's Ridge, 5:00a.m.- 11:00a.m.
Welcome and Orientation: Why are we here? Why were they here? How did new technology and evolving tactics affect the conduct of the Civil War?
Robert E. Lee (I):How do you assess the condition of your army and its senior leadership? What are your plans and your expectations for their success? Role and Official Report
Henry W. Halleck: Explain the decision to change commanders of the Army of the Potomac in the midst of Lee's invasion of the North. What are your expectations of General Meade and your instructions to him? Role and Official Report
John Buford:Why do you choose to defend Seminary Ridge, and how are you able to hold your position against an entire Confederate corps? Role and Official Report
2.Oak Hill, 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
Richard Ewell: What is your mission on the first day, and how well do you achieve it? Role and Official Report
J.E.B. Stuart: How much blame do you deserve for the unsatisfactory initial Confederate moves in the Gettysburg campaign and the eventual defeat of Lee's army? Role and Official Report
3.Oak Ridge, 3:00p.m. - 1:00a.m.
Oliver O. Howard: Describe your Corps' role in the first day's fighting. Is the XI Corps' performance a success or a failure? Role and Official Report
Winfield Hancock: What is General Howard's dispute with you, and how do you resolve it? You are generally regarded as one of the best leaders in the Army of the Potomac. What in your actions at Gettysburg justifies this assessment? (Be prepared to elaborate at such stops as the Peach Orchard and the Highwater Mark.) Role and Official Report
Jubal Early: Discuss your role in the first day's fighting. Could the day have ended differently for the Confederacy? Role and Official Report
George G. Meade (I):What is the Army of the Potomac's situation as you take command? As the newly appointed commander of the Army, what are your biggest concerns on the eve of the battle and as you arrive on the filed the night of July 1? Role and Official Report
4. Peach Orchard, 10:00a.m. - 2 :30p.m.
Daniel Sickles:Why have you moved III Corps into the Peach Orchard? What, in retrospect, is your view of that decision? Role and Official Report
5. Alabama Memorial, 11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
(Break for Lunch)
James Longstreet:What are your differences with General Lee concerning the plans for battle on July 2? What is your plan of attack? Role and Official Report
6. Devil's Den, 4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
John Bell Hood: Describe your attack. What is your view of the command qualities of Longstreet and Lee? Role and Official Report
7. Little Round Top, 4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
Gouverneur K. Warren: Describe the battle for Little Round Top. Under what authority did you redirect Federal troops to the Little Round Top? Role (no Official Report)
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: Explain your rise to command the 20th Maine and its defense of Little Round Top. How did your past life prepare you for these duties? Role and Official Report
8. Culp's Hill, 7:00p.m. - 10:00a.m.
Edward Johnson: Describe the fighting around Culp's Hill, and its relationship to the fighting on Cemetery Ridge. Role and Official Report
JULY 3, 1863
9. Virginia Memorial, 8:00a.m. - 2:40p.m.
Robert E. Lee (II): Describe the situation on the eve of the third day of the battle. Why do you order an assault on the center of the enemy line? Role and Official Report
E. Porter Alexander: Describe the preparation for, and execution of, the Confederate assault on the third day. Why did it fail? Role and Official Report
10. Highwater Mark, 3:00p.m. - 3:40p.m.
George Meade (II): Why is your pursuit of Lee's army criticized by President Lincoln? In retrospect, should you have pursued the Army of Northern Virginia more aggressively? Role and Official Report
Jefferson Davis: Assess the effectiveness of the Army of Northern Virginia after Gettysburg. What are the Confederacy's prospects hereafter? Role (no Official Report)
Abraham Lincoln: Assess the effectiveness of the Army of the Potomac and its commander, General George Meade. Role and Official Report