“THE GUNS OF GETTYSBURG” Schedule of Events:
Friday March 25, 2011
2:00-6:00PM: Check-in to the Doubleday Inn, with free time for dinner.
7:00-9:00PM: A dessert discussion at the Doubleday Inn. After enjoying dinner on your own, save room for dessert & coffee at the Inn. An array of goodies and refreshments will be provided during the evening program. Licensed Battlefield Guide Ralph Siegel will present a comprehensive overview of the organization, use and deployment of field artillery during the Civil War. Topics include the types of weapons utilized here at Gettysburg, their effective ranges, the number each army possessed, and the types of ammunition they employed.
Saturday March 26, 2011
8:00AM: Breakfast at the Inn
9:15AM: The vans will leave the Doubleday Inn. The group will see examples of all types of cannon used by both armies during the Battlefield tour.
9:30AM: “The whole line of battle…was a continuous blaze of fire”
From Pegram’s battalion leading the Confederate advance towards Gettysburg, to Dilger’s masterful performance north of town, artillery would prove invaluable during the fighting of July 1, 1863. Follow Licensed Battlefield Guide Rich Kohr as he explores the use of artillery during each stage of the first day’s fight. During this session, the group will become a gun crew and learn how these weapons were fired and maneuvered.
12:30-2PM: Catered lunch at Dunlap’s Restaurant & Bakery in Gettysburg.
2:00-5:30PM: “Du sollst sie haben!”
“You should have it!” exclaimed a German artillerist as he pulled the lanyard on East Cemetery Hill to an attacking Louisiana Tiger proclaiming possession of the gun. Join Licensed Battlefield Guide Ralph Siegel as he examines the use of artillery on July 2, 1863. Hear about Joseph Latimer, the 19 year old Confederate “Boy Major” on Benner’s Hill, as he opened the assault against East Cemetery Hill.
The battle walk will later move to Warfield Ridge and lead to the Peach Orchard. The artillery fighting of July 2, 1863 between 3:00 and 4:00 pm on this ground may have been the largest “direct fire” gunfight of the entire Civil War. More than 100 guns in the battalions of Randolph, McGilvery, Martin, Henry, Cabell and Alexander moved to within range of each other quite by accident. Following the tour, the vans will return the participants to the Doubleday Inn.
5:30PM+: Free time for dinner.
Sunday March 27, 2011
8-10:00AM: Breakfast and check-out.**
10AM-12PM: “A Grand Bombardment”
Over 150 Confederate cannons rolled into position on the morning of July 3, 1863. At about 1:00 pm, they opened up on the center of the Federal line. General Lee hoped to disable the artillery and demoralize the infantry to make it easier to pierce the Union line. Upwards of 80 northern guns answered as the two lines pounded each other for almost 2 hours while the infantry of both sides hugged the trembling, shuddering ground. The battle walk will begin on Seminary Ridge. Rich will lead the group to the Confederate artillery positions, and he will present factors that led to the failure of the Confederate cannonade in neutralizing the Union guns on Cemetery Ridge.
**Please note: Please plan to check-out of the Inn prior to beginning the tour so that our housekeepers can access the rooms. You are welcome to leave your vehicles at the Inn during the tour, and upon our return we will have bathrooms available for your use.
Pricing for weekend package:
Regular room rate for two night stay (your choice of room – subject to availability) plus ONLY $175.00 per person.
To make a reservation for this fun-filled weekend, simply book the room of your choice: Doubleday Inn: (717) 334 – 9119
Space and rooms are extremely limited and on a first come, first serve basis so be sure to make your reservation today!!
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