The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast - podcast cover

The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast

Jim Hessler and Eric Lindbladepodcasters.spotify.com
The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast is the premier podcast on the Gettysburg Campaign. Hosted by historians and Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guides Jim Hessler and Eric Lindblade, each episode focuses on a particular aspect of the 1863 battle and campaign with expert analysis that will leave listeners educated and entertained. Eric and Jim do not just tell you what happened, but why and how it happened; whether you are a new student of Gettysburg or a seasoned pro, you are sure to come away with a better understanding of this critical moment in the American Civil War!
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Episodes

Episode 51: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg - Part Three

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody continue their multi-part deep dive into the fighting in and around the infamous Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The hosts shift their focus to the Stony Hill on the western edge of the Wheatfield and the fighting between the Fifth Corps brigades of Tilton and Sweitzer of James Barnes's Division and the South Carolina brigade of Joseph Kershaw. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/getty...

Jun 29, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 51

Episode 50: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg - Part Two

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody continue their multi-part deep dive into the fighting in and around the infamous Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The hosts focus on the initial combat in the Wheatfield between the 3rd Arkansas and George Anderson's Georgia brigade as they square off with Union Third Corps forces from the brigades of De Trobriand, Ward, and Burling. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast...

Jan 31, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Episode 49: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg - Part One

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody begin a multi-part deep dive into the fighting in and around the infamous Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The hosts set the stage for July 2 by detailing exactly what is "the Wheatfield," who lived on the property in 1863 and introduce the key figures and troops involved in the first phase of action in the area. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast A recurring, monthly...

Dec 25, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 4Ep. 11

Episode 48: Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg - November 18-19, 1863 with Tim Smith

In September 2023, The Adams County Historical Society hosted a special live recording of the show. Eric, Jim, and Jody were joined by Historian and Licensed Battlefield Guide Tim Smith and a lively crowd of Superfans. The topic that evening was Abraham Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg which lasted just 25 hours spanning November 18 - 19, 1863. In this episode, Lincoln's time in Gettysburg is discussed as well as many of the myths that surround one of the most famous events in United States history...

Nov 09, 20231 hr 19 minSeason 4Ep. 10

Episode 47: The Eve of Battle - June 30, 1863

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody had the opportunity to visit the historic Cashtown Inn located in Cashtown, Pennsylvania to record a deep-dive look at the events and decisions of June 30, 1863, and the impact they will have on what will become the Battle of Gettysburg. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast A recurring, monthly donation at www.patreon.com/gettysburgpodcast All donations offset th...

Aug 29, 20231 hr 47 minSeason 4Ep. 9

Episode 46: John Sedgwick and The Union Sixth Corps - Part Two with Carol Reardon

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody are once again joined by esteemed Civil War historian Dr. Carol Reardon as she discusses John Sedgwick and the Union Sixth Corps from their pursuit of Lee's army after Gettysburg to the death of Sedgwick on May 9, 1864. Part Two features a wide-ranging discussion of topics about Sedgwick and his troops, but also features a Dan Sickles Report not to be missed! If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayP...

Jun 23, 20231 hr 21 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Episode 45: John Sedgwick and The Union Sixth Corps - Part One with Carol Reardon

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody are joined by esteemed Civil War historian Dr. Carol Reardon as she discusses John Sedgwick and the Union Sixth Corps in the Gettysburg Campaign. Part One covers the background of John Sedgwick, a discussion of the composition of the Sixth Corps during the campaign, and a detailed look at the critical, but often overlooked, role the corps will play on July 2 and 3. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation o...

May 10, 20231 hr 30 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Episode 44: The Gettysburg Bad History Episode - Part Two

In this episode, Eric and Jim continue their look at Bad Gettysburg History with a special focus on July 3 and beyond! Topics covered are Confederate Strategy on July 3, fighting around Culp's Hill, Pickett's Charge, East AND South Cavalry Field, and much more in this edition of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast A recurring, monthly donation at www.patreon.com/ge...

Jan 24, 20231 hr 52 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Episode 43: The Gettysburg Bad History Episode - Part One

In this episode, Eric and Jim tackle a beloved subject matter: Gettysburg's bad history! What makes "bad history?" What are some of the more egregious Gettysburg myths, misunderstandings, or outright misinterpretations that relate to the battle? Tune in as our co-hosts delve into the worst of Gettysburg history! If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast A recurring, monthly donation at www.patreon.com/ge...

Nov 05, 20221 hr 33 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Episode 42: George Meade at Gettysburg - Part Two with Kent Masterson Brown

Eric and Jim continue their conversation with Kent Masterson Brown about all things George Meade and Gettysburg. In this episode, they pick up on the morning of July 2 and continue to the end of the battle on July 3, with some discussion of the logistical challenges faced by the Army of the Potomac in the wake of their victory. And yes there is some talk about a certain Union general... If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at pay...

Aug 29, 20221 hr 42 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Episode 41: George Meade at Gettysburg - Part One with Kent Masterson Brown

Eric and Jim have long wanted to do an episode (or two) on George Meade and who better to join them than the author of "Meade at Gettysburg" Kent Masterson Brown to discuss Meade's role in the Gettysburg Campaign. Part One begins with Meade taking command of the Army of the Potomac on June 28, 1863, and follows him through his arrival in Gettysburg early in the morning of July 2. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/...

Jul 01, 20221 hr 32 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Episode 40: The Weather and The Battle of Gettysburg

What the weather was like during the Battle of Gettysburg? What impact did it have? How do we deal with differing accounts of the weather? If you have ever wondered questions such as these, then this is the episode for you! Jim is joined by Super Fan Jody (filling in as co-host for Eric) as they interview (via Zoom) Jeff Harding and Dr. Jon Nese from Pennsylvania State University about the fascinating research they have done on the weather conditions during the Battle of Gettysburg. If you would...

Jun 16, 20221 hr 21 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Episode 39: James Longstreet at Gettysburg - Part Three

To kick off Season Four of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim return to a familiar topic and continue their deep dive into James Longstreet and the Gettysburg Campaign. This episode will focus on Longstreet's role in the Confederate attack plan of July 2 and more importantly on the famous, or infamous, countermarch later that afternoon. The hosts will dissect this complex and often misunderstood aspect of the battle and its impact on the fighting of the second day at Gettysburg. If y...

Apr 27, 20222 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Episode 38: The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast LIVE! Heel Draft

We wanted to end Season 3 on a light-hearted high note... On May 1, 2021, Eric and Jim were joined by groups of Super Fans for our first-ever live recording at GettysGear and this episode is a recording of that great night. Our topic that evening was the popular Battle of Gettysburg Heel Draft with Eric and Jim squaring off to see who can select the most nefarious and incompetent Gettysburg army possible! While we once did a draft of Gettysburg's best, now we want to draft the worst so tune in t...

Feb 14, 202259 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Episode 37: Chambersburg and The Civil War - Part Two with Tracy Baer

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are again joined by their friend and colleague Tracy Baer who will be discussing the fascinating history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While many students of the battle have heard of Chambersburg, it is often overshadowed by events just thirty miles to the east in Gettysburg. Tracy in Part Two details the role the town played in the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign and the tragic burning of Chambersburg by Confederate forces in 1864. If ...

Dec 13, 20211 hr 41 minSeason 3Ep. 14

Episode 36: Chambersburg and The Civil War - Part One with Tracy Baer

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and colleague Tracy Baer who will be discussing the fascinating history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While many students of the battle have heard of Chambersburg, it is often overshadowed by events just thirty miles to the east in Gettysburg. Tracy in Part One details the settlement and early history of Chambersburg and the important role it will play in the Civil War up through 1862. If you would like...

Jul 24, 20211 hr 19 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Episode 35: July 1 on Seminary Ridge with Pete Miele

To commemorate the 158th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Gettysburg, Eric and Jim have gone high in the sky to record an episode from the iconic cupola of the Luthern Theological Seminary. They are joined by Pete Miele, Executive Director of the Seminary Ridge Museum, and newest podcast team member Super Fan Jody to discuss the critical moments around Seminary Ridge on July 1, 1863. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal ...

Jul 02, 20211 hr 22 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Episode 34: James Longstreet at Gettysburg - Part Two

In this episode, Eric and Jim continue their deep dive into James Longstreet and the Gettysburg Campaign. Part Two focuses on the period of Longstreet's service from January to July 1, 1863. The hosts analyze Longstreet in the Suffolk Campaign in the spring of 1863, his absence from Chancellorsville, and the role he played in the Confederate planning for and subsequent invasion of Pennsylvania. While often noted for his actions on July 2 and 3, the episode ends with a detailed look at Longstreet...

Jun 17, 20211 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Episode 33: James Longstreet at Gettysburg - Part One

In this episode, Eric and Jim begin their first of a three-part series on Lieutenant General James Longstreet who commanded the First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg. Part One is a deep dive into the period of Longstreet's life from his birth in South Carolina to the end of 1862 and what we can learn from Longstreet's life to give a proper context to his actions in July 1863. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on Pay...

May 20, 20211 hr 34 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Episode 32: Medical Care at Gettysburg - Part Two

Eric and Jim are once again joined by their friends and colleagues Fran Feyock and Rick Schroeder, both retired medical professionals, to do a deep dive into some of the more well-known individuals to be wounded at Gettysburg and take a closer look at their treatment and recovery. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast A recurring, monthly donation at www.patreon.com/gettysburgpodcast All donations of...

Apr 07, 20211 hr 21 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Episode 31: Medical Care at Gettysburg - Part One

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friends and colleagues Fran Feyock and Rick Schroeder, both retired medical professionals, to discuss the treatment and challenges of battlefield medicine at Gettysburg. You will not want to miss this episode into an underappreciated yet vitally important aspect of the battle and campaign. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettys...

Mar 03, 20211 hr 17 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Episode 30: East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg - Part Two

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their two-part deep dive on the fighting of July 3 at East Cavalry Field. The co-hosts discuss the ebb and flow of this often confusing action, and they also take on prevailing views and theories that have arisen from this aspect of the battle that some have called "Cavalry Valhalla!" If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/gettysburgpodcast A re...

Feb 16, 20211 hr 42 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Episode 29: What Was Sickles Thinking on July 2?

In this special Super Bowl Sunday edition of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim decided to put together a Gettysburg Halftime Event for the big game! For an event of this magnitude, they had to select an individual whose legend was equal to this monumental moment... None other than Dan Sickles! In this episode, Eric and Jim delve into the commonly asked question of what Sickles was thinking on July 2, 1863, with his controversial move to the Peach Orchard and the Emmitsburg Road. The...

Feb 08, 202145 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Episode 28: East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg - Part One

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim begin their two-part deep dive on the fighting of July 3 at East Cavalry Field. The co-hosts discuss why this action is important, what led David Gregg and JEB Stuart's cavalry forces to meet on that part of the field, and the role of Union and Confederate troopers that afternoon. The listener is also given a detailed description of the topography, the area surrounding that part of the battlefield, and an in-depth look at a number...

Jan 27, 20211 hr 22 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Episode 27: John Bachelder and Gettysburg... The Man, The Myth, The Papers! Part Two

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their two-part deep dive into the life and legacy of the artist turned-historian, John Badger Bachelder. In this episode, the hosts discuss some of the controversies that Bachelder was a part of, give insight on how to best use the Bachelder Papers as a resource for studying the battle, and share a few of their favorite accounts from the Bachelder Papers. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the foll...

Jan 14, 20212 hr 3 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Episode 26: John Bachelder and Gettysburg... The Man, The Myth, The Papers! Part One

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim begin their two-part deep dive into the life and legacy of the artist turned historian, John Badger Bachelder. Outside of a participant, Bachelder is the most influential and powerful individual ever associated with the Battle of Gettysburg. So who was Bachelder, and why was he so important? Tune in and find out! If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on PayPal at paypal.me/ge...

Dec 31, 20201 hr 16 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Episode 25: Alfred Iverson at Gettysburg - Part Two

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their look at Brigadier General Alfred Iverson and his North Carolina brigade. In Part Two, the hosts give another of their noted "deep dives" into what happened to Iverson and his troops at Gettysburg on July 1 and the ultimate fallout from what happened on the fields of the Forney Family that afternoon. You will not want to miss Eric and Jim's analysis of Iverson's Brigade at Gettysburg! If you would like to donate to t...

Dec 16, 20202 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Episode 24: Alfred Iverson at Gettysburg - Part One

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim start Season Three off with a look at one of the most controversial figures associated with the battle: Brigadier General Alfred Iverson. In Part One, they take a deep dive into the native-born Georgian as they detail his life and military service up to July 1. As they often do, the hosts challenge long-held views on Iverson, especially the accusations he was drunk on the battlefield, and attempt to give a complete picture of this...

Dec 01, 20201 hr 24 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Episode 23: The Battle of Gettysburg Fantasy Draft!

To close out Season Two and to celebrate the first anniversary of the show, Eric and Jim are joined by some of their friends and colleagues for The First Annual Battle of Gettysburg Fantasy Draft. While the theme of the show is somewhat lighthearted, this almost three-hour episode is full of great insights from Licensed Battlefield Guide and, at times, some spirited debate that you will not want to miss! If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donatio...

Oct 30, 20202 hr 45 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Episode 22: Culp's Hill at Gettysburg, July 2: Part Two

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their two-part series on the July 2 fighting on Culp's Hill. In Part Two, the hosts give a deep dive into battle action on Culp's Hill on the evening of July 2, involving George Greene's Union brigade and Confederate forces under Edward Johnson. As always, special attention is given to the personalities, terrain, and human interest stories that are connected to this part of the field. If you would like to donate to the sh...

Jun 24, 20201 hr 32 minSeason 2Ep. 10
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