In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim start a two-part series on the July 2 fighting on Culp’s Hill. Students of the battle have long lamented how the combat at Culp’s Hill is overlooked or even forgotten, but is it? And if so, why? Part One features a detailed discussion of the terrain in and around Culp’s Hill, as well as the defenses built by Union forces. In their trademark “deep dive” style, Eric and Jim look at the initial Union occupation of Culp’s Hill on July...
Jun 09, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their colleague and friend Stuart Dempsey to discuss the much-maligned and controversial role played by the Union 11th Corps during all three days of the Battle of Gettysburg. Does the traditional interpretation of "The Flying Dutchmen" hold up? Or have historians and students of the battle been mistaken? In addition to the deep-dive into the battle that you will only find on The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, the hos...
May 22, 2020•1 hr 53 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode, Eric and Jim explore the complex and challenging relationship between two Gettysburg icons Robert E. Lee and George Pickett. Often accounts place the events of the afternoon of July 3 as the cause of the strain in their relationship, but did the problems begin much earlier? The co-hosts delve into the life of George Pickett and take a detailed look at his relationship with Robert E. Lee before, during, and after the Gettysburg Campaign. In doing so, they challenge many long-held...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 57 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast co-hosts Eric and Jim are joined by their colleague and friend Stuart Dempsey to discuss the fascinating and unique history of the Union 11th Corps before Gettysburg. Dempsey, a noted expert on the 11th Corps, explains the background of what became the 11th Corps from the European Revolutions in the 1840s to the outbreak of the Civil War, and through campaigning in the Shenandoah Valley, Second Manassas, and finally Chancellorsville. Throughout...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Eric and Jim discuss the important, yet overlooked, fighting that takes place northeast of Gettysburg in the small crossroads town of Hunterstown on July 2. This cavalry action features such famous Gettysburg figures as Wade Hampton, George Custer, Judson Kilpatrick, and Elon Farnsworth. The hosts take a deep dive into the sharp rearguard action by Confederate cavalry against a persistent Union foe on the afternoon of July 2, detail the close calls had by Hampton and Custer, and analyze the sign...
Mar 12, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Eric and Jim continue their look at the murder and trial that shocked a nation in 1859. In this episode, they cover the death of Barton Key at the hands of Congressman Daniel Sickles, one of the most covered trials in the 19th century, and the fall out for those involved. They also fast forward to July 2, 1863, and discuss what can be learned from the Key incident in 1859 that might give insight into the decisions that Major General Daniel Sickles made at Gettysburg. If you would like to donate ...
Feb 24, 2020•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 4
With Valentine's Day near Eric and Jim wanted to share a special story of love with their Super Fans. Of course, that story is the infamous 1859 murder of Barton Key at the hands of Congressman Daniel Sickles over the illicit affair Key was having with Dan’s wife Teresa. Part One covers the background of Sickles before the murder, his relationship with Teresa, the affair with Key, and so much more! If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A one-time donation on P...
Feb 10, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Eric and Jim continue their deep dive into Barlow’s Knoll. In this episode, they turn their attention to the fighting in and around what is today referred to as Barlow’s Knoll and the impact it has on July 1. They likewise delve into the famous Barlow – Gordon Incident and sort out what is a myth and what is reality. Of course, as they have from the very start, the hosts tackle a wide array of questions from their Super Fans that pertain to this part of the battle. If you would like to donate to...
Jan 28, 2020•2 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Eric and Jim return for the start of Season Two of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast with a deep dive into the often-overlooked fighting around what is commonly known as Barlow’s Knoll. In this first of two parts, they discuss the Blocher Family, who lived on the property during the battle, and the history of the nearby Adams County Almshouse. They also delve into the background of Major General Francis Barlow, the troops under his command, and what led to his fateful decision to move to the knol...
Jan 13, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Episode 12 is a special holiday bonus episode brought to us by Santa Sickles himself! In this episode, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and colleague Garry Adelman to discuss his 2003 book The Myth of Little Round Top. Why does Little Round Top loom so prominently in the history of the Battle of Gettysburg, and has this always been the case? Likewise, how was the fighting that occurred there on July 2, 1863, interpreted and viewed by those who were there? Eric, Garry, and Jim also discuss...
Dec 20, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 12
To close out Season 1 of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are addressing their broadest topic yet as selected by you, the listeners (Super Fans!). Episode 11 looks at Gettysburg Books and the Historiography of the Battle of Gettysburg and the impact it has had and still has on the way we view and interpret the battle. They discuss the essential primary sources that serve as the foundation for any real research on the battle, as well as talking about books that they feel should be a...
Dec 05, 2019•1 hr 52 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Widely regarded as one of the smartest and most accomplished individuals from the South during the Antebellum era, North Carolina native Johnston Pettigrew led his brigade from the Old North State through some of the most ferocious combat of the Civil War. Join Eric and Jim as they delve into the role played by Pettigrew and the troops under his command during the Gettysburg Campaign with a particular focus on their actions of June 30, July 1, July 3, and the mortal wounding of Pettigrew at Fall...
Nov 06, 2019•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In Episode 9 of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast: The Killer Angels and Gettysburg "a.k.a. The Movie" - Part Two, Eric and Jim do a deep dive into the 1993 Ted Turner-produced historical film epic Gettysburg! Or as many fans and students of the battle call it "the movie." The hosts discuss what the film gets right, what they got wrong, bad beards, and the impact it had on the Civil War community and the interpretation of the battle to visitors at the Gettysburg National Military Park. If you wou...
Oct 22, 2019•2 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In Episode 8 of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim delve into the background of the 1974 Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara and the 1993 film adaptation "Gettysburg." To many students of the battle the novel and "the movie" bring out strong emotions in how they depict the Battle of Gettysburg and a number of the participants. Part One of the two-part series will focus on the background of the novel and the movie. Details on how the novel mov...
Sep 16, 2019•48 min•Season 1Ep. 8
For Episode Seven of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and fellow Licensed Battlefield Guide Wayne Motts to discuss the life of Brigadier General Lewis Armistead. In addition to being a Licensed Battlefield Guide, Wayne Motts is the CEO of The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the author of a 1994 biography on Armistead. In 2015, he co-authored "Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg" with podcast co-host Jim Hessler. In the episode details...
Sep 05, 2019•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Eric and Jim attempt to delve into one of the most commonly asked visitor questions they receive as Licensed Battlefield Guides at Gettysburg: What was Lee thinking to order Pickett's Charge? This episode focuses on the planning that went into one of the most famous military attacks in history and the thought process behind it. What was the objective? What was the attack aiming for? Was this a desperate gamble? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Episode Six of The Battle of Gett...
Aug 29, 2019•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Eric and Jim continue their dive into the actions in and around the Sherfy's peach orchard. In this episode they delve into some of the most intense, yet overlooked fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. They also cover what became of the property after the battle, and answer listener questions. 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 Al...
Aug 14, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 5
The first of a two-part series which will focus on the ferocious, yet often overlooked, fighting in and around the Peach Orchard owned by Joseph Sherfy and his family. In part one, Eric and Jim give background on the property and discuss the plans of General Robert E. Lee and his army for the Peach Orchard and the Emmitsburg Road on July 2, 1863. They also detail and discuss the motivations for Major General Daniel Sickles and his Union Third Corps to move forward to the position in one of the m...
Aug 07, 2019•50 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In Episode Three, Eric and Jim delve into the often-asked question of "what if Jackson were at Gettysburg?" While not an alternative history episode the premise is to use the question as a means to compare and contrast Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Richard Ewell in their roles as commanders of the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. Would the battle have been different? Was there a significant drop off in leadership ability and performance? The answers to these questions from the hos...
Jul 30, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Eric and Jim take a closer look at one of the most critical days in the Gettysburg Campaign: June 28, 1863. The hosts detail the circumstances of George Meade taking command of the Army of the Potomac, Robert E. Lee discovering the location of Union forces and a terrible day for J.E.B. Stuart. Also, questions from listeners about June 28 and the events surrounding it are answered. 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 24, 2019•59 min•Season 1Ep. 2
The first episode ever for The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast! In this episode, Eric and Jim give background on themselves and discuss the format of the podcast. Later they delve a bit into Gettysburg today and visitation. 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 the show's production costs and allow it to remain a fre...
Jul 21, 2019•36 min•Season 1Ep. 1
