The Copse of Trees

Before reading the The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara and then watching the movie Gettsyburg (1993) based on this book (directed by Ronald F. Maxwell), I knew little about the Battle of Gettysburg.  In fact, I only began my "media" education after moving in 2011 to Gettysburg, for no self-respecting resident could remain ignorant of its history.  Now I am reading William A. Frassanito's Gettysburg: A Journey in Time, described on the back cover as "a unique example of photographic detective work in which the famous battle is re-created almost as if it were a contemporary news event." And I'll add--a must-read book for the enthusiast . . . but back to The Copse of Trees.

From these sources I learned of General Lee's catastrophic decision, one concisely stated by Frassanito in his Gettysburg: "Having been thwarted in his attacks against both Union flanks, Lee gambled on a massive frontal assault against the Union center along Cemetery Ridge on the afternoon of the third" (54).  Lee's ill-fated decision was opposed by Lt. Gen. James Longstreet (Lee's second-in-command), but his prediction of wholesale slaughter of the Confederate troops fell on deaf ears. You see, in their effort to "take" the Union enemy, these troops would have to cross a mile of open fields under cannon fire and then, when within range, rifle fire (muzzle loaders).  But general Lee was insistent--to break the Union force they need only attack its weakest point, the center of the line, a target made more visible in the otherwise open field by a copse of trees.

Again, as concisely stated by Frassanito, "This action, known as Pickett's charge, ended in a Confederate disaster" (54). 

Learning of the Copse of Trees, I had to locate it and did so when a couple of friends came to visit. (Part of being a Gettysburg resident is that you must acquire the skills of a battlefield tour guide.) Here, then, are photos (taken more recently) of these trees and a memorial, erected in 1892, by the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to honor "The High Water Mark of the Rebellion." Read more about them both in the  links below.

 http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/Places/Copse.php

 http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/Other/Highwater.php

Till next week . . .

Georgia Anne