By Gene Claridge III
The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable
Copyright © 2025, All Rights Reserved
The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable embarked on one of the largest-ever Annual Field Trips, with 67 enthusiastic participants traveling from Northeast Ohio to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – a journey of approximately 5.5 hours. This year, we were also honored to be joined by members of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table from Wilmington, North Carolina, the Bucks County Civil War Roundtable from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and our sister roundtable, the Northeast Ohio Civil War Round Table. For four days, the group explored key sites of the Gettysburg National Military Park, engaged with expert historians, and deepened their understanding of one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War. Under the leadership of Roundtable President Gene Claridge, and with the dedicated efforts of Past President Bob Pence as Field Trip Coordinator, the trip ran smoothly and was a resounding success. Below is a recap of our unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Arrival and Setting the Stage (Thursday, September 19)
As the group arrived in Gettysburg throughout the day, the late summer heat lingered in the air, the warmth almost a reminder of the fierce combat that took place here more than 160 years ago. Yet, the signs of fall were unmistakable. The leaves of the trees were just beginning to turn, dappled with hues of amber and crimson, as they fluttered down in the light breeze. The scent of fallen leaves mixed with the dust of the battlefield, grounding us in the present while inviting reflection on the past.
We checked into the Comfort Suites Hotel, located within walking distance of historic sites like the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and East Cemetery Hill. The field trip officially began with a warm welcome from President Gene Claridge, who set the tone for the weekend with his opening speech. In his remarks, he challenged attendees to fully immerse themselves in the surroundings, quoting the famous line from Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: “In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays.” By referencing this, Gene encouraged both first-time and returning visitors to uncover new insights, and reminded everyone of the importance of honoring those who gave “the last full measure of devotion” by continuing to learn their stories.
The evening’s featured presentation was delivered by Bob Pence. His talk, “Prelude to the Battle of Gettysburg & Buford’s Stand on Day 1,” masterfully set the stage for the days ahead, providing crucial context on the events leading up to the battle, the command structures of both armies, and General John Buford’s vital role in delaying the Confederate advance. Following Bob’s insightful lecture, President Claridge presented Bob with a Union artillery kepi and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his outstanding efforts in planning the trip. This gesture not only honored Bob’s dedication but also reflected the teamwork that contributed to making this trip so memorable. Bob’s hard work was met with a round of applause, and he was informally dubbed ‘Captain Robert M. Pence’—a fitting title for his commitment to the Roundtable and this field trip. The night concluded with a lively social hour, where members shared past battlefield experiences, reflected on the history they had just learned, and exchanged excitement for the journey ahead.
Day 2: The First Day of Battle (Friday, September 20)
The first full day of touring focused on the events of July 1, 1863. Our group visited the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center, housed in historic Schmucker Hall, where we explored the building’s role as a Union signal station and field hospital during the battle. Participants had the opportunity to climb into the Cupola, which offered a breathtaking vantage point of the First Day’s Battlefield. From this height, it was easy to imagine General John Buford surveying the advancing Confederate forces on the morning of July 1, 1863, as he made critical decisions that delayed the Confederate advance. The panoramic view from Seminary Ridge was breathtaking, the rolling hills stretching out beneath us like a quiet witness to the chaos that had unfolded here more than 160 years ago.
We also visited the Thompson House (Lee’s Headquarters), a separate site from the museum but equally significant. This small stone building served as General Robert E. Lee’s command post during the battle, with the surrounding property playing a pivotal role in the intense fighting of July 1. Tom Nank from the American Battlefield Trust led us through an exclusive guided tour, offering unique access to the house, which is typically open to the public only on special occasions. His presentation focused on the house’s preservation story—detailing the efforts to restore the site to its 1863 appearance—and the role the surrounding property played in the first day’s battle.
Historian Codie Eash then led an engaging walking tour titled “The Final Attack: July 1, 1863,” where he provided gripping accounts of the desperate struggle for control of Seminary Ridge. He focused particularly on the experiences of the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, known as the ‘Schoolteachers’ Regiment,’ which suffered a staggering 72% casualty rate.1
After breaking for lunch in the Seminary Refectory, CCWRT Past President Jon Thompson guided a comprehensive car caravan tour, covering:
- McPherson Ridge – The site of the initial fighting on the morning of July 1, 1863, where Brigadier General John Buford’s dismounted cavalrymen skillfully delayed the advancing Confederate forces under Major General Henry Heth. Buford’s defensive stand provided the precious time needed for the arrival of Union infantry under Major General John Reynolds, who was killed early in the action while directing troops of the Iron Brigade.
- Oak Hill – A critical high ground north of town, from which Confederate Major General Robert E. Rodes launched a devastating flanking assault on the exposed right flank of the Union First Corps. The Union forces, outnumbered and outmaneuvered, were forced to withdraw through the streets of Gettysburg to defensive positions on Cemetery Hill.
- Barlow’s Knoll – The elevated position where Union Brigadier General Francis Barlow’s division of the Eleventh Corps attempted to hold the Union right but was outflanked and overwhelmed by Confederate troops under Major General Jubal Early. The collapse of Barlow’s position contributed to the general Union retreat to Cemetery Hill. Barlow himself was wounded and briefly captured, later recounting a famous (though debated) battlefield encounter with Confederate General John B. Gordon.
- East Cemetery Hill – One of the most vital defensive positions for the Union army, held by troops under Major General Oliver O. Howard. On the night of July 2, Confederate forces led by Major General Harry Hays and Colonel Isaac Avery launched a daring but unsuccessful assault against the hill, temporarily breaching Union lines before being repelled by reinforcements.
- Soldiers’ National Cemetery – The final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers who fell at Gettysburg, this cemetery became a symbol of national remembrance. On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address here, redefining the war’s purpose and reinforcing the Union’s commitment to a “new birth of freedom.”
At the National Cemetery, Jon concluded the tour with a moving reading of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, encouraging us to reflect on the battle’s enduring legacy.
Day 3: “Hold the Ground at All Hazards” to the High Water Mark (Saturday, September 21)
With great excitement, our group boarded the charter bus for a full day of battlefield exploration, retracing the pivotal moments of July 2 and July 3, 1863. The morning was dedicated to the brutal fighting of the Second Day, when Confederate forces launched relentless assaults against the Union left and right flanks, seeking to break the Federal line.
Morning: The Fighting of July 2, 1863
- Little Round Top – This was our first visit since the hill’s extensive $12.9-million renovation, and it immediately reminded us of its significance. The rocky hill stood as the site of one of the most famous defensive stands of the war, where the Army of the Potomac’s determination and grit helped hold the Union left flank. Rallying his men under heavy fire, Colonel Strong Vincent of the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment stood atop a boulder and shouted, “Don’t give an inch!” before being mortally wounded. His leadership and sacrifice played a crucial role in securing the Union flank. As ammunition ran low, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain ordered a daring bayonet charge by the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment that swept the Confederate attackers from the hillside after repeated assaults. To bring history to life, the group enthusiastically shouted “Huzzah!” as the soldiers once did, honoring the incredible tenacity of those who fought there. As we turned toward Big Round Top, our shout hung in the air for a split second, and then it came rushing back at us, bouncing off the distant hillside. The sound rolled toward us, vibrating through the warm air, as if the very earth beneath us were carrying the echoes of those who had stood there before. The reverberation sent a jolt of energy through the group, a thrilling shiver of connection to the past, reminding us that the bravery of those soldiers still resonated in the land, and in our voices, even today.
- The Wheatfield & Peach Orchard – The infamous Wheatfield saw some of the battle’s most brutal and chaotic fighting on July 2, where control of the fields changed hands six times during just a few hours. Union and Confederate forces clashed at close range in the Wheatfield, with the Irish Brigade, Texas Brigade, and South Carolina regiments among those suffering devastating losses. At the Peach Orchard, General Dan Sickles’ controversial decision to advance his Third Corps beyond the Union line led to fierce combat, ultimately forcing his men into a costly retreat.
- The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Monument – This monument honors the regiment’s fateful charge that helped stabilize the Union center at an extraordinary cost: 82% casualties, one of the highest regimental losses in the war. With Confederate forces threatening to break through along Cemetery Ridge, General Winfield Scott Hancock ordered the 1st Minnesota to counterattack a much larger Confederate force. The regiment charged with bayonets, momentarily halting the enemy, and buying precious time for reinforcements. Their sacrifice was instrumental in preventing a total collapse of the Union center.
- Culp’s Hill – The site of the longest sustained combat of the battle, where Union forces repelled repeated Confederate assaults spanning the evening of July 2 and the morning of July 3. While much attention is given to Pickett’s Charge, the fighting on Culp’s Hill was equally intense. Confederate forces under General Edward “Allegheny” Johnson launched a series of attacks to seize the hill, a critical anchor of the Union right flank and a gateway to their supply lines on Baltimore Pike. Holding the line were David Ireland’s men of the 137th New York Infantry Regiment, who were vastly outnumbered but fought fiercely from behind log breastworks. Ireland’s regiment, along with elements of the 14th Brooklyn and other Maryland units, held their ground against relentless waves of Confederates, ultimately securing the Union position and playing a decisive role in the overall victory at Gettysburg.
Afternoon: The High Water Mark
Following lunch in the Hotel Ballroom, we continued to Seminary Ridge, where Jon provided a detailed analysis of Pickett’s Charge, the climactic assault of July 3, 1863. He described the immense challenges Confederate troops faced as they advanced across three-quarters of a mile of open ground under punishing Union artillery and musket fire. The charge, led by Major General George Pickett, Brigadier General James Pettigrew, and Major General Isaac Trimble, was intended to break the Union center on Cemetery Ridge, but instead resulted in devastating Confederate losses.
Many members took part in the tradition of walking the historic attack route, stepping off from the Confederate lines and crossing the undulating fields toward The Copse of Trees—the focal point of the assault, now known as the High Water Mark of the Confederacy. As they made their way across the open fields, it was impossible to ignore the challenges the Confederate soldiers faced, with no cover from the fierce Union fire. Along the way, we paused at the Stone Wall, where the attack briefly breached the Union line before collapsing under withering counterattacks. The experience brought a deeper understanding of the assault’s difficulty and the immense courage required for the soldiers to advance. As we reflected on the experience, Jose Esparza shared his thoughts:
“Walking Pickett’s Charge was a sobering experience. It’s one thing to read about it, but another to stand where those men stood and imagine the sheer courage it took.”
A special focus was given to Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing, the young Union artillery officer who, despite being gravely wounded, continued directing his battery until he was mortally struck at the very height of the attack. His heroism was finally recognized in 2014 when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor—the longest delay for such recognition in U.S. history.3
For many, this was not their first time walking Pickett’s Charge, but each visit seems to offer a new layer of reflection. The physical walk – whether taken for the first or tenth time – always brings something different. As we made our way back, there was a renewed sense of connection to the events of that fateful day, with each step deepening the understanding of the sacrifices made and the lives changed forever.
Evening: After-Hours Access to Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center
The day concluded with an exclusive after-hours visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, where we explored the museum’s comprehensive exhibits, which include original artifacts, interactive displays, and personal stories from soldiers and civilians. One of the evening’s highlights was the viewing of the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a 377-foot-long, 42-foot-high masterpiece painted by Paul Philippoteaux in the 1880s.4 The immersive sound-and-light show recreated the chaos of Pickett’s Charge, making us feel as though we were standing amid the action. Additionally, the group watched the feature film A New Birth of Freedom, narrated by Morgan Freeman, which provided a cinematic overview of the battle and its lasting impact on the nation. The experience left members with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made on this hallowed ground.
Day 4: Civil War Medicine and the Aftermath (Sunday, September 22)
Our final morning featured a visit to the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, where we gained a moving insight into Civil War medicine and the crucial role civilians played during the battle. The Spangler family’s farm became a makeshift hospital, where over 1,900 wounded soldiers were treated, including Confederate General Lewis A. Armistead, who succumbed to his wounds here after Pickett’s Charge.5 The meticulously restored site offered a powerful experience, with highlights including the barn that served as the hospital and the summer kitchen where Armistead passed away.
During our visit, we participated in a hands-on demonstration with replica surgical tools, which provided an invaluable glimpse into the harsh reality of battlefield medicine. The demonstration sparked thoughtful conversations among members, particularly concerning the medical practices of the time, the limitations of available technology, and the immense bravery required of both surgeons and patients. It was a somber reminder of the human cost of war and a reflection on the immense progress medical care has made since the Civil War.
We are especially grateful to Paul Semanek and the other Gettysburg Foundation docents for their time, expertise, and efforts in making this visit both informative and impactful. With the official itinerary concluded, members made their separate journeys home, many stopping at additional historic sites before departing for the Buckeye State. As we departed Gettysburg, the late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the fields we had walked. The heat of the day had finally begun to wane, giving way to the coolness of autumn as the air grew crisp. The battlefield was quieter now, with only the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds overhead. The first signs of fall were unmistakable, and it felt as though the land itself was whispering its story, just as it had all those years ago. We carried with us not just the memories of the sites, but the stories of those who fought and sacrificed.
Reflections and Acknowledgments
This trip stands out as one of the most engaging and educational field trip experiences in Roundtable history. Our deepest thanks go to our expert guides, Jon Thompson and Codie Eash, whose knowledge and passion truly brought the battlefield to life. A tremendous thank you to Captain Robert M. Pence, our Field Trip Coordinator, for his meticulous planning, historical insights, and dedication to making this trip a success. From scouting locations over the summer to managing logistics, Bob’s efforts ensured a seamless and rewarding experience for all. Lastly, thank you to all the Roundtable members who braved the late summer heat with enthusiasm. This trip not only expanded our knowledge, but strengthened the bonds of camaraderie that make our Roundtable so special. As we conclude this memorable journey, we look forward to the next adventure, where new stories and new connections await, deepening our shared commitment to preserving history and fostering fellowship.
Author’s note: For a comprehensive understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg, I highly recommend Gettysburg by Stephen W. Sears, Gettysburg: The Last Invasion by Allen Guelzo, and the three volumes on the battle by Harry Pfanz: Gettysburg—The First Day, Gettysburg—The Second Day, and Gettysburg—Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill. Additionally, the Emerging Civil War series on Gettysburg, including Fight Like the Devil: The First Day at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, Don’t Give an Inch: The Second Day at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863—From Little Round Top to Cemetery Ridge, and Stay and Fight it Out: The Second Day at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, Culp’s Hill and the North End of the Battlefield, provides a fresh and insightful perspective on this pivotal moment in American history. While there is an extensive body of literature on this topic, these are a few of my personal favorites.
Click on any of the book titles on this web page to purchase from Amazon. Part of the proceeds from any book purchased from Amazon through the CCWRT website is returned to the CCWRT to support its education and preservation programs.
Related link:
List of Roundtable Field Trips
Footnotes
1Busey, John W., and Martin, David G. Regimental Strengths and Losses at Gettysburg. Longstreet House, 1994.
2Moe, Richard. The Last Full Measure: The Life and Death of the First Minnesota Volunteers. Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1993.
3U.S. Department of Defense, Medal of Honor Recipients Archive, November 2014.
4National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park, Cyclorama Painting.
5Gettysburg Foundation, George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital.