Tuesday Evening Walk – “Hiram Berdan’s Reconnaissance”

Attention Gettysburg history buffs! Join the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides as we mark the 12th year of our “Walks Through History” series! These programs are suitable for folks looking for an in-depth look at a particular aspect of the battle.

“Hiram Berdan’s July 2 Reconnaissance” featuring LBG Therese Orr

Hiram Berdan commanded a group of highly skilled marksmen, the 1st and 2nd United States Sharpshooters. On July 2, his Sharpshooters, along with men of the 3ME Volunteers, conducted a reconnaissance of Pitzer’s Woods. At the northern edge of the woods, they clashed with regiments of Cadmus Wilcox’s Alabama Brigade. Whose idea was it to make this reconnaissance: Berdan? Hunt? Birney? Sickles? What route did they take? Did they see Longstreet’s force approaching? What was reported to Sickles and did that report prompt Sickles’ move forward? Join LBG Therese Orr to explore Berdan’s impact on the July 2 fighting on the Union Left Flank.

Meeting Place: We will meet at the Excelsior Brigade monument at the Peach Orchard, walk along the Millerstown Road to Seminary Ridge and finish at Pitzer’s Woods. Participants can either park on Sickles Avenue or at the Amphitheater parking lot.  If you are parking at the beginning of the tour, on Sickles Avenue, please park on the right side with all four wheels on the pavement.

Cost is $35. Registration required no later than 24hrs in advance.