Tuesday Evening Walk – “Kershaw’s Attack on July 2nd”

Brigadier General Joseph Kershaw’s brigade of South Carolinians was one of the finest units in Lee’s army.  It had participated in just about every battle fought by the Army of Northern Virginia and in every one of these actions it had added to its well-deserved reputation of valor and skill.  It came to Gettysburg under the command of excellent and experienced officers and brimming with confidence. On July 2nd, 1863 Kershaw’s Brigade would make one of the most memorable attacks of that bloody afternoon.  Because of its location in the Longstreet’s battle line, Kershaw was forced to attack in two separate directions, with one wing of the Brigade attacking northwards towards the Peach Orchard while the other wing headed east towards the Stony Hill and the Wheatfield. The result will be one of the greatest tests that Kershaw and his men yet faced. We will look into the history of this Brigade before Gettysburg and then follow in the footsteps of the men as they made this momentous attack.  Along the way we will review the situation that led Kershaw to make the decision to attack in two directions and discuss some of the controversies and misunderstandings that subsequently occurred. 

Meeting Place:  Longstreet Tower on West Confederate Avenue.  There will be some moderate walking.  Park at the Longstreet Tower lot and if full, past the lot in the right lane with all four wheels on the pavement.