I love history and I love people that tell a story with passion. I wanna go on a tour of Gettysburg with this fella. I've watched a few of his presentations and you can tell he has a passion for it. A great mix of humour, seriousness and history.
Matt has renewed my interest in Gettysburg. Having grown up there we took the Battlefield for granted. I would love to meet him and say thank you and even do a few of his tours. Thanks for doing these videos and sharing them!
What a wonderful talk with a sprinkle of humor mixed in!. Ranger Atkinson's high degree of education always amazes me! He really knows what he's talking about, and loves his people he guides and his profession.
It makes much more sense that Armistead's brigade was a second line behind Garnett, matching Trimble backing up two brigades of Pettigrew on the left. The concentration for the breakthrough would therefore consist of two lines in the center with single lines of brigades (Davis & Brockenbrough on the left, Kemper on the right) on the flanks. Longstreet deployed in similar multiple lines for a breakthrough attack at Chickamauga a couple of months later.
Lewis Armistead (lothario) , I will always see him as a gallant Confederate officer of the highest caliber. Real men don’t come any better than this. Not just because I watched Gettysburg. I read his life story, his biography, this was a real Southern man only few men can aspire to be. I wish that I would have had a tenth of his DNA after serving 25 years on active duty in over 2 war zones. This was a man amongst real men.
Rebel "history" written after the Civil War ( 1861-1865) by. Caucasian Southern "historians" like Shelby Foote is largely fiction and should be so listed online, in libraries, and bookstores. Much of it was written by crippled rebels, Sons of Confederate Veterans, members of the Ku Klux Klan and their sister auxiliary; United Daughters of the Confederacy. These groups and others similarly situated are largely responsible for the gross miseducation and ignorance of Southerners about their vile and repugnant history.
Been a fan of Mr. Atkinson for years. Been a HUMBLE fan of the battle of Gettysburg for much, much longer. Walked the soil myself in 2001, a month prior to 9/11. Seen the most recent videos as of July 2019, and #Easily identify similarities between Mr. Atkinson and Australia's Steve Irwin, et al. Disconcerting, not so much of any effort to extend fame and occupation generationally...but because BEFORE fame...Mr. Atkinson recants from MEMORY and sheer passion his acumen and recitals. However, recently...he reads from...something, and responds "in the moment" as he discovers--same time as us, the viewers--certain facts. That is not to suggest that Mr. Atkinson isn't chock full of erudition of his own, as noted throughout and right up until the end of this particular video...) I sense, even through these recent videos...Larger Forces At Work. (Been there, done that, personally, as a professional myself.) Something essential has been lost. ALL that said..nothing but affection and respect towards Mr. Atkinson, and Son. "$25.00....already gone.", says Mr. Atkinson near the end. O, what to conclude from such a trusted man? My mind wanders...I fear I might have chosen the "$30.00 Tour", in spite of Mr. Atkinson's "...That was just a joke". Sure, that was "just a joke". I love you, Mr. Atkinson...do what you need to do moving forward personally...
Little tip for Matt and the visitors to the battlefield. When we reenacting the 130th wilderness North Anna campaign we were in the middle of the woods. For Ticks and chiggers I put seven dust in a old sock tie the end up and use the sock like a Rosen Bag . I keep the sock in a zip lock bag just powder around the ankles and your shoes or pants legs if in jeans.
Man Stuffwriter love ur videos but dang I had to watch an ad about every 2 minutes! Gosh couldn’t even get into Matt’s amazing stories because they were constantly interrupted. And I know it’s a new thing because this is a rewatch and I’m really disappointed bc I really enjoy Matt’s presentations.
I can't wait to be able to come to Gettysburg and join one of Matt's battle walks! Where could i locate the information for the park's event schedule (battle walks specifically)? Its officially on my 'bucket list' to experience one of matt Atkinsons battle walks. Thanks to all that's involved in preserving and sharing the amazing history of this country's greatest struggle.
Really Someone complained about $25 fee, I am from Australia and l would pay more than that easy for the Tour. How do they think guides and to help preserve monuments and Gettysburg get done , Free. No place in the world has something like Gettysburg. Americans are one great thing Patriotic. Go Stuffwriter, Thanks
Well, we do have a little place called "Waterloo" here in Belgium, which is arguably as important as Gettysburg in Europe ^^ But I completely agree with your point !
After listening to many lectures by different professors from various universities dealing with aspects of the civil war they share the same ability to engage an audience using solid facts mixed with humor.
MISSISSIPPI DECLARATION OF SECESSION for those miseducated persons who think the Civil War was not about slavery: "Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery--the greatest material interest in the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work to our ruin." It goes on to discuss slaves and slavery as justification for secession. Nowhere does it mention "states rights" Is Mississippi ready for this day?
@Kyle Clark The defenders of African American enslavement were/are arrogant enough to think their time table to end slavery was acceptable. Frankly it is a grand lie to say such a time table existed. Southerners were willing to continue to kidnap, rape, murder, and enslave African Americans without end. Southern mythology has been exposed for the putrid untruth it is. These so called "battle walks" are just a frolic in a cemetery. Folks laughing and joking about an American tragedy. We wonder if the Germans do battle walks at Auschwitz celebrating their defense of the Holocaust.
@Kyle Clark a bit hard to "invade" your own country. Yes, South Carolina became a state in March of 1776, part of the whole which is the United States of America. South Carolina was in open rebellion, fired on a Federal fort and needed to be brought under control. Secession is not protected under the Constitution, and certainly not open armed aggression. Lincoln never invaded the South, he sent troops in response to a direct attack by a domestic enemy against the United States, to put down those states in open rebellion.
@@willoutlaw4971 you are proof that the Marxists will go after the battlefields next in their conquest to erase American history and make Obama and Soros founding fathers.
We take this opportunity to thank the 18th North Carolina Regiment for gunning down Stonewall Jackson on May 2, 1863. Stonewall proudly proclaimed that God had selected the time of his death. Stonewall was dead within ten days of his proclamation. Thank you God.
@StoneWall Jackson Jackson would have lost at some point or other. When Grant came to prominence even someone like Stonewall would never be able to beat his aggression.
Ranger Atkinson is the at the top of his game. These parks have some amazing Rangers and they have a lot of professional pride. It's awesome that we can watch them without traveling to these sites. That being said it's always nice to make the trip and see these amazing places in person. Keep up the great work.
Over 10 years ago, my husband and I went to Gettysburg. Heavy rain so we were unable to walk the field from the start of Pickett's Charge to the Angle. My mother's line is old Virginia. Robert E. Lee is my 3rd Cousin, his wife my 4th. Lewis Addison Armistead is my 5th Cousin. My Great Grandfather, 3rd Sgt. (later 2nd Lt.) Edward Harrison Estes and his brother, Capt. Joseph Estes were in Pickett's Charge. They were 38th Virginia Infantry, Cascade Rifles, Pittsylvania Co., Company K. A letter that Edward Harrison Estes wrote on retreat to Mayport on July 11th of his account of what happened to Kemper and Garnett was donated by our family (my brother, my 1st Cousins and me) to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia. I am a 5th Great Granddaughter of PATRICK HENRY. Thank you for this great video.
Ranger Matt I wish more Americans would take the time to watch some of your videos. We need to get back to venerating the men who fought that great and terrible war, Maybe the haters would stop tearing down monuments and learn to respect the price that was paid at places like Gettysburg.
@@jaymanb2914 Completely agree. They have their monuments on the battlefields where they died defending their racism and immoral commitment to slavery and the maintenance of gentrified plantation society ... and that's more than the terrorist rebel traitors deserve.
It’s bad when you know the answers to Matt’s questions and yell them out even though you aren’t there and standing in your driveway washing your truck. Love listening to these videos on UA-cam! Thanks for posting. Matt is the best!
It’s amazing that people use these forums to extol personal views. Concentrate on the excellent video presented by ranger Atkinson and posted by Stuffwriter for viewer enjoyment. Thank you both for the availability of these battle walls for everyone on UA-cam.
I've had the luxury of walking the charge in uniform many times, in and not in the reenactment. Amazing when you think about the amount of courage it took to make this charge.
So true I visited the battlefield when I was 13-14 years old and remember looking from the confederate lines where they are at the start of the video and looking over to cemetery ridge and being amazed at the courage it would take to attempt that attack. It made me understand Longstreet’s adversity to the offensive attack on the 3rd day and why he delayed in hopes of not having to make this attack. As a young teenager I even recognized the futility of such a advance across a open field into a stonewall/ fence protected troops overwatched by superbly placed cannons. It literally blew my young mind I just couldn’t grasp what would have Lee make such a decision and send his men on such a doomed advance
The disconnect between Lee’s intents on Day 3 and Day 2, and the outcomes is breathtaking…there’s a good story in there somewhere. James Longstreet disaffection and scepticism is in the middle of it. He’d been by Lee that the campaign in the north would be a matter of offensive strategies executed by defensive tactics. That’s not what Lee pursued at Little Round Top or at Cemetery Ridge. Ava the formulation of battle orders. Why wasn’t Longstreet charging at the Union’s left flank on the morning (instead of 5 hours later) of Day 2 in concert with Hill’s charge at the right flank? Was there a coherent order of battle for that charge on Day 3? The sequence of events described here on this fascinating walk with Mr. Atkinson suggests that there was not.
@@marknewton6984 No. Not a chance. Most of the men charging either stopped along the way or stopped at the Emmitsburg Road. Reserves would have done the same thing.
I love these NPS battle tours; however, it seems that in each and every video there's at least one fellow who just CANNOT help himself but ask the Ranger, MID-TOUR, an extremely obscure and disruptive question the Ranger is not capable to give a simple answer to (often because there isn't any simple answers to such a ridiculous question). It really seems like these guys go to these battlewalks for the sole purpose of "impressing" their fellow visitors with just how much they know about the Civil War; which usually entails making the Ranger stumble on the absolute smallest and least significant details which may/may not have ANYTHING to do with the topic of the tour. When the Ranger asks if the audience has any questions, take it with a grain of salt. Do not ask a question which incorporates info which has not been (or will not be) discussed at any measure during the tour. For example, in this video, the gentleman who asked the Ranger about the "alternate attack plan".... like.... why?? You can tell the Ranger is a little frustrated upon hearing the question, and hearing the follow-up questions from the same man. The tour is about Armistead's brigade and the story which the Ranger is giving you. Save a question like this for after the tour; I'm sure the Ranger will be more than happy to have a short discussion with you for a few minutes once the tour is over. But.... in all honesty... I believe the people who ask questions like this KNOW they can save it for after the tour. I also believe the people who ask these questions don't even CARE about the answer to it themselves. I think these people concoct these questions for the sole purpose of inflating their ego by confusing not only their fellow visitors, but the Ranger himself.
4 роки тому
Some asshole..guaranteed its a guy (overweight) 100% of the time, always wants to how how big his history dick is, to compensate for his actual dick which he hasn't seen whilst standing up in years.
Armistead was able to breach the rock wall due to the fact that the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment "Boys of Philadelphia" fled in cowardly fear to the rear of the Union lines thus exposing approx 150 feet of rock wall to the Confederate charge. The rock wall was undefended when Armistead breached it. Unfortunately for Armistead and his men, hundreds of reinforcement Union soldiers converged on them and they were either killed or captured in a matter of minutes. The Confederate soldiers largely surrendered, at this point. Their plight was hopeless and they knew it.
Absolutely riveting presentation, Ranger Atkinson! I’ve studied the War for many years and have walked a number of battlefields, including Gettysburg, and attended the 125 th and 150 th re-enactments. I learned so very much from you today that I never knew before. Can’t wait to listen to some of your other tours. Thank you!
The movie "Gettysburg" portrays Confederate "General" Armistead as a pathetic, love sick puppy, lusting after Hancocks' wife. Wonder if Armistead had any sisters he could lust after?
Mavourneen is pronounced Ma-vur-nen. With the long A sound like maw. Vur like fur with a V. OR, Vor like For with a V. Nen with the long 'eh' E like Ten with two N's. It means 'my darling' or 'my beloved'.
@idunbeezasmart1 Just head to the Visitor’s Center and speak to the ranger on duty. There’s a book with tours and they can tell you if and when Ranger Atkinson is doing tours and battle walks.
If I went I’d have to take a tour with Matt or it wouldn’t be fun. Learning history should be be fun as well as educational. I love the way he uses the kids to show parts of the battle line. They will always remember a part they played showing the history of Gettysburg’s history.
Interesting take on the friendship between Hancock and Armistead. Hancock supported Armistead when his wife and child died, and Armistead made arrangements for his personal bible to be given to Hancocks wife when he died. I would surmise that both knew that the other was directly across the battlefield and neither wanted to be the one responsible for the others death. You can still be a professional soldier and not want to "cross the field and kick in someone's teeth". Even Longstreet knew of this friendship, and respected Hancock.
I can't believe he didn't mention Armistead's nickname, "Lo." It was short for Lothario. The name of his uncle who defended Fort McHenry was George. His father, Walker Keith Armistead, was a lieutenant colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers during the War of 1812.
Austin Tashis I was stationed there my last year and a half at the Navy Reserve Center. We volunteered there on weekends. Loved it and you are right on the history.
Okay just watched other guides. Informative but no humor. They were shouting the information. Historically accurate but tiring for a listener. Factual presentation but I wish some others would loosen up a bit. Your groups will listen. They don’t half to have a full repertoire of studies just a few
" Croosing the T "is a Navy term not an army .., "outflanlking was better " remarks by " the angel" grtz and all the good ( godsspeed ) from Holland ( Europa)
A-yup. It's the VMI thing. He still should know that. How does this guy still not know "Kathleen Mavourneen"? Is it really that hard? I mean what kind of intelligent man has a problem pronouncing words he's been TAUGHT to say several times? It's things like this and blatant omissions I see in other videos that make me think this guy is more entertainment with the southern yokel thing. That's harsh... but you know what I mean.
I don't think you can request him but you can look at his scheduled battle walks and camp fire talks and choose to go to them. The schedule is found here on the park website: www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battlewalks-campfires.htm
There is a housing project in Baltimore Maryland named after Lou Armistead, it’s called Armistad Gardens. It is a rundown housing project unfortunately it does not honor this man.
Wrong Armistead. Lewis Armistead's uncle defended Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812, when the Star Spangled Banner was written. The housing project is named after this uncle.
Be careful what you say about the Amish. Many have cell phones these days. They bring billions of dollars in tourist money in Lancaster County don’t disparage them.
@StuffWriter: Just a question. Do you think Ranger Matt would agree to wear a wireless mic, connected to your gear? I do meteorology and radio production for a living, and I was wondering if he'd do that. I understand he might not be able to, due to Park rules. If he can, I can recommend some good mics, and would even be willing to help you foot the cost. (They're not very expensive, and they'd cut out the background noise quite a bit.) Thanks again for your efforts. Maybe I'll get a chance to meet you next summer.
@@marymoriarity2555 Thanks Mary. I'm a re-enactor from Colorado, and I love that StuffWriter is posting these. I can't get out much, but I'm planning a trip to Gettysburg next summer, (I'm a PA native). StuffWriter's efforts mean a ton to me. :-)
The nicest monuments at gettysburg. The pa momument is absolutely gorgeous. The fighting 69 looks great. But most of the best monuments are on confederate row. The north Carolina and Tennessee monuments are amazing. Lee sitting on his horse traveler as the sun hits it is breathtaking.
I agree that he does seem pretty awesome. I had a question, and I emailed him my question last Thursday night around 11:30 or 12:00 and he answered me by 7:00 a.m. on Friday. He was just as kind as could be answering what was probably a dumb question from a complete Civil War novice. The National Park System is lucky have a guy like him. He definitely makes me want to make the trek from Alabama to Pennsylvania.
This guy is unreal! My great great grandfather was in the 62nd company k from WV on the Confederate side. From what I gathered he was lucky enough to miss this battle. Great talk, hopefully I can see this place one day. Thank you
In his official report of the battle at G-burg, Lt. Col. James M. Bull of the Union Army writes that the rebels involved in the famous charge approached Cemetery Ridge in four lines.
lee wants all the men the south could spare for the invasion. too bad he dis not get them... d.h. hill should have returned them.... but lee should have been more forceful. but not in his nature
Worth the view just to see the $25 people get the wind up when the guide group do a plausible Rebel Yell. There you go... you get your $15 value right there so you do...
Shaw A yes you are right. Matt Atkinson is one of the rangers. Each ranger writes his or her own program. If course they have noes.rarely do tourists not enjoy his tours or lectures. He combines humor and knowledge of history. He’s good with kids.
@@deanmacmanus595 He generally only reads specific comments from the participants for accuracy. He is actually very knowledgeable about the battIefield. You don't know anything about children if you think they are always going to be happy wherever their parents take them. If you think it is so easy to capture the environment then I think you should sign up and become a guide - since you think the job is such a piece of cake. One thing I have learned in life - there are doers and complainers. The complainers are people who have no talent who spend all day criticizing the doers.
It’s the busiest military park by millions of tourists per year. Too much traffic too much noise too many tourists tramping every where. It’s very close to heavily populated areas. It’s better in nice days in the spring and fall. Brigades of visitors and their dogs plus screaming kids are gone. These hoards cause more damage than anything. People climbing monuments etc. restaurants are nice but overpriced .
Go on Christmas afternoon. Practically nobody there. I was lying around one Christmas afternoon and my wife said “Let’s go to that place with all the monuments”. Empty.
Lee destroyed the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. He went North to win the war and didn't use what cavalry he had to protect his army and scout out Union intentions. Lee had luck early on but came mighty close to losing at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. At Gettysburg, Lee split up his army one time too many.
Lee didn’t want any engagement with Union forces until his army was regathered into a cohesive force and he knew of Union strengths and positions. He had success on the first day but lacked the force to win the day completely. Meade was preparing a withdrawal to Pikes Creek where he wanted the battle to take place with ground very similar to Gettysburg. Remember Lee in the 2 previous battles lost nearly 40% of his experienced line officers as well as Jackson.
@@TheJohnswa Pipe Creek Lol. Everything you're saying is easily proven incorrect and arguing is obviously going to be a waste of time and energy. You are hindsighting the daylights out of everything.
Ranger Matt is definitely my favorite park ranger at Gettysburg.
I love history and I love people that tell a story with passion.
I wanna go on a tour of Gettysburg with this fella.
I've watched a few of his presentations and you can tell he has a passion for it.
A great mix of humour, seriousness and history.
I got to take a tour with him just recently - he’s just as witty and funny and exactly like he is in these videos.
@@kimberlyhenshaw8368 That's awesome! Is it luck of the draw or do they have posted schedules so you can jump on a tour with a specific ranger?
Thank you Stuffwriter for posting these videos of yours lead by Ranger Matt Atkinson. They are interesting ,entertaining and always teach something
Matt has renewed my interest in Gettysburg. Having grown up there we took the Battlefield for granted. I would love to meet him and say thank you and even do a few of his tours. Thanks for doing these videos and sharing them!
These talks are amazing. What a great staff the NPS have in bringing these stories to life. Well done.
What a wonderful talk with a sprinkle of humor mixed in!. Ranger Atkinson's high degree of education always amazes me! He really knows what he's talking about, and loves his people he guides and his profession.
Thank you for posting this. Enjoying all of the Ranger Matt Atkinson videos lately.
I enjoy all of Ranger Matt's Gettysburg videos.
"On this tour you don't get anything" I beg to differ, you get Matt Atkinson as a tour guide, worth a whole lot to me.
Matt at his best performance, great as usual. 👍👍👍 😄
It makes much more sense that Armistead's brigade was a second line behind Garnett, matching Trimble backing up two brigades of Pettigrew on the left. The concentration for the breakthrough would therefore consist of two lines in the center with single lines of brigades (Davis & Brockenbrough on the left, Kemper on the right) on the flanks. Longstreet deployed in similar multiple lines for a breakthrough attack at Chickamauga a couple of months later.
Excellent video Matt at his best
Wish I could’ve been in a tour with Matt. Great videos!
This was posted one year ago. My how the world has changed.
Thomas T Amen.
indeed
Lewis Armistead (lothario) , I will always see him as a gallant Confederate officer of the highest caliber. Real men don’t come any better than this. Not just because I watched Gettysburg. I read his life story, his biography, this was a real Southern man only few men can aspire to be. I wish that I would have had a tenth of his DNA after serving 25 years on active duty in over 2 war zones. This was a man amongst real men.
Rebel "history" written after the Civil War ( 1861-1865) by. Caucasian Southern "historians" like Shelby Foote is largely fiction and should be so listed online, in libraries, and bookstores. Much of it was written by crippled rebels, Sons of Confederate Veterans, members of the Ku Klux Klan and their sister auxiliary; United Daughters of the Confederacy. These groups and others similarly situated are largely responsible for the gross miseducation and ignorance of Southerners about their vile and repugnant history.
Tim Smith Exactly he’s showing us all what a delusional mentally ill fool he really is.
Been a fan of Mr. Atkinson for years. Been a HUMBLE fan of the battle of Gettysburg for much, much longer. Walked the soil myself in 2001, a month prior to 9/11. Seen the most recent videos as of July 2019, and #Easily identify similarities between Mr. Atkinson and Australia's Steve Irwin, et al. Disconcerting, not so much of any effort to extend fame and occupation generationally...but because BEFORE fame...Mr. Atkinson recants from MEMORY and sheer passion his acumen and recitals. However, recently...he reads from...something, and responds "in the moment" as he discovers--same time as us, the viewers--certain facts. That is not to suggest that Mr. Atkinson isn't chock full of erudition of his own, as noted throughout and right up until the end of this particular video...) I sense, even through these recent videos...Larger Forces At Work. (Been there, done that, personally, as a professional myself.) Something essential has been lost. ALL that said..nothing but affection and respect towards Mr. Atkinson, and Son. "$25.00....already gone.", says Mr. Atkinson near the end. O, what to conclude from such a trusted man? My mind wanders...I fear I might have chosen the "$30.00 Tour", in spite of Mr. Atkinson's "...That was just a joke". Sure, that was "just a joke". I love you, Mr. Atkinson...do what you need to do moving forward personally...
Little tip for Matt and the visitors to the battlefield. When we reenacting the 130th wilderness North Anna campaign we were in the middle of the woods. For Ticks and chiggers I put seven dust in a old sock tie the end up and use the sock like a Rosen Bag .
I keep the sock in a zip lock bag just powder around the ankles and your shoes or pants legs if in jeans.
Those wanting to avoid pesticides may use sulfur powder. It repels ticks and mites (chiggers or red bugs).
I agree loosing most of his valuable officers. At Gettysburg caused Lee a lot of headache’s. Thank you for sharing this History!
Man Stuffwriter love ur videos but dang I had to watch an ad about every 2 minutes! Gosh couldn’t even get into Matt’s amazing stories because they were constantly interrupted. And I know it’s a new thing because this is a rewatch and I’m really disappointed bc I really enjoy Matt’s presentations.
This will all be on the record books...of how much I love ya!
He seems like a great guy. Does he still work for the park service? I'm going to have to look him up when we visit Gettysburg military park.
I can't wait to be able to come to Gettysburg and join one of Matt's battle walks! Where could i locate the information for the park's event schedule (battle walks specifically)? Its officially on my 'bucket list' to experience one of matt Atkinsons battle walks. Thanks to all that's involved in preserving and sharing the amazing history of this country's greatest struggle.
Visitors center
@? thanks!!!
@@springfield03sniper thanks
@Walt Langdon Just go to the Visitor’s Center. They have a book of who does the tours and when. You might even see the man himself!
Really Someone complained about $25 fee, I am from Australia and l would pay more than that easy for the Tour. How do they think guides and to help preserve monuments and Gettysburg get done , Free. No place in the world has something like Gettysburg. Americans are one great thing Patriotic. Go Stuffwriter, Thanks
Well, we do have a little place called "Waterloo" here in Belgium, which is arguably as important as Gettysburg in Europe ^^ But I completely agree with your point !
After listening to many lectures by different professors from various universities dealing with aspects of the civil war they share the same ability to engage an audience using solid facts mixed with humor.
Loved the Virginia jokes!
What is lost avenue
Looks like half of the us citizens are related to Lee if i may believe all the comments 😂
MISSISSIPPI DECLARATION OF SECESSION for those miseducated persons who think the Civil War was not about slavery:
"Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery--the greatest material interest in the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work to our ruin."
It goes on to discuss slaves and slavery as justification for secession. Nowhere does it mention "states rights"
Is Mississippi ready for this day?
@Kyle Clark The defenders of African American enslavement were/are arrogant enough to think their time table to end slavery was acceptable. Frankly it is a grand lie to say such a time table existed. Southerners were willing to continue to kidnap, rape, murder, and enslave African Americans without end.
Southern mythology has been exposed for the putrid untruth it is. These so called "battle walks" are just a frolic in a cemetery. Folks laughing and joking about an American tragedy. We wonder if the Germans do battle walks at Auschwitz celebrating their defense of the Holocaust.
@Kyle Clark a bit hard to "invade" your own country. Yes, South Carolina became a state in March of 1776, part of the whole which is the United States of America. South Carolina was in open rebellion, fired on a Federal fort and needed to be brought under control. Secession is not protected under the Constitution, and certainly not open armed aggression. Lincoln never invaded the South, he sent troops in response to a direct attack by a domestic enemy against the United States, to put down those states in open rebellion.
@@willoutlaw4971 you are proof that the Marxists will go after the battlefields next in their conquest to erase American history and make Obama and Soros founding fathers.
@William T. Anderson To bad slave rebellions did not result in more slave holder deaths. God bless Nat Turner, John Brown, and Denmark Vesey
William T. Anderson Very well said
We take this opportunity to thank the 18th North Carolina Regiment for gunning down Stonewall Jackson on May 2, 1863. Stonewall proudly proclaimed that God had selected the time of his death. Stonewall was dead within ten days of his proclamation. Thank you God.
@StoneWall Jackson Jackson would have lost at some point or other. When Grant came to prominence even someone like Stonewall would never be able to beat his aggression.
Ranger Atkinson is the at the top of his game. These parks have some amazing Rangers and they have a lot of professional pride. It's awesome that we can watch them without traveling to these sites. That being said it's always nice to make the trip and see these amazing places in person. Keep up the great work.
Over 10 years ago, my husband and I went to Gettysburg. Heavy rain so we were unable to walk the field from the start of Pickett's Charge to the Angle. My mother's line is old Virginia. Robert E. Lee is my 3rd Cousin, his wife my 4th. Lewis Addison Armistead is my 5th Cousin.
My Great Grandfather, 3rd Sgt. (later 2nd Lt.) Edward Harrison Estes and his brother, Capt. Joseph Estes were in Pickett's Charge. They were 38th Virginia Infantry, Cascade Rifles, Pittsylvania Co., Company K. A letter that Edward Harrison Estes wrote on retreat to Mayport on July 11th of his account of what happened to Kemper and Garnett was donated by our family (my brother, my 1st Cousins and me) to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia. I am a 5th Great Granddaughter of PATRICK HENRY. Thank you for this great video.
Ranger Matt I wish more Americans would take the time to watch some of your videos. We need to get back to venerating the men who fought that great and terrible war, Maybe the haters would stop tearing down monuments and learn to respect the price that was paid at places like Gettysburg.
We dont need monuments to traitors and slavers... Burn them all
@@jaymanb2914 Completely agree. They have their monuments on the battlefields where they died defending their racism and immoral commitment to slavery and the maintenance of gentrified plantation society ... and that's more than the terrorist rebel traitors deserve.
Ranger Matt, your passion, emotion and enthusiasm is so remarkable. Thank you for service to our Great Nation.
Thank you so much for posting this Matt is my favorite he really is the best
It’s bad when you know the answers to Matt’s questions and yell them out even though you aren’t there and standing in your driveway washing your truck. Love listening to these videos on UA-cam! Thanks for posting. Matt is the best!
Great Presentation! Thank you Ranger Atkinson and Gettysburg NMP.
It’s amazing that people use these forums to extol personal views. Concentrate on the excellent video presented by ranger Atkinson and posted by Stuffwriter for viewer enjoyment. Thank you both for the availability of these battle walls for everyone on UA-cam.
Thanks so much SuffWriter for these awesome videos. A battlefield walk with Ranger Matt is on my bucket list. He is a Gettysburg NMP treasure!
Garrett Corum Me too, 💯
Park Ranger Matt is awesome. I enjoy his presentations. We're lucky to have him.
Can you squeeze some more adds in this. These are good lectures and I like Matt but I'm not watching all these adds. good bye.
I'm fortunate enough to have attended a few of his programs and talked to him a bit afterwards. All around great guy.
Matt is back. I hope he doesn’t retire before me and my son get back from Japan.
This man loves his job clearly, so i think he will be around a while
I just went to Gettysburg a couple weeks ago... very late July, early August. Ranger Atkinson is very much there and active!
Brian X... I went there 2 weeks ago and he was working at the front desk at the visitor center!!!!
I've had the luxury of walking the charge in uniform many times, in and not in the reenactment. Amazing when you think about the amount of courage it took to make this charge.
So true I visited the battlefield when I was 13-14 years old and remember looking from the confederate lines where they are at the start of the video and looking over to cemetery ridge and being amazed at the courage it would take to attempt that attack. It made me understand Longstreet’s adversity to the offensive attack on the 3rd day and why he delayed in hopes of not having to make this attack. As a young teenager I even recognized the futility of such a advance across a open field into a stonewall/ fence protected troops overwatched by superbly placed cannons. It literally blew my young mind I just couldn’t grasp what would have Lee make such a decision and send his men on such a doomed advance
Wow that’s awesome. Yes it’s why the civil war is so intriguing as to how men on both sides would make such a sacrifice for there beliefs and country.
Waited all year for more Matt Arkinson videos, cheers StuffWriter from Ireland
The disconnect between Lee’s intents on Day 3 and Day 2, and the outcomes is breathtaking…there’s a good story in there somewhere. James Longstreet disaffection and scepticism is in the middle of it. He’d been by Lee that the campaign in the north would be a matter of offensive strategies executed by defensive tactics. That’s not what Lee pursued at Little Round Top or at Cemetery Ridge.
Ava the formulation of battle orders. Why wasn’t Longstreet charging at the Union’s left flank on the morning (instead of 5 hours later) of Day 2 in concert with Hill’s charge at the right flank? Was there a coherent order of battle for that charge on Day 3? The sequence of events described here on this fascinating walk with Mr. Atkinson suggests that there was not.
Longstreet was SLOW.
"Who will help the widow's son." Is more than likely what General Armistead said, which is a masonic cry for help.
Pickett's Charge was 2 minutes from winning.. If the South had good reserves...but they didn't.
@@marknewton6984 No. Not a chance. Most of the men charging either stopped along the way or stopped at the Emmitsburg Road. Reserves would have done the same thing.
I love these NPS battle tours; however, it seems that in each and every video there's at least one fellow who just CANNOT help himself but ask the Ranger, MID-TOUR, an extremely obscure and disruptive question the Ranger is not capable to give a simple answer to (often because there isn't any simple answers to such a ridiculous question). It really seems like these guys go to these battlewalks for the sole purpose of "impressing" their fellow visitors with just how much they know about the Civil War; which usually entails making the Ranger stumble on the absolute smallest and least significant details which may/may not have ANYTHING to do with the topic of the tour.
When the Ranger asks if the audience has any questions, take it with a grain of salt. Do not ask a question which incorporates info which has not been (or will not be) discussed at any measure during the tour.
For example, in this video, the gentleman who asked the Ranger about the "alternate attack plan".... like.... why?? You can tell the Ranger is a little frustrated upon hearing the question, and hearing the follow-up questions from the same man. The tour is about Armistead's brigade and the story which the Ranger is giving you. Save a question like this for after the tour; I'm sure the Ranger will be more than happy to have a short discussion with you for a few minutes once the tour is over.
But.... in all honesty... I believe the people who ask questions like this KNOW they can save it for after the tour. I also believe the people who ask these questions don't even CARE about the answer to it themselves. I think these people concoct these questions for the sole purpose of inflating their ego by confusing not only their fellow visitors, but the Ranger himself.
Some asshole..guaranteed its a guy (overweight) 100% of the time, always wants to how how big his history dick is, to compensate for his actual dick which he hasn't seen whilst standing up in years.
Armistead was able to breach the rock wall due to the fact that the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment "Boys of Philadelphia" fled in cowardly fear to the rear of the Union lines thus exposing approx 150 feet of rock wall to the Confederate charge. The rock wall was undefended when Armistead breached it. Unfortunately for Armistead and his men, hundreds of reinforcement Union soldiers converged on them and they were either killed or captured in a matter of minutes. The Confederate soldiers largely surrendered, at this point. Their plight was hopeless and they knew it.
Absolutely riveting presentation, Ranger Atkinson! I’ve studied the War for many years and have walked a number of battlefields, including Gettysburg, and attended the 125 th and 150 th re-enactments. I learned so very much from you today that I never knew before. Can’t wait to listen to some of your other tours. Thank you!
Ranger Matt a cold beer & 2 hours of free time!!!! Not much better
Hearing the Mississippi accent at this spot is amazing!
“Hearing Dixie makes we want to shoot a Yankee.”
great job by Matt as always. very colorful story teller and educator
The park service stuck gold with this guy.
The movie "Gettysburg" portrays Confederate "General" Armistead as a pathetic, love sick puppy, lusting after Hancocks' wife.
Wonder if Armistead had any sisters he could lust after?
There is a grandson of John Tyler still living today. The man in Armistead's brigade in 1863 was his FIRST COUSIN.
Matt is a national treasure.
The rangers who give these tours are great. But Matt is awesome.
Mavourneen is pronounced Ma-vur-nen.
With the long A sound like maw.
Vur like fur with a V. OR, Vor like For with a V.
Nen with the long 'eh' E like Ten with two N's.
It means 'my darling' or 'my beloved'.
@idunbeezasmart1 Just head to the Visitor’s Center and speak to the ranger on duty. There’s a book with tours and they can tell you if and when Ranger Atkinson is doing tours and battle walks.
Kimberly Henshaw exactly it’s all published online.
I need to go to Gettysburg just to be in a tour with Ranger Matt Atkinson. I love hearing him talk.
I agree, he is fenomenal
If I went I’d have to take a tour with Matt or it wouldn’t be fun. Learning history should be be fun as well as educational. I love the way he uses the kids to show parts of the battle line. They will always remember a part they played showing the history of Gettysburg’s history.
Interesting take on the friendship between Hancock and Armistead. Hancock supported Armistead when his wife and child died, and Armistead made arrangements for his personal bible to be given to Hancocks wife when he died. I would surmise that both knew that the other was directly across the battlefield and neither wanted to be the one responsible for the others death. You can still be a professional soldier and not want to "cross the field and kick in someone's teeth". Even Longstreet knew of this friendship, and respected Hancock.
2:11:11 Influencer marketing at its best! Picket’s Buffet needs to cut the check 😂
This guy is an amazing guide...da best
Pam Davis I don't think you know right from wrong. What's amazing about a lecture to steal someone's freedom.
I can't believe he didn't mention Armistead's nickname, "Lo." It was short for Lothario.
The name of his uncle who defended Fort McHenry was George. His father, Walker Keith Armistead, was a lieutenant colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers during the War of 1812.
Austin Tashis I was stationed there my last year and a half at the Navy Reserve Center. We volunteered there on weekends. Loved it and you are right on the history.
Enjoy every one of these, thank you
Great videos to watch while under Corona lock down :) !
StuffWriter speaks!
Another great one, StuffWriter! Thank you, Sir. Next year is my year to get out to Gettysburg and visit my birth-state.
Okay just watched other guides. Informative but no humor. They were shouting the information. Historically accurate but tiring for a listener. Factual presentation but I wish some others would loosen up a bit. Your groups will listen. They don’t half to have a full repertoire of studies just a few
Mary Moriarity *have, not “half!”
A little charisma goes a long way.
" Croosing the T "is a Navy term not an army .., "outflanlking was better " remarks by " the angel" grtz and all the good ( godsspeed ) from Holland ( Europa)
What an amazing story teller...
Patton was born in and raised in California.
A-yup. It's the VMI thing. He still should know that. How does this guy still not know "Kathleen Mavourneen"? Is it really that hard? I mean what kind of intelligent man has a problem pronouncing words he's been TAUGHT to say several times?
It's things like this and blatant omissions I see in other videos that make me think this guy is more entertainment with the southern yokel thing. That's harsh... but you know what I mean.
Matt is one cool cat.
I'v seen this guy on other videos and he's very good! Does anyone know if I can request him when I go to Gettysburg?
I don't think you can request him but you can look at his scheduled battle walks and camp fire talks and choose to go to them.
The schedule is found here on the park website: www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battlewalks-campfires.htm
You cannot request him, but if you go to the desk at the Visitor’s Center, you can ask what tours he is doing when, or even speak to the man himself!
@@kimberlyhenshaw8368
Okay thanks! I've seen about four or five of his videos and enjoy his tours.
Is the person holding the camera like 2-ft tall?
No. Matt is 9'-2"
Thank you Matt for another inspirational lecture and and illustration of detail on Joe Davis, Mississippi berates, and Pickett's charge.
When will stuff writter make a new video? I can't wait to see what the next lecture will be on
There is a housing project in Baltimore Maryland named after Lou Armistead, it’s called Armistad Gardens. It is a rundown housing project unfortunately it does not honor this man.
Wrong Armistead. Lewis Armistead's uncle defended Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812, when the Star Spangled Banner was written. The housing project is named after this uncle.
Be careful what you say about the Amish. Many have cell phones these days. They bring billions of dollars in tourist money in Lancaster County don’t disparage them.
@Mary---they helped win 2016
So Fly my comment was not politically motivated. I could not comment on their political views
The great Matt Atkinson. None better.
Best battle walk I've seen!!!
@StuffWriter: Just a question. Do you think Ranger Matt would agree to wear a wireless mic, connected to your gear? I do meteorology and radio production for a living, and I was wondering if he'd do that. I understand he might not be able to, due to Park rules. If he can, I can recommend some good mics, and would even be willing to help you foot the cost. (They're not very expensive, and they'd cut out the background noise quite a bit.) Thanks again for your efforts. Maybe I'll get a chance to meet you next summer.
Very nice of you to offer
@@marymoriarity2555 Thanks Mary. I'm a re-enactor from Colorado, and I love that StuffWriter is posting these. I can't get out much, but I'm planning a trip to Gettysburg next summer, (I'm a PA native). StuffWriter's efforts mean a ton to me. :-)
StuffWriter , thank you so much for sharing these videos !! Plus putting up with heat. I know for the 130th we did Picketts Charge the temp was 112.
The nicest monuments at gettysburg. The pa momument is absolutely gorgeous. The fighting 69 looks great. But most of the best monuments are on confederate row. The north Carolina and Tennessee monuments are amazing. Lee sitting on his horse traveler as the sun hits it is breathtaking.
The Monitor Center is in Newport News Va. About 15miles north of Norfolk,Va. At the Mariners Museum.
Matt is awesome as I wish I count hang out with him.
I agree that he does seem pretty awesome. I had a question, and I emailed him my question last Thursday night around 11:30 or 12:00 and he answered me by 7:00 a.m. on Friday. He was just as kind as could be answering what was probably a dumb question from a complete Civil War novice. The National Park System is lucky have a guy like him. He definitely makes me want to make the trek from Alabama to Pennsylvania.
This guy is unreal!
My great great grandfather was in the 62nd company k from WV on the Confederate side. From what I gathered he was lucky enough to miss this battle.
Great talk, hopefully I can see this place one day.
Thank you
In his official report of the battle at G-burg, Lt. Col. James M. Bull of the Union Army writes that the rebels involved in the famous charge approached Cemetery Ridge in four lines.
You da man Matt! I live about 30 minutes away and am very interested in doing a tour with you. Is there a way I can get in contact with you?
Hard to believe on that ground so many men where killed in battle. That's all I can think of.
lee wants all the men the south could spare for the invasion. too bad he dis not get them... d.h. hill should have returned them.... but lee should have been more forceful. but not in his nature
Lewis Armistead as an American Soldier....... Brigadier General should never ever be forgotten.
Worth the view just to see the $25 people get the wind up when the guide group do a plausible Rebel Yell. There you go... you get your $15 value right there so you do...
Great job to the guide!!! GREAT!!!!
Shaw A yes you are right. Matt Atkinson is one of the rangers. Each ranger writes his or her own program. If course they have noes.rarely do tourists not enjoy his tours or lectures. He combines humor and knowledge of history. He’s good with kids.
@@deanmacmanus595 He generally only reads specific comments from the participants for accuracy. He is actually very knowledgeable about the battIefield. You don't know anything about children if you think they are always going to be happy wherever their parents take them. If you think it is so easy to capture the environment then I think you should sign up and become a guide - since you think the job is such a piece of cake. One thing I have learned in life - there are doers and complainers. The complainers are people who have no talent who spend all day criticizing the doers.
Sometimes I think Gettysburg is too loved by tourists. The area traffic is heavy despite some four lane roads around it.
Too loved? What do you mean by that?
It’s the busiest military park by millions of tourists per year. Too much traffic too much noise too many tourists tramping every where. It’s very close to heavily populated areas. It’s better in nice days in the spring and fall. Brigades of visitors and their dogs plus screaming kids are gone. These hoards cause more damage than anything. People climbing monuments etc. restaurants are nice but overpriced .
Go on Christmas afternoon. Practically nobody there. I was lying around one Christmas afternoon and my wife said “Let’s go to that place with all the monuments”. Empty.
SIR MATT .....THANK YOU ....VERY MUCH ....
What a good presentation.
Lee blew it!
Hey, he was in a hurry...
Lee destroyed the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. He went North to win the war and didn't use what cavalry he had to protect his army and scout out Union intentions. Lee had luck early on but came mighty close to losing at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. At Gettysburg, Lee split up his army one time too many.
His cavalry was AWOL until the night of July 2
Lee had a great day at Chancellorsville and even greater at Fredericksburg.
The Army's gathering on July 1st led to a Rebel Victory that destroyed two Yankee Corps
Lee didn’t want any engagement with Union forces until his army was regathered into a cohesive force and he knew of Union strengths and positions. He had success on the first day but lacked the force to win the day completely. Meade was preparing a withdrawal to Pikes Creek where he wanted the battle to take place with ground very similar to Gettysburg. Remember Lee in the 2 previous battles lost nearly 40% of his experienced line officers as well as Jackson.
@@TheJohnswa Pipe Creek Lol. Everything you're saying is easily proven incorrect and arguing is obviously going to be a waste of time and energy. You are hindsighting the daylights out of everything.
That gosh darn $25 tour, haha.
Robinson Linda Brown Kenneth Jackson Betty