Battlefield Landmarks - South and West - Gettysburg, PA
N 39° 49.207 W 077° 13.227
18S E 309957 N 4410151
This is one of three orientation tables located 60' up inside the Culp's Hill Observation Tower landing. This observation point enables visitors to identify the characteristic elements of the various sites which saw fighting from July 1 to 3, 1863.
Waymark Code: WMC8P5
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 08/08/2011
Views: 7
The geographic information is presented in a long, narrow interpretive displayed horizontally which is placed against the railing and tilted slightly to afford an easy view. The table features a panoramic photo of what the viewer actually sees from atop the observation tower while facing southwest with numbers on top of important sites and arrows pointing down to them with the names of the sites. Also included, are narratives about five of the the nine referenced sites. All of the locations are somewhat remote but within the battlefield boundaries. I have been to the battlefield four separate times and have visited most of the places on this orientation table. I have not been able to put them all together to get a complete 'picture' of the battlefield but the view coupled with the explanation has literally put it all in perspective for me.
The following text is on the orientation table:
"Being satisfied from the reports received from the field that it was the intention of the enemy to support with his whole army the attack already made, and the reports of Major-Generals Hancock and Howard on the character of the position being favorable, I determined to give battle at this point, and, early in the evening of the 1st, issued orders to all the corps to concentrate at Gettysburg...."
Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U.S.A.
Commander, Army of the Potomac
(1) Big Round Top
This rocky, wooded hill marked the extreme left flank of the Union line on July 2, the second day of the battle. Union troops seized Big Round Top on the evening of July 2, although by that time it had little strategic value.
(2) Little Round Top
Scene of heavy fighting on the afternoon of July 2 when Longstreet's Confederate First Corps attempted to turn the Union left flank on Cemetery Ridge. Site of one of six Union signal stations posted on the three-mile-long battlefield. The rocky crest afforded unobstructed views of the battlefield.
(3) Pennsylvania Memorial
Gettysburg National Park's largest monument, and one of the most prominent landmarks. It stands near the center of the 2nd and 3rd days' fighting. Inscribed on its bronze tablets are the names of 34,530 Pennsylvania soldiers who participated in the battle.
(4) Gettysburg National Cemetery
Established one month after the battle, this cemetery contains the remains of 3,512 soldiers killed at Gettysburg Address at the cemetery's dedication on November 19, 1863. The tombstones visible from here are actually in Evergreen Cemetery, an older cemetery located just in front of the National Cemetery.
(5) Lutheran Theological Seminary
Founded in 1826, it's the oldest Lutheran Seminary in the United States. During the battle, lookouts from both armies were posted in its cupola. The building also served as a hospital. Just beyond the seminary lies McPherson Ridge where the battle opened July 1.