American Civil War - Walking Gettysburg
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30 June - 8 July 2008 |
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"In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls." |
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So commented Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, hero of Little Round Top in October 1889 when visiting the American Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg. Here in July of 1863 one of the great conflicts of history occurred. The magnificent Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee drove north in hopes of decisively smashing its long time adversary, the Union Army of the Potomac in a great battle in which it was hoped the independence of the southern states would be achieved. For three long days the issue was in doubt as more than 170,000 soldiers struggled leaving nearly a third of this host casualties.
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The fields, hills, woods and valleys over which was fought this bloodiest battle in the western hemisphere are today preserved in a beautiful battlefield park where each July a variety of commemorative activities are held. In 2008 in recognition of the 145th Anniversary of the battle, the Park Service will open a state-of-the-art museum and visitor centre. There will be a large battle re-enactment and prominent military artists, historians, and authors will be present for the annual Civil War Heritage Days program, making the small town of Gettysburg the place to be for anyone with an interest in this period of history. |
| Led by long-time licensed battlefield guide and historian Fred Hawthorne, this tour takes you to Chamberlain’s ‘deathless fields’ during the height of the annual commemoration allowing you to participate in one of the pre-eminent historical events in the US. Visit and walk all of the battle sites, both obscure and well known, as we trace the course of each day’s action on the actual anniversary days. Ample time will be allowed to visit the new facilities as well as having front row seats for the great battle re-enactment of Lee’s final assault - known popularly as Pickett’s Charge. |
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Monday): We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly London - Washington, D.C. and drive to our hotel in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. En route we will stop for a welcoming buffet dinner in northern Maryland and short introduction to our trip. |
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| Day 2 |
We visit the new National Park Service Museum and Visitor Centre for an overview of the campaign. We travel out to where the first shots of the battle were fired, and then walk and ride through the various aspects of the opening battle including the fight through the streets of town. In the evening we will walk through streets bustling with activities surrounding the commemoration of the battle. |
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| Day 3 |
The bloodiest day of the battle flowed over sites such as Little Round Top, Devils Den, the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Roses Farm, Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill, which we visit today. Ample time will again be allowed in town this evening for dinner and for shopping. |
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| Day 4 |
Travel over to Culp’s Hill, site of the longest sustained fight of the battle. In the afternoon we will view the new movie "Fields of Freedom", followed by walking along the Union defence lines on Cemetery Ridge and the attack route of Confederate soldiers in Pickett’s Charge.
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| Day 5 |
In the morning we go to the seldom-visited East Cavalry Field where the great cavalry battle fought at Gettysburg took place, and then we will follow the course of the Confederate retreat. In the afternoon a special tour will be given of the hidden gems of the battlefield - sites and places which few visitors see.
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| Day 6 |
This morning we start by visiting the Soldiers National Cemetery, paying our respects to those who died in the battle and were the focus of Lincoln’s remarks in his famous Gettysburg Address. In the afternoon we will head out to the re-enactment site to soak up the atmosphere and to see some of the early actions of the battle in one of the largest period re-enactments of the American Civil War era.
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| Day 7 |
Today we spend the entire day at the large re-enactment site. Spend the day roaming the Confederate and Union campsites and talk to the re-enactors. Shop in the sutlers tents and watch a live mortar fire competition before seeing the large scale re-enactment of Picketts Charge which will highlight the afternoon’s events. We will have grandstand seating to catch all the action.
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| Day 8 |
We bid farewell to this small but famous Pennsylvania town and depart for our return flight to London.
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| Day 9 |
Arrive London early AM. At the airport Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to your Titan Transport for the return journey to your front door.
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