Understanding the Battle of Gettysburg Using GIS

Description

Dr. Anne Knowles of Middlebury College answers the question "What could Lee see at Gettysburg?" Dr. Knowles builds two digital terrain models of the battlefield, one from 1996 data derived from aerial photographs, the other based on contour lines extracted from an 1874 map of the battlefield. Using a technique called viewshed analysis, she investigates how lines of sight and real-time geographic information may have influenced commanders' decisions and terrain perceptions. The results suggest that historical maps and evidence from the physical landscape can shed new light on even the most familiar historical subjects.

The Breakthrough at Petersburg, April 2, 1865, Pamplin Historical Park

Description

After more than nine months of trench warfare around Petersburg, VA, Union commander U.S. Grant ordered an all-out attack against Robert E. Lee's lines at dawn April 2, 1865. This audio tour of Pamplin Historical Park's Breakthrough Trail covers a critical area of that assault, and offers a good look at part of the well-preserved Confederate defensive line.

Devil's Den, Gettysburg

Description

The Union soldiers defending this pile of giant boulders just west of Little Round Top found themselves on the far left flank of the Federal line July 2, 1863. They were the first to take on Confederate Gen. James Longstreet's assault that day. This audio tour covers the fight for Devil's Den and the true story behind one of the Civil War's most famous photographs.

Battleground National Cemetery

Description

This podcast provides a self-guided tour of Battleground National Cemetery. According to the Battle Creek Park website, ". . . Battleground National Cemetery is one of nine Civil War installations under the stewardship of Rock Creek Park and serves as the final resting place for the majority of Union Civil War soldiers who perished while defending Washington, D.C. during a Confederate attack on July 11th and 12th, 1864."

To listen to this tour, select "podcast" under "Battleground National Cemetery."

Fort Stevens

Description

This podcast provides a self-guided tour of historic Fort Stevens. According to the Rock Creek Park website, "Fort Stevens served as the focal point for defending Washington, D.C. during a Confederate attack in July of 1864 and is one of nine Civil War installations under the stewardship of Rock Creek Park. On this tour, listeners will learn the role that the fort played during the Battle of Fort Stevens and hear the incredible stories of sacrifice and struggle of those individuals that worked and lived here."

To listen to this tour, select "Podcast" under "Fort Stevens."

North Carolina and the Civil War: Virtual Tour

Description

Historian Tom Belton guides viewers through the North Carolina Museum of History exhibit "North Carolina and the Civil War." Progressing through the war chronologically, Belton describes both military and civilian life in North Carolina during the war, briefly highlighting several of the major battles in which North Carolina was involved. This presentation is divided into 31 short subchapters, which can be accessed separately.

The Alamo

Description

Michael Ray narrates a basic introduction to the Battle of the Alamo and popular memory of the battle. The presentation looks briefly at how films and fiction have reimagined the story of the Alamo and distorted historical facts.

Johnsonville State Historic Park [TN]

Description

Johnsonville State Historic Park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This 600-acre park on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville. On November 4, 1864, at Johnsonville, Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry took up artillery positions on the west bank of the Tennessee River. Calvary forces under Forrest sank four Federal gunboats downstream and destroyed a Union Army supply depot on the east bank at Johnsonville. Four of the original breastworks (rifle pits) are beautifully preserved. Two large forts in the park are open to visitors.

The park offers tours and educational programs.