GDG- Re:"Maps of Gettysburg" book

[Chris Army]

Of course, for those that attended the GDG Muster last year, a map of 
Biddle’s approach (at least at the final part of their march) was discussed 
during my talk regarding James Lane and the myth of hollow squares – for 
those that still have your map packets, it’s map 1A.

Yet another benefit to belonging to this fine organization – the discussion 
of maps!

Regards,
Chris Army


Esteemed Member Dave Shultz. wrote:

Having a good map that would depict how Biddle approached McPherson Ridge
>from the South July 1st would be a welcomed first and very relative. Not 
>many folks realize the importance of Bull Frog Road or who passed over it. 
>That avenue was very important in that it connected the township of 
>Fairfield with Gettysburg via the Emmitsburg Road at Moritz Tavern. Save 
>the Fairfield Road
it
>was the only other viable approach save a small rural lane nearer Carrol 
>Valley (Ski Liberty) that was to small for a large body of men.
>
>Biddle: Emmitsburg Road north to Bull Frog Road. West-northwest on that 
>avenue 2.5 miles to Millerstown Road. East-northeast (across Marsh Creek) 
>3.2 miles to Blackhorse Tavern. North 2.7 miles to Willoughby Run Road. 
>North-northeast 2.7 miles to Fairfield Road. The brigade then formed line 
>of battle fronting Herr Ridge. Biddle actually started forward before being 
>halted then directed, by the right flank, east across Willoughby Run to 
>South McPherson Ridge. Count the miles covered by the brigade the morning 
>of July 1st, mostly at
quick
>march at right shoulder shift. They were booking it with little time for 
>rest. Not one map has ever shown that brigade's approach let alone miles 
>covered.
The
>terrain was as undulating as any approach from any other direction. 
>Biddle's people had barley formed line of battle fronting Herr Ridge when 
>the first casualty occurred. Good defined maps would help us all relate to 
>the trauma, excitement, fatigue and hardships that most troops experienced 
>prior to
combat.
>Is it me or does it not seem that in almost every Civil War battle someone 
>was in a hurry who for one reason or another appeared at the right spot at 
>precisely the right time? They used maps, why don't we.
>
>I have always been amazed that more scholars have not clearly defined the 
>approaches to the battlefield by using expert maps. It's about time 
>something was published.
>
>Ahem ... I humbly thank you Thomas! Thank you John!
>
>Dave S.