Ask a Gettysburg Guide 135 Union Defense Against Pickett's Charge- with Jim Hessler

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Jim Hessler is back for this follow-up to episode 122 which focused on Pickett's Charge from the Confederate perspective. Tonight, he's talking about the Union's defense of its center against the Confederate assault.

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Jeffrey Pasnik
AG LOTY 2025

#gettysburg #battleofgettysburgpodcast #gettysburghistory #historyofgettysburg #addressinggettysburg

Isn't Gettysburg history so interesting, the more you dig into it? We think it is. And this one is something we would have loved to witness.

In 1922, the US Marine Corps was fighting for its life. Many in Washington, including the Commander-in-Chief, wanted to disband the Marines even though they fought valiantly in WWI. So, the Marines campaigned to stay alive by showing the American People who they are and why they're needed.

General John A. Lejeune had two goals for the Marine Corps. He wanted Marines to become better fighters by learning from past wars and testing new ways to fight. But he also wanted the American people to see the value of the Marine Corps at a time when some people were questioning whether the country even needed it.

Instead of holding military exercises in places far from the public, Lejeune wanted to bring the Marines to famous historic sites where people could watch them train. As Gunnery Sergeant Thomas E. Williams explained, the Marines could practice working with artillery, armor, and aircraft while also putting themselves in front of the American public.

Gettysburg was a perfect place to do it. At the time, Gettysburg and other national battlefields were still controlled by the U.S. War Department. That meant they could be used for military training.

General Smedley D. Butler took command of the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, in June 1920. He is credited with the idea of holding these exercises on famous American battlefields. Butler believed the Marines could study the decisions made by Civil War commanders, practice their own skills, and give the public a chance to see the Marine Corps in action.

The idea was simple: train the Marines while also showing Americans why the Marine Corps mattered.

LBG Rich Kohr joins us to talk about this lesser-known event in Gettysburg's history.

Check out Rich's presentation from the COVID days https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjR_Z8ZWHm8&t=4401s

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September 19, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
Union vs. Confederate Artillery on July 3, 1863
Led by LBG Lewis Trott

What decisions made by either side were most impactful on the outcome of the July 3 fight? Were there any advantages lost by decisions made by artillery commanders?

Park where legal with all 4 wheels on the pavement.

Meet at Zeigler's Grove near Woodruff's Battery

As we've always said, Gettysburg history is fascinating. So are other parts of American history and, during America250, we're inviting you to step out of Gettysburg with us one more time as *Ask A Gettysburg Guide* heads to the American Revolution! In this live, unscripted episode, Kenneth Gavin and Ralph Siegel explore the **"Ten Crucial Days"**—from Washington's Christmas-night crossing of the Delaware through the battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton, December 25, 1776–January 3, 1777. In little more than a week, a battered Continental Army turned desperation into renewed momentum and transformed the course of the war. How did Washington keep his army together? What risks made this remarkable campaign possible? Join us live, bring your questions, and take another trip beyond Gettysburg with Addressing Gettysburg.

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Sincerely, Jeffrey Pasnik AG LOTY 2025

THIS FIELD TALK IS RESERVED FOR AG PATREON MEMBERS ONLY.

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August 15, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

Major General Daniel Sickles - July 2, 1863

Led by LBG Lewis Trott

Could Major General Sickles have properly defended his assigned line or was his movement forward a necessary tactical move? Was the risk of breaking the Union line worth the gambit of seizing the Peach Orchard and altering Confederate operational plans?

***A brief departure from Ask A Gettysburg Guide for the 163rd Anniversary week*** Battle Anniversary Week Special | Small Arms at Gettysburg with Phil Spaugy As part of **Addressing Gettysburg's Battle Anniversary Week of Specials**, Matt welcomes firearms expert **Phil Spaugy** for an in-depth look at the small arms that shaped the Battle of Gettysburg.

When most people think of Civil War weaponry, they picture cannon fire and massive artillery duels. But the vast majority of the fighting at Gettysburg was carried out with **small arms**—the rifles, muskets, carbines, and pistols carried by the soldiers themselves.

In this episode, Phil and Matt explore the weapons that Union and Confederate soldiers relied upon during the three-day battle, including: 🔹 The legendary **Springfield Model 1861 Rifle-Musket** 🔹 The imported **Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle-Musket** 🔹 Sharps, Spencer, Burnside, and other cavalry carbines 🔹 Colt revolvers and other sidearms carried by officers and cavalrymen 🔹 The advantages and disadvantages of different weapons systems 🔹 How weapon technology influenced tactics and battlefield effectiveness 🔹 Myths and misconceptions about Civil War firearms

Whether you're a seasoned Civil War enthusiast, a collector, a reenactor, or simply curious about the tools soldiers carried into battle, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the weapons that helped decide the outcome at Gettysburg.

Join the Addressing Gettysburg Community Addressing Gettysburg isn't just a podcast or YouTube channel—it's a community of people who love history, enjoy great conversations, and appreciate exploring Gettysburg beyond the textbook narrative. By becoming a Patron, you'll gain access to exclusive content, special events, behind-the-scenes opportunities, and a welcoming community of fellow Gettysburg enthusiasts from around the world.

👉 **Become a Patron:** **[https://www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg](https://www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg)** Your support helps us continue producing regular content, hosting live events, and creating new ways for people to engage with the history of Gettysburg. --- ### Help Us Build the Future of Digital History If you'd like to support the production of ambitious history videos, educational programming, and innovative digital history projects, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the **Digital History Pioneers Foundation**. The Foundation helps fund projects that preserve, interpret, and share history with audiences everywhere. 👉 **Donate here:** **[https://www.dhpioneers.com](https://www.dhpioneers.com)** *Donations may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.* --- 📍 Visit Gettysburg with us 🎙️ Listen to the podcast 📚 Explore our archives 🤝 Join our community **Addressing Gettysburg — History Told Differently.** #Gettysburg #CivilWar #BattleOfGettysburg #PhilSpaugy #Springfield1861 #EnfieldRifle #CivilWarWeapons #SmallArms #AmericanHistory #AddressingGettysburg #BattleAnniversary #LivingHistory #MilitaryHistory #CivilWarFirearms #HistoryPodcast

🔴Ask a Gettysburg Guide 132 Leadership Styles Lee vs Meade with Jasan Hileman - July 8, 2026

Topics Discussed: Jasan's other shows Where the show idea came from Why start comparing them at the start of May 1863? Lee's invasion of the North Campaign purpose and goals Lee's previously hollow victories Life in Virginia up to the summer of 1863, how had the landscape been stripped of resources? Confederate President Davis's concerns about a Northern Campaign The truth behind the plan to draw troops away from Vicksburg. Lee's leadership strength of learning and understanding enemy Meade's background as leader of Fifth Corp Story or Hooker's release and Meade's promotion. Hooker and Meade transfer of command meeting and lessons learned Is Lee to blame for Stuart? Examining the orders given Lees orders on July 1 and their consequences Health impacts on both Generals Meade in July 1 choices of leadership Empowering subordinates to make decisions Meade's orders from Washington. Armies supply trains and its impact on decisions How the Civil War can be viewed as a changing of old world to new world tactics Lee's contingent plan for Gettysburg Both Generals's plans for July 3 and how leadership styles lead to the outcome

Show References: The Gettysburg Foundation www.gettysburgfoundation.org Battle Tested!: Gettysburg Leadership Lessons for 21st Century Leaders - Jeffrey D. McCausland & Tom Vossler Chancellorsville - Stephen Sears The Maps of Gettysburg: An Atlas of the Gettysburg Campaign, June 3 - July 13, 1863 - Bradley M. Gottfried Gettysburg Campaign Atlas - Philip Laino Union General Daniel Butterfield: A Civil War Biography - James S. Pula

Support the Show: For the Historian https://forthehistorian.webstoreplace.com - Mention Addressing Gettysburg to get 20% off Addressing Gettysburg Patreon: Join Today! www.patreon.comAddressing Gettysburg Addressing Gettysburg: Little Ground Top Coffee https://www.addressinggettysburg.com/cafe/

***A brief departure from Ask A Gettysburg Guide for the 163rd Anniversary week because Gettysburg history is just too expansive and fascinating***

🔴163 Gettysburg Anniversary: Battlefield Forensics: Examining Unique Medical Events at Gettysburg with Dr. Matthew Lively - July 3, 2026 Discussion Topics: Civil War medicine: standard practices and myths Wound dressing and care War only benefits medicine: advances in medicine from Civil War Gas gang green vs Hospital gang green Is necrotizing faceitous the modern gang green? Use of a tourniquet debate How interest in civil war forensics led to writing book Jennie Wade fatal shot forensic investigation Forensic analysis of Jennie Wade bullet path Jennie Wade wound and if she would have had an immediate death Matt's Jennie Wade Theory 🤔

Show References: Gettysburg - 1993 Movie Calamity at Chancellorsville: The Wounding and Death of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson - Matthew W. Lively The True Story of Jennie Wade, a Gettysburg Maid - John W. Johnston Addressing Gettysburg Shows on Jennie Wade: Ask a Gettysburg Guide 23 Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly with Cindy Small and Tim Smith Ask A Gettysburg Guide 23- Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly- with Author Cindy SmallYouTube · Addressing GettysburgOct 9, 2020 Who Shot Jennie Wade with Tim Smith Tim Smith- "Who Shot Jennie Wade?"YouTube · Addressing GettysburgFeb 3, 2022 Tim Smith's Sunday Storytime at Sweeney's- Jack, Jennie and Wesley Tim Smith's Sunday Storytime at Sweney's- Jack, Jennie and WesleyYouTube · Addressing GettysburgJan 31, 2023 That's What She Said- Jennie Wade with Tim Smith Jennie Wade- with Tim Smith | That's What She SaidYouTube · Addressing GettysburgJan 13, 2025. Sincerely, Jeffrey Pasnik AG LOTY 2025

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Thank you in advance. Your support helps us do more than keep the show going—it helps us preserve, present, and share Gettysburg history in bigger, better, and more meaningful ways for everyone who loves this place and its stories. Digital History Pioneers Foundation, Inc. is listed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on supporting digital media platforms that present historical content. Please like, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a comment: Where do you think the shot came from?