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Originally Posted by nikimcbee
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Originally Posted by LobsterBoy
My wife and I made the trip to DC through Gettysburg in early July of '05. We spent but one day on the field, but it was a good day. We took no formal tour. I just lead her up and down the line the Union held on day 2 and 3 of the battle. We didn't make it to McPherson's Ridge--or any of the day one sites for that matter--but standing on Cemetery hill looking over the field of Pickett's charge is a powerful moment. We walked all the way to Little Round Top and back, taking special note of the positions of the 1st Minnesota (the Virginia battle flag captured by this regiment on day three is still safe in St. Paul and well preserved--if they want it back they can come and get it  ).
The weather was good (low 80's) and other tourists were more sparse than I would have expected. I saw no ghosts.
The next day we walked the national mall, moved on to Arlington (taking refuge in Lee's house during a thunderstorm), and concluded at the Marine memorial where the drill team performed (it was worth the $40 Virginia parking ticket). Two days of non-stop walking left our legs sore for a couple days.
My advice: Take your time and don't try to see too much. We were too ambitious and missed some things. I guess we'll have to go back. |
Huzzah to the 1st MN!  @ Lobsterboy; Do you remember the flap about the kids up in Northern MN flying the Confederate flag from their truck? The Gov made a big speech about it. You should read the: "The Last Full Measure". It's a history of the 1st MN. Great book  . It goes into detail about their last stand at the Wheatfield. |
I don't remember exactly about the kids and the confederate flag, but I live near a suburban high school and have seen it from time to time.
As for the book, I have it, but haven't yet read it. It's in the pile with others like "Thunder Below" and "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" while I currently read "Red Scorpion" which is about the USS Rasher's WWII patrols (a quick read and full of WWII Pacific sub action).
If you're interested in the battle flag, it's displayed at the MN 150 exhibit at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul (which is right by the Cathedral). If anyone from Virginia is reading, forget you saw that
