Overview

This 3-day program will focus on the events of July 1-3, 1863 from the perspective of the heads of government for the Confederacy and Union, and of the Union army high command and the Confederate army mid-level leaders, in contrast to our Gettysburg Leadership Experience which focuses on the Confederate high command and the Union mid-level leaders. The pre-reading will be Stars In Their Courses by the renowned historian, Shelby Foote.

The battle will be first examined in light of the global political and economic context of the time and will focus on the mandates presented by Davis and Lincoln as the political framework for the military strategy leading to the battle. The content will focus on Meade’s role in the Gettysburg battle, the loss of strategic control presented by the death of Reynolds, the role of intelligence in shaping the events, and the force of momentum leading to both Heth and Early committing forces to the battle well before Lee’s decision to engage.

Hancock’s role as Union wing commander on July 2 will be explored as it relates to the initiative demonstrated by Confederate generals Hood and McLaws on the right flank and by the headlong assault of General Barksdale through the Peach Orchard and the Wheatfield. The mandate for strategic reassessments in the course of action and the premium placed on communication in ensuring effective execution will be explored in the interaction between Longstreet and Anderson and their direct reports. The role of the 1st Minnesota Regiment and their action in the Ravine against Wilcox’s Alabama brigade in shaping the outcome of the second day will be examined.

Union General George Greene’s heroic stand on Culp’s Hill will be the opening focus for July 3, followed by the role of supply chain logistics and the Artillery commanders on both sides in determining the final battle tactics of Longstreet’s Grand Assault. The role of President Abraham Lincoln in Meade’s hesitancy to press the attack on Lee’s retreating army will be the final focus as we leave the field.