Gettysburg offers Spring Battlefield Foray April 23-24

On April 23-24, 2016, Gettysburg National Military Park will host their
inaugural Spring Battlefield Foray, a special weekend of unique hikes
and walks that will focus on the “Armies at War, ” the organization,
tools, and tactics utilized by the two armies that fought at Gettysburg.
Cohosted by the Gettysburg Foundation, this event will bring
together park rangers, historians, and licensed battlefield guides to
provide a special and indepth experience.

The programs will explore the battlefield on foot and provide an
intimate view of the Gettysburg landscape and the soldiers of the two
armies who fought upon it.  All programs are and open to the public. No
registration is necessary.

“April is a great month to explore the battlefield,” said Toni
Dufficy, Chief of Interpretation at Gettysburg National Military Park.
“Not only will these programs visit less explored areas of the park,
they will also offer something new to students of the battle and the
war."

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 23, SPECIAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE 2 1/2hour indepth
hikes exploring key episodes and phases of the battle from the
perspective of the different branches of the Army of the Potomac and the
Army of Northern Virginia. The hikes involve significant hiking and
walking, occasionally over rough terrain. Water, headgear, sun
protection, insect repellent and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are
highly recommended.

8:00 A.M.  10:30 A.M.  “IT WAS NOTHING MORE THAN A STANDUP
FIGHT”  INFANTRY VS. INFANTRY ON JULY 1st.  From the firefight in
Reynolds Woods to the savage combat at the Railroad Cut, the foot
soldier dominated the fighting on July 1, 1863 west of Gettysburg.
Advantages and disadvantages of terrain, arms of the combatants, and the
ability of unit commanders to make quick decisions made the difference
in victory or defeat on the field that day. Join Park Historian John
Heiser on a 2 ½ hour, indepth hike examining the tools and tactics of
the Union and Confederate regiments involved in the opening clash at
Gettysburg. Meet at Reynolds Woods, Auto Tour Stop 1. Park along
Reynolds Avenue.

11:30 A.M.  2:00 P.M.  "A SPIRITED DUEL" – THE ARTILLERY ON JULY
2ND.  Confederate artillerymen E. P. Alexander wrote of the fighting on
July 2 that, “I don’t think there was ever in our war a hotter,
harder, sharper artillery afternoon than this.” From Warfield Ridge to
the Trostle Farm, follow Park Ranger Matt Atkinson as he explores the
various Union and Confederate batteries that dueled for supremacy on the
bloodiest day of the battle of Gettysburg. Meet at the Peach Orchard.
Park on Sickles Avenue. Do not park on Wheatfield Road.

3:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.  CLASH OF CAVALRY – THE BATTLE AT EAST
CAVALRY FIELD. After two days of stubborn fighting, the Battle of
Gettysburg began anew during the early morning hours of July 3, 1863.
Though the fighting at Culp’s Hill and Pickett’s Charge is more
famous, the pitched cavalry battle fought three miles east of town
represents a compelling chapter in the Gettysburg story. Join Park
Ranger Tom Holbrook and explore the fields, farms, and crossroads where
cavalrymen once crossed sabers. Meet at the parking lot on Confederate
Cavalry Avenue.  Park along Confederate Cavalry Avenue.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, THE FORAY OFFERS “HIKING THE UNION FISHHOOK,” A
SPECIAL PROGRAM FROM 8:55 A.M. TO 4:55 P.M.  In better understanding
the numerous battles within the Battle of Gettysburg, it becomes clear
that the various fights were interconnected and walking from place to
place is the best way, bar none, to grasp this. Led by Licensed
Battlefield Guides Tim Smith and Garry Adelman, this rigorous hike will
cover the Union fishhook as it was generally positioned on July 2 and 3,
1863.  Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, the Wheatfield and Cemetery
Ridge is the goal by lunchtime with Cemetery Hill, Culp’s Hill,
Spangler’s Spring  and more rounding out the day. This hike not only
entails eight miles of walking up, down, around and along hills and
ridges, but requires a relatively fast pace. Water, headgear, sun
protection, insect repellent and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and a
packed lunch are highly recommended. The hike will begin and end at the
flagpole at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor
Center. All participants should park in parking Lot 3 of the Museum and
Visitor Center.