Hey all, just a note about the 2nd Dragoons...I read from 3 different sources in compiling this information. All of them mentioned the 2nd fighting the Sioux in Texas. As several of you pointed out, the Sioux were further north than Texas. I think the discrepancy comes from the fact that the 2nd Dragoons were based out of Texas, but when fighting the Sioux were fighting far north from their home base.
During the Indian Wars [both pre- and post-Civil War] most of the Regular Army campaigned hundreds of miles away from the office where the Regimental Color's sat. For that matter, up until 1917 the Army was scattered all over the place in little company sized penny packet forts. As the Regulars re-formed in 1861 to go fight the Civil War most officers had NEVER seen their regiment formed in one spot, just a few very senior captains and above who'd served with them in Mexico 13 years before. There were colonels commanding who'd never met the lieutenant or captain commanding some of their companies.
"... I sent him word I was a captain in the United States army and I intended to remain one!" That sir, is a patriot right there; especially given his familial ties to the slave owning class and his southern roots.
I was so excited to read more about Bufords exploits after Gettysburg because of Sam Elliots portrayal of him and he ends up dying not long after from disease. Made me sad him and his cavalry don't get near enough credit.
Excellent video. By all accounts, Buford was one of the few cavalry commanders who recognized that the horse's main value was its ability to get fighting men to the conflict and into position as quickly as possible and recognized the folly of charging into rifled muskets and artillery.
@@martinbaumgardner4432 The General Staff that thought keeping cavalry divided and not concentrated was a good idea. Basically, almost all Infantry, Artillery, and Engineer officers who commanded large bodies of troops during the Civil War. Officers like Stoneman, Pleasonton, Merritt, Farnsworth, Custer, Sheridan, and the best for last, General John Buford were the ones to recognize cavalry for the essential tool it was like their southern counterparts had early in the war.
When many Civil War historians I've listened to talk about Buford, they seem to believe he did a competent job at Gettysburg - he did what he was supposed to do - and I feel like history has proven that to be a VERY underrated skill. You don't need to look any further than Jeb Stuart to see an example of a cavalry officer who didn't do what he was supposed to do at Gettysburg and the consequences that can arise from that. Thank you for highlighting Buford here.
In any government service it is possible, even common, for people to be promoted well above and beyond their level of competence. People in positions beyond their level of competence is why the union army was such a mess. Competence was a rare virtue. To call somebody in command in the union army is actually a great compliment.
As a commander in an Armored Cavalry Regiment I required all new officers to do a paper about Buford’s role vs Stuart’s role at Gettysburg and more generally the role of Cavalry. Buford was the epitome of a Cavalry commander
On behalf of the Buford family, thank you very much for making this video. I thought it was well done, and quite possibly the finest I have ever seen on the General. I'm related, but not a direct descendent. Several other people have brought up the battle of Waxhaws and that the commander there was Col Abraham Buford and was the great uncle of all 3 of the Buford generals in the civil war. I am descended from his brother Thomas, who served directly under George Washington in the French and Indian war and was a Captain in the militia when he was killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant. All of the boys in his family fought against the British in the revolutionary war. Their parents were John and Judith Buford(nee Early). Judith and her brother had become orphaned as children and the Buford family, I think, had been their neighbors and friends, so I guess they just took them in because that's how they did things back then. I don't know how their parents died or how old they were when the Bufords took them in. All I know is that the Early family came to the colonies from county Donegal in Ireland and that they were Presbyterians and were what they call Scots-Irish today. Anyhow, the Early son ended up marrying a Buford daughter, and his sister ended up getting married to a Buford son. That couple ended up being General Jubal Early's grandparents, which means he would have been a cousin as well. The Confederate General Buford also had a brother who was a Colonel in the CSA. When they say that war was Brother against Brother, that's pretty close to the truth for my family..
Hey everyone! If you like this type of content, please don't forget to hit the like button, and comment below with your suggestions for future "Forgotten History" ideas.
The "Opis Mutiny Speech" by Alexander on the Epic History channel is awesome. When Alexander lists off all the things he has accomplished (with more than a little help from the army!) I always get motivated. I think to myself, "What have you done today? Alexander conquered groups x,y, and z and you're thinking the work you have to do seems like a lot!". Anyway, that video by Epic History is one of my favorite videos on RUclips.
I hesitated for a moment because I saw Cavalry. "It's gonna be about a jerk". He went at first to the 1st Regiment of Dragoons? That was my regiment. Definitely going to be a jerk. He put loyalty in the service above family? Ok, interesting jerk? And then it's just gallons of compliments from his contemporaries. Ok, I'll admit it, pretty cool dude, and probably not a jerk. I love that even in fever he apologized for things he said. Decent sounding guy and absolutely forgotten history to me despite having been a cavalryman myself.
Mr. Kolb, please do yourself the favor of reading The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. You will get to know General Buford quite a bit better. Thank you for your service by the way.
Really cool video. Wasn’t expecting it to be so touching at the end. It’s clear how great of a leader he was just based off everybody else’s reaction to his death.
One thing that seems to be 'forgotten' among ordinary people is the contribution to the Union's victory by foreign volunteers. It'd be cool to see a video about the foreigners who fought on both sides, and people like Prince Felix or Joseph Osterhaus, former Prussian officers who went on to fight for the Union.
Great video about a man that not many people know about. This video should be shown in classes around the country. I have been watching your videos for a few weeks and i have to say, this is the best one...so far. Thank you for sharing his story
This was a fabulous article. Buford was the US Cavalryman who provided the greatest and most consistently superb service. His replacement was being groomed and coming of age. Ranald Slidell MacKenzie (and his family) deserves coverage such as this. To cover his full history and career to this detail will require twice as long a video, at least. But, they were the two greatest Union Cavalrymen of the war, and the greatest from the US Army forever along with George Patton. You do good work. Keep it going.
Yes George Thomas probably the most important General that the North had. He was also from Virginia just like Robert E Lee but George Thomas did not betray his country and lead a rebellion against the United States of America. George Thomas is the unsung hero of the Civil War
So, I reenact in a Regular Army company [Co. C, 4th Infantry or '4th US Infantry'] and I'd like to see something on the Regulars Division [2nd Div. Vth Corps] and Romeyn Ayres, who commanded the division during Gettysburg and The Wilderness.
@@charlesandrews2360 he is such an enigma I heard that he destroyed his correspondence ..he seems to have been extremely private...but his contemporaries really respected him
I sure hope you teach somewhere. The way you worded this and your crisp clear voice makes you a great story teller. Buford has been my favorite calvary officer since learning of him. That was the best shortened story of him I have ever heard. Thank you.
There is an episode of Unknown Civil War which focuses on General John Buford and his career. It’s an excellent documentary, but you have done the man’s career justice and I thank you for this video.
This was really great! I was thinking who else I'd like to see & it occurred to me they're all named John & all at Gettysburg. I'd love to know more about John Reynolds & John Gibbon. I'm only familiar with Gibbon's role out west. Thanks again! I enjoyed this "deep dive" into Buford's life. What a remarkable man!
If you're new to channel, you're going to love it here. He shovels information in to his reactions like it's coal and he's running a steam locomotive. None of that "Wow!" reaction stuff.
Nah. 'Forgotten' is a legit description. Buford's career was relegated to discussions by military historians and tankers [tank crewmen, aka 'tread-heads'] and other semi-professionals. You ask the average American who did reasonably well in high school about a famous Civil War cavalryman and you'll only get two answers: George Custer and JEB Stuart.
@@jangiel3103 I don't think very many people other than professional cavalrymen knew much about John Buford at all until Sam Elliot did such a great job portraying him in 'Gettysburg'. And even then he is outshined by the more charismatic Pickett.
I loved this so much, I was listening to this on my phone while playing an online game today, during the time of gay that I watched this, a thunderstorm was taking place, this was very calming and most interesting. Continue with the great work because this is truly some of the best work I’ve seen on RUclips in a long time.
Holy cow this is such a well made video I love that you don't just focus it all on one subject you very nicely gives us information that correlates with each other and then quickly get back on topic 👍👍
Thank you for the video. I love learning about John Buford. Ever since I was a child I was drawn to him. I learned that he was a humble God-fearing man. It reminds me that everything happens for a reason. During his time with the Dragoons, he was the Quartermaster. The Quartermaster would read the land and decide where the army would make camp. I believe this is where he learned how to read the ground. I think that had a large part on July 1st. Gen Buford had the gift of watching the fight unfold before it happened. He understood cause and effect. I'm not an expert but, I do believe that the deployment of his troopers the way he did was very uncommon. Last thing. The church where his funeral occurred was the Church that Abraham Lincoln attended. He was the one that arranged to have the funeral there. Once again, thank you for the time and the video.
Great subject and great video! I agree with you. General Buford has not gotten the recognition he deserves and I think it's due to his untimely death shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg. Without his delaying action on the first day of battle, the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War, for that matter, may have had a vastly different outcome!
In Aug 1862 Buford commanded a Brigade on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. The story is he asked for volunteers to burn the bridge at Waterloo. The first man to step forward was my ggg uncle Pvt John Tribe of the 5th NY Cavalry. They succeeded and in 1895 my uncle belatedly received the Medal of Honor.
All cavalry officers of the Civil War I know of Union: Phillip Sheridan, George Custer, John Burford, Benjamin Greerson Confederate: Nathan Bedford Forrest, James Ewell Brown Stuart, Joseph Wheeler, Wade Hampton, John Mosby
A look at the impact or the Mexican-American war on the officers in the Civil War would be great. A lot of guys talked about how the war impacted them but it’s rarely given details.
I love this series!! I knew some about Buford but not all of the story and it was great! What a man!! If you decide to not keep this series to US history, but will also go international, a story from the Soviet Union during WWII about a building called Pavlovs House. Such a great story, but one I fear not many know about.
Finally was really disappointed there wasn't more videos on Buford please do one on General Reynolds next he doesn't get much recognition since he was killed early on at Gettysburg.
Well, if it’s any measure of a job well done, your presentation has got me all misty! Both of my children having gone through the college at Gettysburg, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the battlefield. John Buford is one of my favorites. Being close to the college I often start out by the seminary and the “First Shot” monument. That’s all Buford. I have to admit it did take A couple of visits to stop hearing Sam Elliot’s voice in my head.
I absolutely like this type of content. I would like to suggest a Vlog on Heros Von Borcke, who was a Prussian Dragoon who rode with Jeb Stuart . He is totally a footnote kind of person, despite being a 6 foot, 4 inch GIANT.....
I would add Henry Jackson Hunt (Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac) and Hermann Haupt (civil/military engineer). Both men deserve to be more well known for their contributions at Gettysburg - Hunt during the battle and Haupt after the battle reconnecting the railroad - supply and transportation line getting wounded to other medical facilities and getting help and supplies into the town. Both men deserve more recognition for their service during the Civil War in general.
Bit random and you may have already covered it but there's a pretty amusing story I read about Lincoln and a duel he had. Lincoln got into a rivalry with another politician, James Shields, over banking and after Lincoln wrote a scathing public letter about him (under the pseudonym of a female farmer called Rebecca). He even brought it home to Mary Todd (his fiancé at the time and she wrote a letter of her own). Upon discovering Lincoln was the author he demanded he retract the letter but Lincoln refused, retorting that Shields should write in a more "gentlemanly manner". Shields response was to challenge Lincoln to a duel. If he declined he would be seen as a coward and lose his 'honour', thus he accepted. Being the challenged party he got to choose weapons and chose broad swords. Upon the day of the duel and just before the duel started Lincoln demonstrated his advantage by swiping at an overhanging branch, showing his vast reach due to his height. Shields however was under 6ft. Sufficed to say they came to a truce. Years later Shields became a brigadier general in the American Civil War and was gravely wounded while delivering a defeat to Jackson at the battle of Kernstown. Lincoln nominated him for major general. Hearing about the duel later a officer asked then president Lincoln about it but Lincoln responded "I do not deny it, but if you desire my friendship, you will never mention it again." This response just makes me like Lincoln even more as a person TBH. (read this originally on some obscure article about Lincolns life, but used the battlefields.org page on the duel to write this comment).
My father's first and middle name was John Buford... There were many great officers and warriors on both sides of that needless slaughter we call the "Civil War", General Buford was certainly one of them. ALL of them should be remembered with reverence, not for any politics of the time, but for their abilities in tactical battlefield command.
I don't know if he's "forgotten" or not but one of my favorite people in history is Gail Halvorsen, aka the Berlin Candy Bomber. A person a lot of people would consider a hero during the Berlin airlift. I think he's just someone more people should know about. And side note he is still alive to this day and turned 100 in October.
Buford was instrumental in the Union winning the Battle of Gettysburg....I grew up in the South, but in my day we had an excellent education system and we knew all about fine soldiers like Buford, Hancock, and Grant.
They were Southerners who fought for the Union, and Northerners who fought for the Confederacy. The Confederate battle flag was designed by a Northerner, who also happened to be a white supremacist. History seldom runs in straight lines.
This is what I have came to understand after studying not just the battle of Gettysburg but the entire campaign which most overlook. It actually started in early June 1863 and Lee's forces first penetrated Pennsylvania on June 15th 1863 more than 3 weeks before the first shots were fired in the Battle of Gettysburg. The Army of Northern Virginia had achieved a spectacular march placing it well ahead of the Union Army. Had Lee ordered the Concentration point to be Carlisle, York, or Wrightsville instead of Gettysburg. Hills advance troops would have never encountered Buford's Cavalry. Longstreet then would have had time to find good defensive ground and the whole story would have been radically different than the history we know.
Thankfully someone besides me knows how valuable Buford was to the Union Army. If there were such a thing as an MVP for Gettysburg it would have been Buford. If he had not made the decision to stay and fight to hold the Rebs where he did and when he did, the battle could have gone very differently. His actions allowed the Union time to secure the high ground that was crucial in the battle. If he were not there the Rebs/traitors would have secured the high ground instead.
My favorite forgotten history people are Audie Murphy and John Basilone. John Basilone was in the US Army in the Philippines before WWII and was a very talented boxer but then joined the Marines cause “The Army wasn’t tough enough” as a Sergeant in the Marines he received the Medal of Honor on Guadalcanal and became internationally known and raised war bonds. After begging to be back to combat he served at Iwo Jima where he was killed in action and posthumously received the Navy Cross making him one of the most decorated Marines of all time.
John Buford has hardly been forgotten. In fact, his role on that first day has been dutifully and abundantly recognized on film and by history, perhaps even leading to overstating his impact.
@@VloggingThroughHistory Sure but that could apply to plenty of others, Warren for example, whos role in the battle was far more critical in my opinion. I think the relevant history of Buford has been aptly remembered, while the non relevant history in terms of American History has rightly been forgotten.
Very nice video. Good solid research, and all factually true. Good visuals, maps, and photographs. And I especially liked the quotes from his contemporaries...therein lies the truth. Keep up the good work making videos. Dr. George Whitehead
John Buford is now getting the attention he has always deserved, but for 140 years he was largely ignored by the Phil Sheridan vs. JEB Stuart argument /fan clubs. And a couple of crackpots who would chime in with Forrest or Custer as filling. But it can be legitimately argued that Buford ordered and led the single most significant cavalry action of the War that July morning at G'burg. Sure, a lot of luck went into it. But with the basic facts he had [Reynolds was close behind with I Corps, a veteran corps who could put the hurt on anything Lee had forward; that the whole Army of the Potomac was in the general area], Buford planned an almost perfect delaying action that paid off with big dividends. None of that is hyperbole. It's all historical fact. When a man Winfield Hancock sings your praises and wishes you had lived to be at Appomattox, that's high praise indeed. And I say that as a Cavalry veteran [2nd Sqdn, 11th ACR in the mid-80's], lifelong military historian, and Civil War reenactor.
Thank you for making this video. I just discovered your channel and I have subscribed. I am a recently retired Soldier and I spent the majority of my career in the Cavalry including 1/1 CAV. Also I am a proud descendant of COL Gamble and while I served in 1/1 CAV a Scout in my Troop was a descendant of GEN Picket, and he married one hell of a beautiful German gal! lol What are the odds of us both serving together. Buford is in my opinion the greatest Union leader and I have often said that he saved the Union. Please do a video on Longstreet. (if you have not already... I will look for it) I think highly of him as well... and thank God that Bobby Lee did not take his advise at Gettysburg... or we would have lost our Union and slavery would have continued. The south hated Longstreet as he was anti slavery and worked for President Grant after the war. By the way...you look familiar to me... did you serve?
I've read one suggestion that Buford essentially worked himself to death. Wouldn't surprise me. That he was as effective as he was would have been due largely to service in the dragoons. At the outbreak of the war, there were only 16,000 troops in the US, most just posted in individual companies around the states. The dragoons were the ones with real combat experience from protecting settlers and wagon trains in the West.
Like so many who sought to preserve the United States of America, and especially those who fought but did not see its preservation, he deserves our admiration and respect.
75% of the soldiers Kentucky sent to the Civil War went to the Union side. Only a few counties in the extreme western section of Kentucky went to the Confederate armies. However, it looks good a map to paint Kentucky a color other than blue. In so far as making it look more like an even fight.
Hey all, just a note about the 2nd Dragoons...I read from 3 different sources in compiling this information. All of them mentioned the 2nd fighting the Sioux in Texas. As several of you pointed out, the Sioux were further north than Texas. I think the discrepancy comes from the fact that the 2nd Dragoons were based out of Texas, but when fighting the Sioux were fighting far north from their home base.
During the Indian Wars [both pre- and post-Civil War] most of the Regular Army campaigned hundreds of miles away from the office where the Regimental Color's sat. For that matter, up until 1917 the Army was scattered all over the place in little company sized penny packet forts. As the Regulars re-formed in 1861 to go fight the Civil War most officers had NEVER seen their regiment formed in one spot, just a few very senior captains and above who'd served with them in Mexico 13 years before. There were colonels commanding who'd never met the lieutenant or captain commanding some of their companies.
this video is on YT as video #2
His Officers' tribute really shows the impact of effective leadership, it's beautiful.
"... I sent him word I was a captain in the United States army and I intended to remain one!" That sir, is a patriot right there; especially given his familial ties to the slave owning class and his southern roots.
Sam Elliott did a great job of portraying Buford in the film "Gettysburg." John was a true American hero.
I was so excited to read more about Bufords exploits after Gettysburg because of Sam Elliots portrayal of him and he ends up dying not long after from disease. Made me sad him and his cavalry don't get near enough credit.
I was very impressed with all the actors in that movie.i must have seen it a 100 times.a 10 out of 10.
@@jamesmurray3082 and many of the common footsoldiers were reenactors afaik
Excellent video. By all accounts, Buford was one of the few cavalry commanders who recognized that the horse's main value was its ability to get fighting men to the conflict and into position as quickly as possible and recognized the folly of charging into rifled muskets and artillery.
what is your idea of few
@@martinbaumgardner4432 The General Staff that thought keeping cavalry divided and not concentrated was a good idea. Basically, almost all Infantry, Artillery, and Engineer officers who commanded large bodies of troops during the Civil War. Officers like Stoneman, Pleasonton, Merritt, Farnsworth, Custer, Sheridan, and the best for last, General John Buford were the ones to recognize cavalry for the essential tool it was like their southern counterparts had early in the war.
When many Civil War historians I've listened to talk about Buford, they seem to believe he did a competent job at Gettysburg - he did what he was supposed to do - and I feel like history has proven that to be a VERY underrated skill. You don't need to look any further than Jeb Stuart to see an example of a cavalry officer who didn't do what he was supposed to do at Gettysburg and the consequences that can arise from that. Thank you for highlighting Buford here.
In any government service it is possible, even common, for people to be promoted well above and beyond their level of competence. People in positions beyond their level of competence is why the union army was such a mess. Competence was a rare virtue. To call somebody in command in the union army is actually a great compliment.
I believe you are still believing a myth Stuart was doing what he was supposed to be doing.
As a commander in an Armored Cavalry Regiment I required all new officers to do a paper about Buford’s role vs Stuart’s role at Gettysburg and more generally the role of Cavalry. Buford was the epitome of a Cavalry commander
very good instructor you are.
On behalf of the Buford family, thank you very much for making this video. I thought it was well done, and quite possibly the finest I have ever seen on the General. I'm related, but not a direct descendent. Several other people have brought up the battle of Waxhaws and that the commander there was Col Abraham Buford and was the great uncle of all 3 of the Buford generals in the civil war. I am descended from his brother Thomas, who served directly under George Washington in the French and Indian war and was a Captain in the militia when he was killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant. All of the boys in his family fought against the British in the revolutionary war. Their parents were John and Judith Buford(nee Early). Judith and her brother had become orphaned as children and the Buford family, I think, had been their neighbors and friends, so I guess they just took them in because that's how they did things back then. I don't know how their parents died or how old they were when the Bufords took them in. All I know is that the Early family came to the colonies from county Donegal in Ireland and that they were Presbyterians and were what they call Scots-Irish today. Anyhow, the Early son ended up marrying a Buford daughter, and his sister ended up getting married to a Buford son. That couple ended up being General Jubal Early's grandparents, which means he would have been a cousin as well. The Confederate General Buford also had a brother who was a Colonel in the CSA. When they say that war was Brother against Brother, that's pretty close to the truth for my family..
It would appear we are kin. Great video and thank you
Hey everyone! If you like this type of content, please don't forget to hit the like button, and comment below with your suggestions for future "Forgotten History" ideas.
I can dig it man. I like the title. Really enjoyed the video
It’d be cool if you just started plowing through Medal of Honor citations.
You should react to “the greatest speech of all time” by Alexander the Great!!
The "Opis Mutiny Speech" by Alexander on the Epic History channel is awesome. When Alexander lists off all the things he has accomplished (with more than a little help from the army!) I always get motivated. I think to myself, "What have you done today? Alexander conquered groups x,y, and z and you're thinking the work you have to do seems like a lot!". Anyway, that video by Epic History is one of my favorite videos on RUclips.
Those little stories or mini-biographies are nice..
I hesitated for a moment because I saw Cavalry. "It's gonna be about a jerk". He went at first to the 1st Regiment of Dragoons? That was my regiment. Definitely going to be a jerk. He put loyalty in the service above family? Ok, interesting jerk? And then it's just gallons of compliments from his contemporaries. Ok, I'll admit it, pretty cool dude, and probably not a jerk. I love that even in fever he apologized for things he said. Decent sounding guy and absolutely forgotten history to me despite having been a cavalryman myself.
Thank you for your service Dominic!
Mr. Kolb, please do yourself the favor of reading The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. You will get to know General Buford quite a bit better. Thank you for your service by the way.
I was in 1-1 Cav 1AD during ODS
and that, is the difference between a "reaction channel" and a real well put together entertaining and educational history channel props man good vid
Really cool video. Wasn’t expecting it to be so touching at the end. It’s clear how great of a leader he was just based off everybody else’s reaction to his death.
That was some damn fine story telling right there. Thank you for the tribute to an excellent man.
One thing that seems to be 'forgotten' among ordinary people is the contribution to the Union's victory by foreign volunteers. It'd be cool to see a video about the foreigners who fought on both sides, and people like Prince Felix or Joseph Osterhaus, former Prussian officers who went on to fight for the Union.
That would make for a great video/series! Seems to have been a ton of Irish and Germans on both sides. Shoutout to Hubert Dilger
That's a topic I don't know much about, so I'd love to see it!
Yes, 50,000 British crossed the pond to fight.
Great video about a man that not many people know about. This video should be shown in classes around the country. I have been watching your videos for a few weeks and i have to say, this is the best one...so far. Thank you for sharing his story
This was a fabulous article. Buford was the US Cavalryman who provided the greatest and most consistently superb service. His replacement was being groomed and coming of age. Ranald Slidell MacKenzie (and his family) deserves coverage such as this. To cover his full history and career to this detail will require twice as long a video, at least. But, they were the two greatest Union Cavalrymen of the war, and the greatest from the US Army forever along with George Patton. You do good work. Keep it going.
Amazing story and told beautifully, thank you for an amazing video.
I think a simillar video like this about George Thomas would be cool. He isn’t talked about enough and most people completely overlook him.
Agreed
Yes George Thomas probably the most important General that the North had.
He was also from Virginia just like Robert E Lee but George Thomas did not betray his country and lead a rebellion against the United States of America.
George Thomas is the unsung hero of the Civil War
So, I reenact in a Regular Army company [Co. C, 4th Infantry or '4th US Infantry'] and I'd like to see something on the Regulars Division [2nd Div. Vth Corps] and Romeyn Ayres, who commanded the division during Gettysburg and The Wilderness.
@@charlesandrews2360 he is such an enigma I heard that he destroyed his correspondence ..he seems to have been extremely private...but his contemporaries really respected him
@@jawanalatimer7781 also, he died at a relatively young age soon after the war. That's most likely why he does not have the celebrity that he deserves
I learned something today. Thank you for the time and effort putting his biography together. What a man.
Greetings from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I am from Lexington, Kentucky and knew a bit about Buford. Nicely done!
True American hero, his valor won't be forgotten thanks to videos like this.
Buford was ahead of his time in terms of his thinking on Calvary tactics.
Buford was a very underrated leader. This video helps set the record straight. Thanks for sharing.
I sure hope you teach somewhere. The way you worded this and your crisp clear voice makes you a great story teller. Buford has been my favorite calvary officer since learning of him. That was the best shortened story of him I have ever heard. Thank you.
Awesome video, thank you, love content like this
I’m happy that I watched this. I learned something about a man I knew nothing about, other than his name.
There is an episode of Unknown Civil War which focuses on General John Buford and his career. It’s an excellent documentary, but you have done the man’s career justice and I thank you for this video.
I am a fan of the more edited videos.
Your channel has a nice variety of content.
Keep it up.
Excellent stuff bro
I grew up in the Quad Cities area, Rock Island. There are still a lot of Buford's in that area.
This was really great! I was thinking who else I'd like to see & it occurred to me they're all named John & all at Gettysburg. I'd love to know more about John Reynolds & John Gibbon. I'm only familiar with Gibbon's role out west. Thanks again! I enjoyed this "deep dive" into Buford's life. What a remarkable man!
I love it! I love that you're interacting with maps. You should do that more
I don't really have any suggestions but I really liked this type of video. Please keep doing these!
William Rosecrans would be interesting, I think Tullahoma and Stones River are often overlooked because of Ckickamauga
I would also add the Second Battle of Corinth.
Wonderful relevant revealing and needed! Thanks.
Great video! 1st Minnesota Infantry next?
One of my Favorite from the Civil War
Thanks for sharing
I did not know some of the facts you shared about him.
Man this is like actual talking about history as opposed to watching and commenting. And it’s so detailed, man this is great.
If you're new to channel, you're going to love it here. He shovels information in to his reactions like it's coal and he's running a steam locomotive. None of that "Wow!" reaction stuff.
@@WaywardVet oh I’m not new by any means I’ve been here since 50k some odd i think. I just like the new content
A lot of his family were buried here in Rock Island ,IL ....love our history here!
I wouldn't call this one "forgotten" as much as "overlooked". Interesting stuff.
Nah. 'Forgotten' is a legit description. Buford's career was relegated to discussions by military historians and tankers [tank crewmen, aka 'tread-heads'] and other semi-professionals. You ask the average American who did reasonably well in high school about a famous Civil War cavalryman and you'll only get two answers: George Custer and JEB Stuart.
@@carlhicksjr8401 Hence overlooked vs forgotten.
@@jangiel3103 I don't think very many people other than professional cavalrymen knew much about John Buford at all until Sam Elliot did such a great job portraying him in 'Gettysburg'.
And even then he is outshined by the more charismatic Pickett.
This video brought me to tears. Thank you.
I loved this so much, I was listening to this on my phone while playing an online game today, during the time of gay that I watched this, a thunderstorm was taking place, this was very calming and most interesting. Continue with the great work because this is truly some of the best work I’ve seen on RUclips in a long time.
That has got to be one of the best well spoked vids on u tube. Well done, and a good voice for narration
Thank you, Paul!
Fantastic! Admirably done!
Love the original content. Great way for the channel to continue to evolve.
Holy cow this is such a well made video I love that you don't just focus it all on one subject you very nicely gives us information that correlates with each other and then quickly get back on topic 👍👍
Thank you for the video. I love learning about John Buford. Ever since I was a child I was drawn to him. I learned that he was a humble God-fearing man. It reminds me that everything happens for a reason. During his time with the Dragoons, he was the Quartermaster. The Quartermaster would read the land and decide where the army would make camp. I believe this is where he learned how to read the ground. I think that had a large part on July 1st. Gen Buford had the gift of watching the fight unfold before it happened. He understood cause and effect. I'm not an expert but, I do believe that the deployment of his troopers the way he did was very uncommon. Last thing. The church where his funeral occurred was the Church that Abraham Lincoln attended. He was the one that arranged to have the funeral there. Once again, thank you for the time and the video.
An incredible story. Thanks for your hard work .
Forgotten Weapons and Forgotten History. Ooh this is going to be some awesome sauce for a historian.
Great presentation and just subscribed. Thanks so much.
Thank you and welcome!
Very well done. Thank you.
What a fitting legacy that man has. God bless him.
Thank you for sharing this. Its really knowledgeable, and well done. Thanks again
You were always in the right place at the right moment. God bless you John.
Brig. General Henry J Hunt
Great subject and great video! I agree with you. General Buford has not gotten the recognition he deserves and I think it's due to his untimely death shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg. Without his delaying action on the first day of battle, the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War, for that matter, may have had a vastly different outcome!
This was amazing. Thank you
In Aug 1862 Buford commanded a Brigade on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. The story is he asked for volunteers to burn the bridge at Waterloo. The first man to step forward was my ggg uncle Pvt John Tribe of the 5th NY Cavalry. They succeeded and in 1895 my uncle belatedly received the Medal of Honor.
All cavalry officers of the Civil War I know of
Union: Phillip Sheridan, George Custer, John Burford, Benjamin Greerson
Confederate: Nathan Bedford Forrest, James Ewell Brown Stuart, Joseph Wheeler, Wade Hampton, John Mosby
A look at the impact or the Mexican-American war on the officers in the Civil War would be great. A lot of guys talked about how the war impacted them but it’s rarely given details.
I love this series!! I knew some about Buford but not all of the story and it was great! What a man!! If you decide to not keep this series to US history, but will also go international, a story from the Soviet Union during WWII about a building called Pavlovs House. Such a great story, but one I fear not many know about.
The trouble with that one is that so much Soviet mythology has grown up around it that it is very hard to suss out what the truth is.
Beautifully done …. Thank you.
Thanks Coach. In the 93 movie Gettysburg they show Buford for less than 5 minutes. This filled in a lot of blanks and gaps. Fascinating video.
Considering he was ordered to the rear of column, that made sense.
@@SantomPh not in relation to the rest of his actions at Gettysburg. But if the movie coved Gettysburg fully it would be 3 hours long🤣
Finally was really disappointed there wasn't more videos on Buford please do one on General Reynolds next he doesn't get much recognition since he was killed early on at Gettysburg.
Well, if it’s any measure of a job well done, your presentation has got me all misty! Both of my children having gone through the college at Gettysburg, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the battlefield. John Buford is one of my favorites. Being close to the college I often start out by the seminary and the “First Shot” monument. That’s all Buford. I have to admit it did take A couple of visits to stop hearing Sam Elliot’s voice in my head.
I absolutely like this type of content. I would like to suggest a Vlog on Heros Von Borcke, who was a Prussian Dragoon who rode with Jeb Stuart . He is totally a footnote kind of person, despite being a 6 foot, 4 inch GIANT.....
I would add Henry Jackson Hunt (Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac) and Hermann Haupt (civil/military engineer). Both men deserve to be more well known for their contributions at Gettysburg - Hunt during the battle and Haupt after the battle reconnecting the railroad - supply and transportation line getting wounded to other medical facilities and getting help and supplies into the town. Both men deserve more recognition for their service during the Civil War in general.
Oh yeah, forgot to complement the Buford video - excellent job !!!!!
love this series....hope it's getting a long one...
So well done all I can say is Bravo!
“Nothing the cavalry can’t handle”.
*tips kepi*
He lived a robust life in 37 years,my first visit to your channel...im impressed...👍👍
Welcome Michael!
I could listen to you talk about history for hours on end. You have a good voice and great insights. Thank you for the videos!!!
Bit random and you may have already covered it but there's a pretty amusing story I read about Lincoln and a duel he had.
Lincoln got into a rivalry with another politician, James Shields, over banking and after Lincoln wrote a scathing public letter about him (under the pseudonym of a female farmer called Rebecca). He even brought it home to Mary Todd (his fiancé at the time and she wrote a letter of her own). Upon discovering Lincoln was the author he demanded he retract the letter but Lincoln refused, retorting that Shields should write in a more "gentlemanly manner". Shields response was to challenge Lincoln to a duel.
If he declined he would be seen as a coward and lose his 'honour', thus he accepted. Being the challenged party he got to choose weapons and chose broad swords.
Upon the day of the duel and just before the duel started Lincoln demonstrated his advantage by swiping at an overhanging branch, showing his vast reach due to his height. Shields however was under 6ft. Sufficed to say they came to a truce.
Years later Shields became a brigadier general in the American Civil War and was gravely wounded while delivering a defeat to Jackson at the battle of Kernstown. Lincoln nominated him for major general.
Hearing about the duel later a officer asked then president Lincoln about it but Lincoln responded "I do not deny it, but if you desire my friendship, you will never mention it again."
This response just makes me like Lincoln even more as a person TBH.
(read this originally on some obscure article about Lincolns life, but used the battlefields.org page on the duel to write this comment).
My father's first and middle name was John Buford...
There were many great officers and warriors on both sides of that needless slaughter we call the "Civil War", General Buford was certainly one of them.
ALL of them should be remembered with reverence, not for any politics of the time, but for their abilities in tactical battlefield command.
I don't know if he's "forgotten" or not but one of my favorite people in history is Gail Halvorsen, aka the Berlin Candy Bomber. A person a lot of people would consider a hero during the Berlin airlift. I think he's just someone more people should know about. And side note he is still alive to this day and turned 100 in October.
Such a good hearted man!
That was a fine tribute to John Buford.
Congrats on 170k subs
Love this video! More please!!
Ver well done. Enjoyed it.
Buford was instrumental in the Union winning the Battle of Gettysburg....I grew up in the South, but in my day we had an excellent education system and we knew all about fine soldiers like Buford, Hancock, and Grant.
People don’t know that Southerners fought for the Union. They aren’t taught that
They were Southerners who fought for the Union, and Northerners who fought for the Confederacy. The Confederate battle flag was designed by a Northerner, who also happened to be a white supremacist. History seldom runs in straight lines.
This is what I have came to understand after studying not just the battle of Gettysburg but the entire campaign which most overlook. It actually started in early June 1863 and Lee's forces first penetrated Pennsylvania on June 15th 1863 more than 3 weeks before the first shots were fired in the Battle of Gettysburg. The Army of Northern Virginia had achieved a spectacular march placing it well ahead of the Union Army. Had Lee ordered the Concentration point to be Carlisle, York, or Wrightsville instead of Gettysburg. Hills advance troops would have never encountered Buford's Cavalry. Longstreet then would have had time to find good defensive ground and the whole story would have been radically different than the history we know.
Well done. Really enjoyed this.
Just watched Gettysburg a few days ago.. outstanding performance from Sam Elliott as Buford :)
Absolutely!
Great video about a great man.
Thankfully someone besides me knows how valuable Buford was to the Union Army. If there were such a thing as an MVP for Gettysburg it would have been Buford. If he had not made the decision to stay and fight to hold the Rebs where he did and when he did, the battle could have gone very differently. His actions allowed the Union time to secure the high ground that was crucial in the battle. If he were not there the Rebs/traitors would have secured the high ground instead.
That’s my Uncle. Love the store of my family
I like this format
My favorite forgotten history people are Audie Murphy and John Basilone. John Basilone was in the US Army in the Philippines before WWII and was a very talented boxer but then joined the Marines cause “The Army wasn’t tough enough” as a Sergeant in the Marines he received the Medal of Honor on Guadalcanal and became internationally known and raised war bonds. After begging to be back to combat he served at Iwo Jima where he was killed in action and posthumously received the Navy Cross making him one of the most decorated Marines of all time.
I live just S of that holy ground of Gettysburg and the Buford memorial is my favorite spot. While I live, he lives.
John Buford has hardly been forgotten. In fact, his role on that first day has been dutifully and abundantly recognized on film and by history, perhaps even leading to overstating his impact.
His story doesn’t begin or end on July 1. That’s the forgotten part.
@@VloggingThroughHistory Sure but that could apply to plenty of others, Warren for example, whos role in the battle was far more critical in my opinion. I think the relevant history of Buford has been aptly remembered, while the non relevant history in terms of American History has rightly been forgotten.
Fantastic video!
Very nice video. Good solid research, and all factually true. Good visuals, maps, and photographs. And I especially liked the quotes from his contemporaries...therein lies the truth. Keep up the good work making videos. Dr. George Whitehead
John Buford is now getting the attention he has always deserved, but for 140 years he was largely ignored by the Phil Sheridan vs. JEB Stuart argument /fan clubs. And a couple of crackpots who would chime in with Forrest or Custer as filling.
But it can be legitimately argued that Buford ordered and led the single most significant cavalry action of the War that July morning at G'burg. Sure, a lot of luck went into it. But with the basic facts he had [Reynolds was close behind with I Corps, a veteran corps who could put the hurt on anything Lee had forward; that the whole Army of the Potomac was in the general area], Buford planned an almost perfect delaying action that paid off with big dividends. None of that is hyperbole. It's all historical fact. When a man Winfield Hancock sings your praises and wishes you had lived to be at Appomattox, that's high praise indeed.
And I say that as a Cavalry veteran [2nd Sqdn, 11th ACR in the mid-80's], lifelong military historian, and Civil War reenactor.
Thank you for making this video. I just discovered your channel and I have subscribed. I am a recently retired Soldier and I spent the majority of my career in the Cavalry including 1/1 CAV. Also I am a proud descendant of COL Gamble and while I served in 1/1 CAV a Scout in my Troop was a descendant of GEN Picket, and he married one hell of a beautiful German gal! lol What are the odds of us both serving together. Buford is in my opinion the greatest Union leader and I have often said that he saved the Union. Please do a video on Longstreet. (if you have not already... I will look for it) I think highly of him as well... and thank God that Bobby Lee did not take his advise at Gettysburg... or we would have lost our Union and slavery would have continued. The south hated Longstreet as he was anti slavery and worked for President Grant after the war. By the way...you look familiar to me... did you serve?
Wow what a great legacy you have. Thank you for your service! I did not serve, but I am able to make my videos because of people like you who did.
Excellent, many thanks. Sam Elliott did him proud UK
I've read one suggestion that Buford essentially worked himself to death. Wouldn't surprise me. That he was as effective as he was would have been due largely to service in the dragoons. At the outbreak of the war, there were only 16,000 troops in the US, most just posted in individual companies around the states. The dragoons were the ones with real combat experience from protecting settlers and wagon trains in the West.
Got to respect such men .
Great job!
I think, If i could go back in time to meet people and interview them. Buford would certainly be on my list.
Like so many who sought to preserve the United States of America, and especially those who fought but did not see its preservation, he deserves our admiration and respect.
75% of the soldiers Kentucky sent to the Civil War went to the Union side. Only a few counties in the extreme western section of Kentucky went to the Confederate armies. However, it looks good a map to paint Kentucky a color other than blue. In so far as making it look more like an even fight.