If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Click here: ruclips.net/user/thehistoryunderground Thanks!
My great grandfather, Henry Smith (born 03 Jul 1846 in Hempfield Twp., Westmoreland Co., PA-- died 14 Feb 1920 in Hempfield Twp.) was a young Infantry soldier in Co. I 11th Reg., GAR. and was at the battle of Gettysburg. His name is on the Pennsylvania monument. Also, there is a statue dedicated to Co. I 11th Reg. at Gettysburg that features the regiment's mascot, a dog named Sally. I would like to hear you tell the story of this regiment. I believe they were a reserve unit(?). Or, perhaps, you could include in one of your videos some information about the animals involved in the battle, horses, mules, and mascots that belonged to key players or regiments. Some may question "great grandfather", but, yes. Henry Smith's son, my grandfather, Lloyd Smith, was born in 1877. Lloyd Smith's son Robert Smith, who was my father, was born in 1919. And I was born in 1954. A matter of youngest son, youngest son, youngest daughter. You are doing a great job with these videos. I have been to Gettysburg several times, but never knew half of the topics that you have covered thus far. Thank you for bringing a much needed light to this horrific event in our history. Blessings.
I agree with you about the trash. Those that do not respect those hallowed grounds do not deserve to be walking on them. Love your channel and thank you for showing us so much history. How does the quote go. If you do not learn from history, you are bound to make the same mistakes. Thank you for all you do !!!!!!!
I've been to Gettysburg in the spring and summer when everything is green, which intellectually you realize is what the battlefield looked like color-wise. But this is chilling because it matches the sepia-tone of the Brady photos. Thanks, guys.
I have a couple of Brit Facebook friends. I'm always amazed at their deep, rich history. There's so much of it I cant keep all the kings straight. If they have a roman numeral behind their name I'm completely lost, lol. But we here in the U.S. do keep our history alive as best we can. But you'd never know it by the crummy TV these days. There used to be American history docs on.
@@dbach1025 There is a push on to make everything politically correct. Even history. Instead of teach new versions of it, they should be teaching HOW to learn history and HOW to keep it in context. These days just saying "Those were different times and you can't apply today's values to historical decision making" can get you denounced as a racist. -- Ultimately, history is the study of ourselves. If we can't look at ourselves objectively then we are just lying to ourselves, and short-changing our children's education.
@@billd.iniowa2263 agree. That's why destroying signs of history is dangerous. I dont like Confederate historical figures. They were traitors and should have all been hung as such. But we need to remember history or, like the cliche, we are bound to repeat it. If we rid the land of all reminders of evil and the like, without teaching critical thought and learning, definitely will be repeated.
@@dbach1025 Traitors are just failed revolutionaries. We always call it the civil war, but it does not fit the definition of "civil war" It was a failed revolution.
A very solemn place. Soaked in courage, pain and tragedy. Thanks for including Eric in the videos. He’s great. Your styles blend together very nicely. 👏👏👏
It's an incredibly amazing experience to walk thru Gettysburg National Military Park and survey the terrain at all the battleground locations, Ms. Powers. If you've never been there in person, and you live within a few hundred miles of it, ma'am, I'd highly recommend you travel to it someday.
This whole series has been amazing and just like all of your vids everything is always so well produced that it rivals anything ever seen on television.
Have been following you for some time.... you do a great job... especially for non-Americans who are trying to learn something of the history without the time to get into the deep details!
@@TheHistoryUnderground also... your WW2 stuff is great... that's where I found you... as an amateur historian, I envy your time to be able to visit all these places!! but really appreciate what you do!
Wow. You have been a wonderful guide. It is so sad that the efforts of all these people who died for the freedom, are somehow forgotten by so many Americans. War is horrific anywhere, but here in our own country, the pain of it is still fresh . How primitive were their supplies compared to now.
Not hard to believe really. Young generations have demonized the entire history of the WBTS ! They have already taken down our beloved monuments in the South, renamed schools, streets, parks & military bases taken away our cherished anthem. Sadly, it's only a matter of time until they start demonizing the North also and all this battleground is bulldozed for condominiums, housing developments & shopping malls & highways.😰
I grew up in Richmond, Va. and lived in the Hampton Roads / Newport News for many years. Both were figured prominently in Revolutionary War as well as Civil War history, so I spent much time walking through many of the trails, trenches and earthworks that: fill the landscape of Virginia Your calm, thoughtful narrative is just a much enjoyed part of my world. Thank you!
I’m pretty sure people are not leaving their trash masks laying around on purpose They fall out of pockets and get dropped. %99.9 of the time thats what it is. Then like yourself, we don’t want to pick up someone else’s masks during a time like this with a risk like this , but I’d think while @ place like that it would be the easiest time to pick up after someone else. Which I sure hope someone like yourself did so.
Man! If them rocks can talk! Imagine the horrors stories that they could tell us all! Those are sacred grounds man! And im glad that they haven't been touched or removed by humans with machinery! And it should always be protected for future generations to understand what when on in that land and rocks! 🙏great job my friend and thanks for sharing this great piece of history. 🙏
I can’t believe this channel doesn’t have 1mil+ subs. I found him 2 days ago and learned more in 2 days than I did in 12 years of school. Of course I went to school in Ga and never paid much attention. But it’s the fact that he grabs my attention and points out the small details that most would overlook. Great job bud. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I went to Gettysburg for the 150th but only had a long weekend, not nearly enough time. You getting off the beaten path is an eye opener for me, and I've studied the battle. You can't understand what they saw unless you see it. That's the way I was when I crossed the field for Pickett's charge. I've got to get back up there and spend a lot more time. Keep up the great work.
I got goose pumps seeing Devils Den. I can’t imagine what I would feel if I was right there seeing it all. What a ugly n sad war it was. To imagine seeing all these soldiers laying on the ground does catch my breath. To find some comfort in all of this is knowing n seeing that it’s still there n not been touched. Your doing a fantastic job JD in presenting all of this to the viewers. Thank you for that. ( I’m with you on the mask ordeal. Everywhere you go you find masks on the ground. I do pick them up, take them home n cut em n through away. I’ve seen pictures of birds getting caught in them.) ♥️♥️😊👍👍👍
@Jason B.If you're doubting the authenticity of my comment it's fairly easy to find on the internet. I looked into it at the time, but I'm not going to dig up any now.
I remember standing at Devil’s Den when I was 12 years old in the 1960s while on a family vacation. I was fascinated by being there. There began my love of history. Thanks for taking me back there!
Excellent video as always JD. I can’t even imagine the horrendous smell around that battlefield with thousands of dead soldier’s and horses lying about. The residents of Gettysburg had to have thought they’d woken up in hell after the armies retreated.
Devil's Den and the slope to Little Round Top are without a doubt two of the most memorable and impressive locations, among many, to be found on a Civil War battlefield. Your video portrays the area well, but I think you might agree it's difficult to grasp just how unusual those rock formations appear unless visited in person. Another great job!
My neighbor's went to Gettysburg just for about 2 weeks in October 2024 recently they made an hour video with them exploring all of Gettysburg , I got to watch this with them , it was really fun to see someone you know going Someplace that you are interested in , I know for sure this place is very real.
Makes me absolutely furious when people do that, it’s just complete disrespect. I actually picked up trash at the American cemetery in Normandy, made me so angry. Love the content, I did the same thing where Chamberlain made his stand; walked down the hill to see what the confederate soldiers would have seen.
That's nothing. I saw with my own eyes the graffiti on both Grant's Tomb and the Soldier and Sailors Monument in Riverside Park in NYC. A 'certain demographic', if you know what I mean, were responsible for it. It was both ironic and infuriating. I will never forgive 'them' for it, and from that day, any sympathy I ever had for their plight was gone forever.
@@tomcarl8021 , watch the videos JD did about the military camp where Easy Company trained before going to war. Part of it is on public access land and he had to raise money to have it cleaned up because there was so much graffiti. That will make your blood boil.
I always keep those doggy pickup bags on me at all times with refills when I go to work and also on my free time. One day I had a homeless man give me a nod after he had seen me snatch up a few articles of trash on my way into a store. I been noticing that businesses are now starting to bring their outdoor trash cans indoor. A while backI was at a library needing the use of their rest room and their were no paper towels and hand soap. It turns out that people are stealing these items now. Now I have to carry everything but the kitchen sink. Like I said, It's now so bad that a man down on his luck gave me a nod in thanks.
My 3rd great grandfather was a 3rd corporal with Co. B, 44th Alabama. I visited Gettysburg about 20 years ago and walked the approximate route the regiment would have taken when they, along with the 48th Alabama, were detached from Law's Brigade and tasked with silencing the guns on Houck's Ridge which were pouring enfilade fire upon them as they approached the Round Tops. Much like you expressed in this video, it was a very sobering experience to approach those boulders of Devil's Den and imagine how perilous that assignment must have been. thanks for making and sharing these videos.
Fantastic video! Enjoying the series so much. Thank you for having Eric on. And for sending we history buffs in the direction of the Adams County Historical Society. So much great information.
Needless to say I've been to Gettysburg countless times and it's my favorite place on earth, but the best time I had was hanging out at devil's den after the park had closed, it was eerie and surrealistic! I hope I can do it again
We just returned home from Gettysburg today and we visited devils den and both round tops as well as the wheatfield ,the peach orchard, plum run and the rest of the battlefield and when I faced little round top I imagined it must have rained lead just the same at the Wheatfield...I was on the verge of tears for two days ...EVERY American should visit this Hallowed ground and visitors center ...thanks for this video...well done
Yeah! I was hoping you’d post the Devil’s Den episode today. I was just there four days ago and had it all to myself. Got there early in the morning, and was able to just sit there in silence. I also swear that I heard Civil War guns off in the distance! It was pretty surreal.
@@johnnicatra570 haha 😛 . I was actually disgusted to see that people had dropped plastic cups and straws into some of the crevasses of the rocks. The laziness of some people is just appalling. Totally disrespectful to the soldiers who fought and died there.
I hear ya brother. If you want even more surreal---do what I have done on more than one occasion. Go to Chickamauga Battlefield and walk deep into the forest on the north of Winfrey Field (one example) at dusk and stand still. It will raise the hairs on your arm man, I swear it will. The woods there are just as tangled and thick as they were in Sept '63 and it is so quiet. That is until unfortunately a jet may fly over headed to or from that Satanic Mecca known as Atlanta and its world's busiest airport. But, that doesn't happen too often. Or early one morning at sunrise walk north along the Glenn-Kelly Road thru the Dyer Field towards Horseshoe Ridge. There, where some of the most vicious fighting of the War took place including where Gen. Hood was hit (again!), you can see herds of deer quietly observe your presence as they eat their breakfast among the mist that reverently shrouds that hallowed ground. You WILL feel it in your soul man. All those young men and boys fighting and dying for what they thought was right and spilling their life blood all over where you yourself are standing. You will swear you can hear them, see them, and smell the smoke in the air. I get it PJ, I do.
@@tennesseeridgerunner5992 That does sound very surreal! I personally believe that rocks, trees, and the earth can hold those energies from big events like the Civil War, and then the energy can be released almost in the form of a recording. Your experiences do sound like they would give someone the heebie jeebies.
As ever, a wonderful, absorbing, arresting and sympathetic presentation. No surprise that The History Underground was sensitive to the overwhelming characteristic of this sector of the battlefield, which is the almost surreal power of the geology and morphology. As a citizen of the United Kingdom, my every visit to the battlefield includes a visit to the Rose Woods and Devil's Den. I am drawn by the silence of the Woods, and by the extraordinary primordial atmosphere of the Den. The weight of the ages is permanent here. Thank you THU for your unique insights and your opening of a door onto some of the most hallowed and significant ground of the United States.
I started listening to Eric and Jim's podcast this week. Very detailed and informative. I'm in the middle of the peach orchard right now. Thanks for pointing it out. I'm really enjoying this series. Thanks for the video 👍.
I've only been to Gettysburg once, and unfortunately I only had a few hours while passing through. I spent that time early on a summer morning at Little Round Top and Devil's Den. It was shortly after the park had opened, so there was hardly anyone there. The air was heavy, and it was eerily quiet. Even if you didn't have all the monuments there to tell you what had happened, you could still feel it. It was a humbling place to visit, knowing all the lives that were lost there. Thank you for all your fantastic history videos, I thoroughly enjoy each and every one of them. As I get older I realize that I probably won't get to a lot of these places, so I appreciate getting to see them from the perspective of another person that shares a passion for history.
Bravo! It gets you in the pit of your stomach to imagine trying to get anything done in such a place, even just to walk across it, while all the time you’re aware any moment can be your last. Your approach today brings the individual’s experience into frightening clarity. As a viewer, we can’t be distracted by trying to keep up with a description of regimental or corps movements; you are in touch with being one person trying to think clearly while under fire.
Some of us watch these videos with goose bumps and a lump in the throat. Others who are actually there throw their trash on this hallowed ground and walk away.
I've been intrigued about the civil war since I was 16. I read whole library's civil war books. I went to Gettysburg and laid where the "sniper" laid. I try and look at the pictures and find me in them and them in us from that time period, the pictures of the dead and of the living. I wish so much to grasp more than we can of the time period. We are stuck with standing on the same rocks. Why cant I have been there? I have gleaned every picture of the dead for how they died. It puts it in perspective every time for me. There's a picture at devils den where the soldier eyes are hazed over. He has been struck in the head and his brains are laying next to him on the ground. If I was there I would have wished to be anywhere else I'm sure.
Wow! Even from a topology map I didn't realize until this video (just because I've never visited yet) just how close Devils Den was to the round tops. Practically on top of each other.
Nice snippet of a gruesome tragic area of the battlefield. It has been 44 years since I toured the fields but your series is inspiring me to return this year to revisit the park and the town itself.
I am from Lancaster, PA and my Husband and I just retuned from a road trip to Charleston, SC. On our way there I wanted to visit the Fort Fisher Museum NC because my 3X Great Grandfather, John Hambleton Styer from Lancaster, PA fought for the Union in the 203rd PA Voluntery Infantry at the 2nd campaign battle on January 15th, 1865, he was wounded during the battle and died the next day. He was buried there. It ment a lot to go there and see where my Great Grandmother's Grandfather died. We also visited Fort Sumpter, we got to see where the Civil War started and ended for all intentions after the fall of Fort Fisher which was the Confederate Army's main Port, once lost they no longer had a means of receiving supplies to continue the war. It would be a great place to do a video on. Thank you, great video👍
Another great episode. A great place to visit and imagine what it was like. Can't wait to get back out and look around more. Brother you are doing a fantastic job.
My ancestor Sgt David Alva Barnett - Company B of the 99th PA fought at Devil’s Den. It’s a special place. Thank you for this presentation video and the music.
I agree with what you said about Devil's Den being such a defensible place and yet the Confederates took it. The terrain broke up the formations and communication. I can imagine Federals firing in one direction and turning around to find Rebs behind them. It was Hell for both sides.
And yet, the Union took it bacl. I have some correspondence between my great great grandfather, Michael Jacobs, author of Notes on the Rebel Invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and MG Samuel Crawford, commander of the Third Division, V Corps, also known as the Pennsylvania Reserves. Pennsylvania over filled its quota of regiments for the Union Army, and most of the surplus units were concentrated in this division. Anyway, Crawford's men charged down Plum Run late in the day and retook the area. It includes a hand drawn map of the area. Probably worth something, but it will be going to the Adams County Historical Society eventually. He also describes an attack his men made after Pickett' Charge was over. The Confedderates were seen piling up captured weapons for burning because they did not have transportation for them in the retreat. It was a limited charge meant to recapture the weapons, which included over 4.000 rifles and two cannons,
I have walked where you are walking. It is truly hallowed ground. You have hit another homerun. From the sunken train rail to the high water mark and finally, the cemetary I recall how I was constantly haunted by the number of men that died there over three days.
The Devil's Den has always been a place that I sought to visit each time I am in Gettysburg (I was assigned to the Devil Brigade - 1st ID based out of Fort Riley, KS, and our Dining Facility was called the Devil's Den - then with my lack of knowledge about Gettysburg, never understood the full reasoning behind the name). I have been several times over the years, and to learn the (much more than) stories of the Battle through your videos has brought such clarity to the events that transpired and the lives that were lost on this sacred ground. Thank you for these videos - they have been most enlightening. I hope to visit the Battlefield again in the near future - the last time I went I took my whole family and taught them perhaps the greatest history lesson they will ever have. If these videos you have produced are still available, I'd like to show them to my children when they hit high school and have a better understanding of the meaning of the place and not just a cool place where there are a bunch of cannons (they are young right now and did not fully comprehend what was being discussed). Nevertheless, I want them to grow up with an appreciation for history.
When I went on my couple field trips during high school we were not allowed to walk on devils den. We a couple kids who decided to break the rules & climb on them anyway & were caught by the chaperone & ended up receiving 2 days in school suspension & the ringleader was given 3 days out of school suspension.
Army Vet, 20 years , spent lots of time at Fort Riley Kansas , 1st BDE 1st Infantry Division , the best place to catch chow at ? The Devils Den , Great Vid man !
I have 2 relatives that fought at Gettysburg myself. Both were members of 147th ny. They were both seriously wounded the first day,, serious enough they didn't fight the rest of the war. God Bless both sides,Americans all
Howdy JD! Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏼 There’s a scene in the movie Gettysburg where a badly wounded Hood describes to Lee that the ground you’re walking in the video as “The worst ground I ever saw!”
I've visited here, its one of the most somber places. I've ever been at, it just leaves you with a feeling of sadness and hopelessness. For the men that got slaughtered here. Rest easy warriors of the past, your story will never die.
Good job. I love Gettysburg and have been there a few times. I remember seeing the sharpshooter's nest for the first time. Wow! I had seen that picture hundreds of times and it was so eerie seeing it in person. If you can find a copy, I think it's out of print, A Strange and Blighted Land is an excellent book on the aftermath of the battle and what happened with all of the dead.
Hello from County Durham in England. I have had an interest in the American Civil War since it was covered while I was at was school many years ago. Your video's are educational and I thoroughly enjoy them. One day I hope to visit the states and visit some of these sites. Thank you
Tour that same area in 1988 ! The triangle field where 1st Texas Inf attacked I walked up the rock wall next to the tree line . Very spooky place ! There be boulders there also !!
When I was a child, my father and I visited Gettysburg and when we arrived at devils den we were greeted by children playing all over the rock which I quickly joined in on now. Looking back besides the fun I had playing and the memories I share with my father from that trip, what would a veteran of Gettysburg think of children playing where they had fought and lost so much...what would those who died there say, would they be happy?!? That's what I like to think may not have played out in their favor but they are remembered and the future now makes joy where such suffering occurred.
Also keep in mind as the troops moved through there, where you were pointing out your work boots being made for it. The typical army shoes of the day were just bare leather soles with a sort of horseshoe shaped cleat on the heel. So while it might have been a struggle for you, it was a disastrous mess for soldiers of the period who would be slipping all over these rocks, and for southerners that didn't have the best of footwear, even worse as any brambles would hurt their feet
I love watching you and watching RUclips and it's not like television because you're walking along given this great description and all of a sudden you say and I got a throne in my knee. I'm dying thank you.
Devils Den was named prior to the battle by a group of kids who came across a large black rat snake which they named the devil. The rocks where it lived was his den. Henceforth called the Devils Den.
I’ve been hoping you would do a video of Devil’s Den, it’s my favorite part of the Gettysburg Battlefield. I highly recommend that anyone touring Gettysburg get a copy of William Frassanito’s book, “Gettysburg: A Journey in Time.” Frassanito identified many of the exact locations of the original post battle photos and took contemporary shots of the same spot. It was a bit overwhelming at times to realize what had happened at the exact spot you were standing. Great job on this video and the whole Gettysburg series!
Because I sometimes have the time on the weekends, I am watching your channel, the channel you suggested plus the National Park Service's channel. Thank you, very enjoyable and am achieving a higher level of learning!
Thats amazing! That little patch of ground? Hard to imagine that many men occupying it. And there were many many more besides. Must have looked like a vision of hell.
It's amazing to me personally that my great grandfathers nephews and brother- in- laws made it back to Texas. Great grampa had five sisters, so that many b-i-l's and numerous nephews fought in the 4 th TX.Co. K. Great grampa scrapped with the bluebellies in Arkansas and Louisiana for the 15th TX.Co. F. His only brother lost a leg at the Battle of Galveston 1-1-1863, served in 13th T.V.I.R.
First visit to the battlefield was in the summer of 1972. I vividly remember climbing around the rocks at Devil’s Den with every other 10 year old boy visiting that day. To this day, I still stop and walk around the rocks there every time I visit, bringing my inner 10 year old back to life. Really enjoying this video series. I am planning to be back at the battlefield in early July will be following in your footsteps across the fields.
I hope you'll do something on black troops who fought during the civil war. After all they had the most invested in that war than anyone. And it would be interesting to see were they served and died. And as I live in Petersburg Virginia. The battle of the crater and the changes made to Burnsides plans by General Mesde out spite for Burnsides supposedly failing to support Meade in a frontal assault that probably never should never been made. Snd how Mead msde changes that caused the attack to fail. And caused a defeat that should never have happened. And how Mead placed all the blame on Burnside. And how Grant who basically knew why the attack failed relived Burnside who was sent home never to fully recover his reputation. It would be a interesting story to tell.
I have yet to see Gettysburg in person but I am basically obsessed with it because it is one of the most active as well as haunted and hallow places in American history. I have watched other videos where you can hear invisible cannons and Ghost hunters with their equipment can communicate with the residual as well as the intelligent spirits. At marker 848 there is what appears to be a mirror reflection something that you would do to identify your location in the field I'm not sure if that's a spirit because I know that that was one of their gear or is that just a reflection of the rocks? I love love this Channel!
I am so with you and Agree with you. It is a well-known active hot spot. I am afraid to say even now that the war is still continuing even to this very day in many ways. More ways than one, that includes this mask that he pointed out. That mask is also like the confederate flag. Be that as it may, it is Symbolic and not just trash so him saying that mask on the ground is just trash and throw it away after your done is kind of dissing the reason he is there in the first place. Take masks off and stop. Realize that little cloth is a symbolic confederate, soviet, or china flag waving in our country. The Haunted places are being more active because of this Human REaction, in our country. A human Response to some God-given nature thing called a virus. Glad he, History Underground is informing us again of what this country was dealing with and what transpired. We, as Americans are forgetting that what these people in the Civil War had to deal with and yet we just think this peony mask is going to protect and be our saving grace. Wake up people and realize this Civil War isn't with Guns but with words and so much more. Yes, I ranted and raving but can't people see that this land that he walked is more sacred than that mask. That is why; either that person put it there was just unaware, or very smart.
@@dianaartdent1592 i agree with alot of what you said. But JD was talking about littering in general. No matter your view point. Throw your trash in a trash can.
You guys did a *fantastic* job of filming Devil’s Den and the surrounding area by mostly keeping the paved roads out of the picture! The views of Plum Run and the approach lines of the Confederate troops are better than what one would see on the GNMP guided tours - much better feel for the real topography of the place. 🙂 The Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, the Valley of Plum Run, and the western slope of Little Round Top - within about a mile and a half radius, the bloodiest ground in North America 😢! Well Done!
I love this series and am subscribed and supporting with money. Wish I could give more! I am trying to get my grandson to watch; you are doing great work!
One story is a big ol black snake was frequently seen in around the boulders, and made his home in there.... and it was often said to be careful getting in the rocks, because the "devil may be in his den!" Now weather or not that's the true story of how the name came about, who knows....but that's the story I like! 😉
It was said to be over 20’ long. When locals went to killing large numbers of the snakes , they couldn’t get the big one. And it disappeared into its den , never to seen again. Thus the name Devils den. For the giant old devil of a snake. Here’s the story from a historian. ruclips.net/video/ZZ1g8eq9INo/видео.html
A simple thank you, for all your hard work, quest for accuracy and perspective, camera work and admitting the limitations of your own knowledge (a very rare trait these days). I admire your choices of camera shots, your applicable music and choice of subjects. I watch each of your videos with great anticipation and gratitude. By the way, thanks for pointing out the disposal of masks, it was necessary and dead on accurate. Keep up the great work, a fan in Tennessee appreciates you and your efforts.
I totally enjoy your videos and this series on Gettysburg especially so. You might consider doing one on Chancellorsville, the battle about a month before Gettysburg where Stonewall Jackson was shot. Also, like you, I am really tired of finding masks, and other trash, laying on the ground. Pick up your trash and properly dispose of it people!
Outstanding video, and well presented. We visited Gettysburg about a month before this video was posted, in April 2021. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life, especially to stand here at Devils Den and then to visit the 20th Maine position and Little Round Top. As we were walking nearing the cannon and back toward the rocks of Devil's Den our dog became very timid, tucked her tail and cowered between our legs. She did this again near the High Water Mark, but was fine otherwise. Thanks for an excellent video.
At 7:47, im a Confederate reenactor, and i took that same picture in the exact same pose when i visited. I kinda feel bad for doing it, but i even had my rifle propped up just like in the photo. I feel like his ghost/spirit was like "DONT MOCK ME!". But yep, i pretended to be dead in that exact same stop and same pose with my CSA uniform on.
I've always loved history especially the Civil War. You make it come alive! Thank you for you're amazing videos! Thank you for taking your precious time to inform us and educate us!
If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Click here: ruclips.net/user/thehistoryunderground
Thanks!
My great grandfather, Henry Smith (born 03 Jul 1846 in Hempfield Twp., Westmoreland Co., PA-- died 14 Feb 1920 in Hempfield Twp.) was a young Infantry soldier in Co. I 11th Reg., GAR. and was at the battle of Gettysburg. His name is on the Pennsylvania monument. Also, there is a statue dedicated to Co. I 11th Reg. at Gettysburg that features the regiment's mascot, a dog named Sally. I would like to hear you tell the story of this regiment. I believe they were a reserve unit(?). Or, perhaps, you could include in one of your videos some information about the animals involved in the battle, horses, mules, and mascots that belonged to key players or regiments.
Some may question "great grandfather", but, yes. Henry Smith's son, my grandfather, Lloyd Smith, was born in 1877. Lloyd Smith's son Robert Smith, who was my father, was born in 1919. And I was born in 1954. A matter of youngest son, youngest son, youngest daughter.
You are doing a great job with these videos. I have been to Gettysburg several times, but never knew half of the topics that you have covered thus far. Thank you for bringing a much needed light to this horrific event in our history. Blessings.
Have all of the confederate statues been taken down? If so, it's too bad this place has succumbed to cancel culture.
@@michaelewert8310 screw ball, none of them have been taken down, get wit the picture.
@@barryrickert6544 yet
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I agree with you about the trash. Those that do not respect those hallowed grounds do not deserve to be walking on them. Love your channel and thank you for showing us so much history. How does the quote go. If you do not learn from history, you are bound to make the same mistakes. Thank you for all you do !!!!!!!
More than likely, leftist were the culprits leaving their refuse. DA's
This man is a real teacher!
🙏🏼
I've been to Gettysburg in the spring and summer when everything is green, which intellectually you realize is what the battlefield looked like color-wise. But this is chilling because it matches the sepia-tone of the Brady photos. Thanks, guys.
Much appreciated!
Very perceptive.
Nice visit to a very haunting and hallowed location.
I knew an old English man who said 'you don't have MUCH history , but you certainly make the most of it' - truly a haunted land.
I have a couple of Brit Facebook friends. I'm always amazed at their deep, rich history. There's so much of it I cant keep all the kings straight. If they have a roman numeral behind their name I'm completely lost, lol. But we here in the U.S. do keep our history alive as best we can. But you'd never know it by the crummy TV these days. There used to be American history docs on.
@@billd.iniowa2263 they stopped teaching it in schools properly and are rewriting it at college level now too
@@dbach1025 There is a push on to make everything politically correct. Even history. Instead of teach new versions of it, they should be teaching HOW to learn history and HOW to keep it in context. These days just saying "Those were different times and you can't apply today's values to historical decision making" can get you denounced as a racist. -- Ultimately, history is the study of ourselves. If we can't look at ourselves objectively then we are just lying to ourselves, and short-changing our children's education.
@@billd.iniowa2263 agree. That's why destroying signs of history is dangerous. I dont like Confederate historical figures. They were traitors and should have all been hung as such. But we need to remember history or, like the cliche, we are bound to repeat it. If we rid the land of all reminders of evil and the like, without teaching critical thought and learning, definitely will be repeated.
@@dbach1025 Traitors are just failed revolutionaries. We always call it the civil war, but it does not fit the definition of "civil war" It was a failed revolution.
Walking devils den and peach orchard today!!!! April 17, 2023 while listening to JD👍🏻
Climbing in the Slaughter Pen brought me to tears. The horror still hangs in the air.
A very solemn place. Soaked in courage, pain and tragedy.
Thanks for including Eric in the videos. He’s great. Your styles blend together very nicely. 👏👏👏
Eric is the man!
I so appreciate you going off the beaten path to bring this battle to life. Thank you!
👍🏻
The pictures at the end were so powerful. So amazing to think what men and women went through during this battle is nothing short of amazing.
The photo at 11 min, and the other angles of the same picture, were staged, those were live men posing as dead men sometime after the battle
It's an incredibly amazing experience to walk thru Gettysburg National Military Park and survey the terrain at all the battleground locations, Ms. Powers. If you've never been there in person, and you live within a few hundred miles of it, ma'am, I'd highly recommend you travel to it someday.
This whole series has been amazing and just like all of your vids everything is always so well produced that it rivals anything ever seen on television.
Thanks!!!
Have been following you for some time.... you do a great job... especially for non-Americans who are trying to learn something of the history without the time to get into the deep details!
I appreciate that!
@@TheHistoryUnderground also... your WW2 stuff is great... that's where I found you... as an amateur historian, I envy your time to be able to visit all these places!! but really appreciate what you do!
Love how u find the spots where some of the actual wartime pictures were taken.
Wow. You have been a wonderful guide. It is so sad that the efforts of all these people who died for the freedom, are somehow forgotten by so many Americans. War is horrific anywhere, but here in our own country, the pain of it is still fresh . How primitive were their supplies compared to now.
Thanks! Hoping that people share these to help keep the history alive.
You are criminally under subscribed to, love the channel brother, great info and story telling, keep it up.
Ha! Thank you. I appreciate that. Hopefully people are sharing it out here and there 🙂
@@TheHistoryUnderground I know I do :)
Not hard to believe really. Young generations have demonized the entire history of the WBTS ! They have already taken down our beloved monuments in the South, renamed schools, streets, parks & military bases taken away our cherished anthem. Sadly, it's only a matter of time until they start demonizing the North also and all this battleground is bulldozed for condominiums, housing developments & shopping malls & highways.😰
I grew up in Richmond, Va. and lived in the Hampton Roads / Newport News for many years. Both were figured prominently in Revolutionary War as well as Civil War history, so I spent much time walking through many of the trails, trenches and earthworks that: fill the landscape of Virginia
Your calm, thoughtful narrative is just a much enjoyed part of my world.
Thank you!
It's hard to imagine the kind of pig who would just drop their garbage in a place like that.
I felt the same thing.
Those maskes were most likely lost, not thrown away or intentionally abandoned. If we were seeing generaltrash, I'd be upset as well.
Probably the same folks responsible for the fast food wrappers, beer cans and cigarette butts I find on my lawn.
We are packed to the brim with jerkoffs.
I’m pretty sure people are not leaving their trash masks laying around on purpose
They fall out of pockets and get dropped. %99.9 of the time thats what it is.
Then like yourself, we don’t want to pick up someone else’s masks during a time like this with a risk like this , but I’d think while @ place like that it would be the easiest time to pick up after someone else.
Which I sure hope someone like yourself did so.
Man! If them rocks can talk! Imagine the horrors stories that they could tell us all! Those are sacred grounds man! And im glad that they haven't been touched or removed by humans with machinery! And it should always be protected for future generations to understand what when on in that land and rocks! 🙏great job my friend and thanks for sharing this great piece of history. 🙏
I can’t believe this channel doesn’t have 1mil+ subs. I found him 2 days ago and learned more in 2 days than I did in 12 years of school.
Of course I went to school in Ga and never paid much attention. But it’s the fact that he grabs my attention and points out the small details that most would overlook.
Great job bud. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank you! Feel free to share the channel out and encourage others to subscribe :)
people just don't care about history anymore which is why our young kids are such idiots
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I went to Gettysburg for the 150th but only had a long weekend, not nearly enough time. You getting off the beaten path is an eye opener for me, and I've studied the battle. You can't understand what they saw unless you see it. That's the way I was when I crossed the field for Pickett's charge. I've got to get back up there and spend a lot more time. Keep up the great work.
You look like a reenactor thank you sir the South will rise again
@@TonyRomearound Living history events mostly. Too old and broke down for reenacting. Thank you.
@@wayneswoods8824 I'm very interested in becoming a reenactor. For the Confederate side though. How do I get involved?
@@TonyRomearound Find a unit a talk to one of the members. Just search civil war reenactment units in your area. They are all over the country.
I got goose pumps seeing Devils Den. I can’t imagine what I would feel if I was right there seeing it all. What a ugly n sad war it was. To imagine seeing all these soldiers laying on the ground does catch my breath.
To find some comfort in all of this is knowing n seeing that it’s still there n not been touched.
Your doing a fantastic job JD in presenting all of this to the viewers. Thank you for that.
( I’m with you on the mask ordeal. Everywhere you go you find masks on the ground. I do pick them up, take them home n cut em n through away. I’ve seen pictures of birds getting caught in them.) ♥️♥️😊👍👍👍
Yeah, the masks have been a bit of an ecological mess.
The pictures with numerous bodies strewn on the boulders were staged and were not corpses. Just thought I'd mention it.
@Jason B.If you're doubting the authenticity of my comment it's fairly easy to find on the internet. I looked into it at the time, but I'm not going to dig up any now.
You fellows deserve a whole lot of credit and thanks for the work you do.
🙏🏼
I remember standing at Devil’s Den when I was 12 years old in the 1960s while on a family vacation. I was fascinated by being there. There began my love of history. Thanks for taking me back there!
My pleasure!
You go to the wax museum that shown the battle in the 60s ? Dunno if they still have the display
@@speedracer1945 I don’t remember if we went to see that. It was a long time ago!
Excellent video as always JD. I can’t even imagine the horrendous smell around that battlefield with thousands of dead soldier’s and horses lying about. The residents of Gettysburg had to have thought they’d woken up in hell after the armies retreated.
Devil's Den and the slope to Little Round Top are without a doubt two of the most memorable and impressive locations, among many, to be found on a Civil War battlefield. Your video portrays the area well, but I think you might agree it's difficult to grasp just how unusual those rock formations appear unless visited in person. Another great job!
My neighbor's went to Gettysburg just for about 2 weeks in October 2024 recently they made an hour video with them exploring all of Gettysburg , I got to watch this with them , it was really fun to see someone you know going
Someplace that you are interested in , I know for sure this place is very real.
Makes me absolutely furious when people do that, it’s just complete disrespect. I actually picked up trash at the American cemetery in Normandy, made me so angry. Love the content, I did the same thing where Chamberlain made his stand; walked down the hill to see what the confederate soldiers would have seen.
Yeah, the mask trash is awful.
That's nothing. I saw with my own eyes the graffiti on both Grant's Tomb and the Soldier and Sailors Monument in Riverside Park in NYC.
A 'certain demographic', if you know what I mean, were responsible for it. It was both ironic and infuriating.
I will never forgive 'them' for it, and from that day, any sympathy I ever had for their plight was gone forever.
@@tomcarl8021 , watch the videos JD did about the military camp where Easy Company trained before going to war. Part of it is on public access land and he had to raise money to have it cleaned up because there was so much graffiti. That will make your blood boil.
I always keep those doggy pickup bags on me at all times with refills when I go to work and also on my free time.
One day I had a homeless man give me a nod after he had seen me snatch up a few articles of trash on my way into a store.
I been noticing that businesses are now starting to bring their outdoor trash cans indoor.
A while backI was at a library needing the use of their rest room and their were no paper towels and hand soap.
It turns out that people are stealing these items now.
Now I have to carry everything but the kitchen sink.
Like I said, It's now so bad that a man down on his luck gave me a nod in thanks.
The ppl who pollute it with trash are human trash themselves, Mr. Horton
My 3rd great grandfather was a 3rd corporal with Co. B, 44th Alabama. I visited Gettysburg about 20 years ago and walked the approximate route the regiment would have taken when they, along with the 48th Alabama, were detached from Law's Brigade and tasked with silencing the guns on Houck's Ridge which were pouring enfilade fire upon them as they approached the Round Tops. Much like you expressed in this video, it was a very sobering experience to approach those boulders of Devil's Den and imagine how perilous that assignment must have been. thanks for making and sharing these videos.
Fantastic video! Enjoying the series so much. Thank you for having Eric on. And for sending we history buffs in the direction of the Adams County Historical Society. So much great information.
Our pleasure!
Cant say enough how much I appreciate your content.....Civil War History is the best. Thank you again my Friend!
Thanks!
As a history nut, I really enjoy your videos. I have been to Gettysburg several times, and it is a special feeling to walk on that hallowed ground.
Glad you like them!
Needless to say I've been to Gettysburg countless times and it's my favorite place on earth, but the best time I had was hanging out at devil's den after the park had closed, it was eerie and surrealistic! I hope I can do it again
We just returned home from Gettysburg today and we visited devils den and both round tops as well as the wheatfield ,the peach orchard, plum run and the rest of the battlefield and when I faced little round top I imagined it must have rained lead just the same at the Wheatfield...I was on the verge of tears for two days ...EVERY American should visit this Hallowed ground and visitors center ...thanks for this video...well done
Yeah! I was hoping you’d post the Devil’s Den episode today. I was just there four days ago and had it all to myself. Got there early in the morning, and was able to just sit there in silence. I also swear that I heard Civil War guns off in the distance! It was pretty surreal.
Hope you picked up your mask.Just kidding.
@@johnnicatra570 haha 😛 . I was actually disgusted to see that people had dropped plastic cups and straws into some of the crevasses of the rocks. The laziness of some people is just appalling. Totally disrespectful to the soldiers who fought and died there.
Definitely had to do the den :)
I hear ya brother. If you want even more surreal---do what I have done on more than one occasion. Go to Chickamauga Battlefield and walk deep into the forest on the north of Winfrey Field (one example) at dusk and stand still. It will raise the hairs on your arm man, I swear it will. The woods there are just as tangled and thick as they were in Sept '63 and it is so quiet. That is until unfortunately a jet may fly over headed to or from that Satanic Mecca known as Atlanta and its world's busiest airport. But, that doesn't happen too often. Or early one morning at sunrise walk north along the Glenn-Kelly Road thru the Dyer Field towards Horseshoe Ridge. There, where some of the most vicious fighting of the War took place including where Gen. Hood was hit (again!), you can see herds of deer quietly observe your presence as they eat their breakfast among the mist that reverently shrouds that hallowed ground. You WILL feel it in your soul man. All those young men and boys fighting and dying for what they thought was right and spilling their life blood all over where you yourself are standing. You will swear you can hear them, see them, and smell the smoke in the air. I get it PJ, I do.
@@tennesseeridgerunner5992 That does sound very surreal! I personally believe that rocks, trees, and the earth can hold those energies from big events like the Civil War, and then the energy can be released almost in the form of a recording. Your experiences do sound like they would give someone the heebie jeebies.
As ever, a wonderful, absorbing, arresting and sympathetic presentation. No surprise that The History Underground was sensitive to the overwhelming characteristic of this sector of the battlefield, which is the almost surreal power of the geology and morphology. As a citizen of the United Kingdom, my every visit to the battlefield includes a visit to the Rose Woods and Devil's Den. I am drawn by the silence of the Woods, and by the extraordinary primordial atmosphere of the Den. The weight of the ages is permanent here. Thank you THU for your unique insights and your opening of a door onto some of the most hallowed and significant ground of the United States.
Thanks for those kind words :)
I started listening to Eric and Jim's podcast this week. Very detailed and informative. I'm in the middle of the peach orchard right now. Thanks for pointing it out.
I'm really enjoying this series. Thanks for the video 👍.
Awesome! Their stuff is great. I've learned a lot.
i absolutely love civil war history! thank you for all the Gettysburg videos! I'm enjoying them very much
👍🏻
I've only been to Gettysburg once, and unfortunately I only had a few hours while passing through. I spent that time early on a summer morning at Little Round Top and Devil's Den. It was shortly after the park had opened, so there was hardly anyone there. The air was heavy, and it was eerily quiet. Even if you didn't have all the monuments there to tell you what had happened, you could still feel it. It was a humbling place to visit, knowing all the lives that were lost there. Thank you for all your fantastic history videos, I thoroughly enjoy each and every one of them. As I get older I realize that I probably won't get to a lot of these places, so I appreciate getting to see them from the perspective of another person that shares a passion for history.
Bravo! It gets you in the pit of your stomach to imagine trying to get anything done in such a place, even just to walk across it, while all the time you’re aware any moment can be your last.
Your approach today brings the individual’s experience into frightening clarity. As a viewer, we can’t be distracted by trying to keep up with a description of regimental or corps movements; you are in touch with being one person trying to think clearly while under fire.
Very well said.
Thanks for those words.
Some of us watch these videos with goose bumps and a lump in the throat. Others who are actually there throw their trash on this hallowed ground and walk away.
True story. We have to do better.
Walked that same ground several times JD, unfathomable of how this ground lays with the boulders and getting through it and firing as you go.
Can't even imagine.
I did the same! Glad I wasn't there back then
I been to Devil's Den many times. With it being so small an area it is very hard to imagine large scale fighting there.
I've been intrigued about the civil war since I was 16. I read whole library's civil war books. I went to Gettysburg and laid where the "sniper" laid. I try and look at the pictures and find me in them and them in us from that time period, the pictures of the dead and of the living. I wish so much to grasp more than we can of the time period. We are stuck with standing on the same rocks. Why cant I have been there? I have gleaned every picture of the dead for how they died. It puts it in perspective every time for me. There's a picture at devils den where the soldier eyes are hazed over. He has been struck in the head and his brains are laying next to him on the ground. If I was there I would have wished to be anywhere else I'm sure.
I laid in the same spot !
Rough. Love the history, and the great information you convey in your dialogue. It’s appreciated 🙏🏼
Wow! Even from a topology map I didn't realize until this video (just because I've never visited yet) just how close Devils Den was to the round tops. Practically on top of each other.
Yeah, they're right there together. Imagine how chaotic it was that day.
Having the high ground was critical.
Great Video and I enjoy it. Always been fascinated about Gettysburg and so much History there.
Glad you enjoyed it
These videos have been absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to visit Gettysburg later on this year.
Thanks! Hope these are helping you to prepare a bit :)
Nice snippet of a gruesome tragic area of the battlefield. It has been 44 years since I toured the fields but your series is inspiring me to return this year to revisit the park and the town itself.
A another amazing history video, I keep learning more and more with each video. Fantastic job!
I've been learning a lot too! Thanks!
I am from Lancaster, PA and my Husband and I just retuned from a road trip to Charleston, SC. On our way there I wanted to visit the Fort Fisher Museum NC because my 3X Great Grandfather, John Hambleton Styer from Lancaster, PA fought for the Union in the 203rd PA Voluntery Infantry at the 2nd campaign battle on January 15th, 1865, he was wounded during the battle and died the next day. He was buried there.
It ment a lot to go there and see where my Great Grandmother's Grandfather died.
We also visited Fort Sumpter, we got to see where the Civil War started and ended for all intentions after the fall of Fort Fisher which was the Confederate Army's main Port, once lost they no longer had a means of receiving supplies to continue the war.
It would be a great place to do a video on.
Thank you, great video👍
Another great episode. A great place to visit and imagine what it was like. Can't wait to get back out and look around more. Brother you are doing a fantastic job.
My ancestor Sgt David Alva Barnett - Company B of the 99th PA fought at Devil’s Den. It’s a special place. Thank you for this presentation video and the music.
I agree with what you said about Devil's Den being such a defensible place and yet the Confederates took it. The terrain broke up the formations and communication. I can imagine Federals firing in one direction and turning around to find Rebs behind them. It was Hell for both sides.
Can't even imagine.....
And yet, the Union took it bacl. I have some correspondence between my great great grandfather, Michael Jacobs, author of Notes on the Rebel Invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and MG Samuel Crawford, commander of the Third Division, V Corps, also known as the Pennsylvania Reserves. Pennsylvania over filled its quota of regiments for the Union Army, and most of the surplus units were concentrated in this division. Anyway, Crawford's men charged down Plum Run late in the day and retook the area. It includes a hand drawn map of the area. Probably worth something, but it will be going to the Adams County Historical Society eventually.
He also describes an attack his men made after Pickett' Charge was over. The Confedderates were seen piling up captured weapons for burning because they did not have transportation for them in the retreat. It was a limited charge meant to recapture the weapons, which included over 4.000 rifles and two cannons,
I have walked where you are walking. It is truly hallowed ground. You have hit another homerun. From the sunken train rail to the high water mark and finally, the cemetary I recall how I was constantly haunted by the number of men that died there over three days.
Woohoo! I’ve been waiting all day for this!
Well all morning! Lol
Awesome! Thanks!
You do a tremendous job with these videos. Please continue, it’s great education.
Love this series! Great work again! I am beginning to see the whole battle form up 👍
👊🏻
The Devil's Den has always been a place that I sought to visit each time I am in Gettysburg (I was assigned to the Devil Brigade - 1st ID based out of Fort Riley, KS, and our Dining Facility was called the Devil's Den - then with my lack of knowledge about Gettysburg, never understood the full reasoning behind the name). I have been several times over the years, and to learn the (much more than) stories of the Battle through your videos has brought such clarity to the events that transpired and the lives that were lost on this sacred ground. Thank you for these videos - they have been most enlightening. I hope to visit the Battlefield again in the near future - the last time I went I took my whole family and taught them perhaps the greatest history lesson they will ever have. If these videos you have produced are still available, I'd like to show them to my children when they hit high school and have a better understanding of the meaning of the place and not just a cool place where there are a bunch of cannons (they are young right now and did not fully comprehend what was being discussed). Nevertheless, I want them to grow up with an appreciation for history.
When I went on my couple field trips during high school we were not allowed to walk on devils den. We a couple kids who decided to break the rules & climb on them anyway & were caught by the chaperone & ended up receiving 2 days in school suspension & the ringleader was given 3 days out of school suspension.
Dang!
Army Vet, 20 years , spent lots of time at Fort Riley Kansas , 1st BDE 1st Infantry Division , the best place to catch chow at ? The Devils Den , Great Vid man !
Thank you for your service sir, it is well appreciated!
I have 2 relatives who both fought at gettysburg. One is gen john Bell hood. And I have the other relatives colt 1851 navy. That He used in the war
Great piece of History, thanks for sharing.
Wow!
I have 2 relatives that fought at Gettysburg myself. Both were members of 147th ny. They were both seriously wounded the first day,, serious enough they didn't fight the rest of the war. God Bless both sides,Americans all
@@davidking909 well said David. god bless
That is interesting and the Colt should be cherished. It may be a good idea to get it appraised for insurance purposes and keep it in a gun safe.
just came back from Gettysburg today. The area around Devil’s Den and Little Roundtop are my favorite parts of the battlefield.
Devils Den was one of my favorite places while we were there. Amazing job on the video and am looking forward to the next.
Awesome! Thank you!
What a terrific series this is!
Thanks!
Howdy JD! Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏼
There’s a scene in the movie Gettysburg where a badly wounded Hood describes to Lee that the ground you’re walking in the video as “The worst ground I ever saw!”
He was right :)
I've visited here, its one of the most somber places. I've ever been at, it just leaves you with a feeling of sadness and hopelessness. For the men that got slaughtered here. Rest easy warriors of the past, your story will never die.
Good job. I love Gettysburg and have been there a few times. I remember seeing the sharpshooter's nest for the first time. Wow! I had seen that picture hundreds of times and it was so eerie seeing it in person. If you can find a copy, I think it's out of print, A Strange and Blighted Land is an excellent book on the aftermath of the battle and what happened with all of the dead.
Hello from County Durham in England. I have had an interest in the American Civil War since it was covered while I was at was school many years ago. Your video's are educational and I thoroughly enjoy them. One day I hope to visit the states and visit some of these sites. Thank you
Tour that same area in 1988 ! The triangle field where 1st Texas Inf attacked I walked up the rock wall next to the tree line . Very spooky place ! There be boulders there also !!
Need to go back and do the triangle field at some point.
@@TheHistoryUnderground I was hoping you did the triangle field and where General Hood was shot and about his idea on flaking to the right ...
Those pictures say 1000 words, thanks for another great video
Thanks!
Man, I am from The Netherlands (always welcome by the way) and I also hate people just dropping masks. Thank you for mentioning it.
Definitely hoping to get there at some point. Thanks!
When I was a child, my father and I visited Gettysburg and when we arrived at devils den we were greeted by children playing all over the rock which I quickly joined in on now.
Looking back besides the fun I had playing and the memories I share with my father from that trip, what would a veteran of Gettysburg think of children playing where they had fought and lost so much...what would those who died there say, would they be happy?!? That's what I like to think may not have played out in their favor but they are remembered and the future now makes joy where such suffering occurred.
Also keep in mind as the troops moved through there, where you were pointing out your work boots being made for it. The typical army shoes of the day were just bare leather soles with a sort of horseshoe shaped cleat on the heel. So while it might have been a struggle for you, it was a disastrous mess for soldiers of the period who would be slipping all over these rocks, and for southerners that didn't have the best of footwear, even worse as any brambles would hurt their feet
Ugh. Hadn't even thought of that.
You are correct they are horrible ! One of the worst part of reenacting was wearing those boots
I love watching you and watching RUclips and it's not like television because you're walking along given this great description and all of a sudden you say and I got a throne in my knee. I'm dying thank you.
👍🏻
Devils Den was named prior to the battle by a group of kids who came across a large black rat snake which they named the devil. The rocks where it lived was his den. Henceforth called the Devils Den.
Interesting.
Sounds totally legit.
Always our favorite sport in the park! You can FEEL the rebel yell amongst those rocks . Great video thanks
I’ve been hoping you would do a video of Devil’s Den, it’s my favorite part of the Gettysburg Battlefield. I highly recommend that anyone touring Gettysburg get a copy of William Frassanito’s book, “Gettysburg: A Journey in Time.” Frassanito identified many of the exact locations of the original post battle photos and took contemporary shots of the same spot. It was a bit overwhelming at times to realize what had happened at the exact spot you were standing. Great job on this video and the whole Gettysburg series!
I'll check that out! Thanks!
Because I sometimes have the time on the weekends, I am watching your channel, the channel you suggested plus the National Park Service's channel. Thank you, very enjoyable and am achieving a higher level of learning!
Thanks! I've been learning a lot too!
The state of Texas lost 597 men trying to take devil's den
Thats amazing! That little patch of ground? Hard to imagine that many men occupying it. And there were many many more besides. Must have looked like a vision of hell.
It's amazing to me personally that my great grandfathers nephews and brother- in- laws made it back to Texas. Great grampa had five sisters, so that many b-i-l's and numerous nephews fought in the 4 th TX.Co. K.
Great grampa scrapped with the bluebellies in Arkansas and Louisiana for the 15th TX.Co. F.
His only brother lost a leg at the Battle of Galveston 1-1-1863, served in 13th T.V.I.R.
First visit to the battlefield was in the summer of 1972. I vividly remember climbing around the rocks at Devil’s Den with every other 10 year old boy visiting that day. To this day, I still stop and walk around the rocks there every time I visit, bringing my inner 10 year old back to life. Really enjoying this video series. I am planning to be back at the battlefield in early July will be following in your footsteps across the fields.
After the Gettysburg series you need to do something on Valley Forge.
That's on the list :)
I hope you'll do something on black troops who fought during the civil war. After all they had the most invested in that war than anyone. And it would be interesting to see were they served and died. And as I live in Petersburg Virginia. The battle of the crater and the changes made to Burnsides plans by General Mesde out spite for Burnsides supposedly failing to support Meade in a frontal assault that probably never should never been made. Snd how Mead msde changes that caused the attack to fail. And caused a defeat that should never have happened. And how Mead placed all the blame on Burnside. And how Grant who basically knew why the attack failed relived Burnside who was sent home never to fully recover his reputation. It would be a interesting story to tell.
Great video as always! It breaks my heart that people are so disrespectful as to trash such sacred ground as the battlefield of Gettysburg.😢
That battle leading to the rocks through the triangle was insane. Another great vid JD.
Your videos are MAGIC sir....your delivery, your thoughts....the music....smartly done
I have yet to see Gettysburg in person but I am basically obsessed with it because it is one of the most active as well as haunted and hallow places in American history. I have watched other videos where you can hear invisible cannons and Ghost hunters with their equipment can communicate with the residual as well as the intelligent spirits. At marker 848 there is what appears to be a mirror reflection something that you would do to identify your location in the field I'm not sure if that's a spirit because I know that that was one of their gear or is that just a reflection of the rocks? I love love this Channel!
I am so with you and Agree with you. It is a well-known active hot spot. I am afraid to say even now that the war is still continuing even to this very day in many ways. More ways than one, that includes this mask that he pointed out. That mask is also like the confederate flag. Be that as it may, it is Symbolic and not just trash so him saying that mask on the ground is just trash and throw it away after your done is kind of dissing the reason he is there in the first place. Take masks off and stop. Realize that little cloth is a symbolic confederate, soviet, or china flag waving in our country. The Haunted places are being more active because of this Human REaction, in our country. A human Response to some God-given nature thing called a virus. Glad he, History Underground is informing us again of what this country was dealing with and what transpired. We, as Americans are forgetting that what these people in the Civil War had to deal with and yet we just think this peony mask is going to protect and be our saving grace. Wake up people and realize this Civil War isn't with Guns but with words and so much more. Yes, I ranted and raving but can't people see that this land that he walked is more sacred than that mask. That is why; either that person put it there was just unaware, or very smart.
@@dianaartdent1592 i agree with alot of what you said. But JD was talking about littering in general. No matter your view point. Throw your trash in a trash can.
@@mrDCunningham, I am with you and thank you. Yes, Throw your trash in a trash can. I would say keep the trash til you can find a trash can.
You guys did a *fantastic* job of filming Devil’s Den and the surrounding area by mostly keeping the paved roads out of the picture! The views of Plum Run and the approach lines of the Confederate troops are better than what one would see on the GNMP guided tours - much better feel for the real topography of the place. 🙂
The Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, the Valley of Plum Run, and the western slope of Little Round Top - within about a mile and a half radius, the bloodiest ground in North America 😢! Well Done!
🙏🏼
Hello, what is that song playing at the end? Its lovely!
Agreed! I'd love to know who the artist is.
I love this series and am subscribed and supporting with money. Wish I could give more! I am trying to get my grandson to watch; you are doing great work!
I really do appreciate that! Thank you!
One story is a big ol black snake was frequently seen in around the boulders, and made his home in there.... and it was often said to be careful getting in the rocks, because the "devil may be in his den!"
Now weather or not that's the true story of how the name came about, who knows....but that's the story I like! 😉
I heard a similar story
It was said to be over 20’ long. When locals went to killing large numbers of the snakes , they couldn’t get the big one.
And it disappeared into its den , never to seen again.
Thus the name Devils den.
For the giant old devil of a snake.
Here’s the story from a historian.
ruclips.net/video/ZZ1g8eq9INo/видео.html
@@theofficialdiamondlou2418 Thank you
A simple thank you, for all your hard work, quest for accuracy and perspective, camera work and admitting the limitations of your own knowledge (a very rare trait these days). I admire your choices of camera shots, your applicable music and choice of subjects. I watch each of your videos with great anticipation and gratitude. By the way, thanks for pointing out the disposal of masks, it was necessary and dead on accurate. Keep up the great work, a fan in Tennessee appreciates you and your efforts.
Thanks! I really do appreciate that. And yes, the mask trash is awful.
I totally enjoy your videos and this series on Gettysburg especially so. You might consider doing one on Chancellorsville, the battle about a month before Gettysburg where Stonewall Jackson was shot. Also, like you, I am really tired of finding masks, and other trash, laying on the ground. Pick up your trash and properly dispose of it people!
Visited there in 2020. What a moving experience for me.
Dying in that july heat on those would be hot Boulders..... Horrible!!!!
Man, the heat.....ugh.
Outstanding video, and well presented. We visited Gettysburg about a month before this video was posted, in April 2021. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life, especially to stand here at Devils Den and then to visit the 20th Maine position and Little Round Top. As we were walking nearing the cannon and back toward the rocks of Devil's Den our dog became very timid, tucked her tail and cowered between our legs. She did this again near the High Water Mark, but was fine otherwise. Thanks for an excellent video.
At 7:47, im a Confederate reenactor, and i took that same picture in the exact same pose when i visited. I kinda feel bad for doing it, but i even had my rifle propped up just like in the photo. I feel like his ghost/spirit was like "DONT MOCK ME!". But yep, i pretended to be dead in that exact same stop and same pose with my CSA uniform on.
Could you show us
I did the same thing it freaked one of the other renactors we had with us out pretty bad
A shoutout to Eric from an Arkansas Superfan. A Bowie-knife salute! Great to see you!
One of your best episodes
Thanks!
I've always loved history especially the Civil War. You make it come alive! Thank you for you're amazing videos! Thank you for taking your precious time to inform us and educate us!
Appreciate that!
been there 3 times in my life ! iam a history nut and tis a must for any history buff ! You owe too yourself too go to Gettysburg !
This video gives me chills. Ive been to gettysburg but never got to tour what i wanted. I wanna go back!