Devil's Den - Ranger Matt Atkinson
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2014
- No place on the Gettysburg battlefield is as unique as the jumbled pile of boulders known as Devil's Den. A tourist attraction even before the battle, it would go down in history as the scene of some of the most confusing and violent combat of the entire American Civil War. Join Ranger Matt Atkinson as he explores this singular place.
Matt is a fantastic lecturer. His talks on this series are the best of all.
To the NPS, Your ranger Matt Atkinson held me riveted in his tour of the devils den and Little Round Top...I was so impressed with his knowledge with the battles in general, but his vivid accounts of soldiers and officers I never heard of and there accounts of the battle.....was incredible...... please convey my appreciation and admiration for Ranger Atkinson.
Listening to Matt is like reading Shelby Foote they are both the best.
I love this ranger
@@charlesmitchell3434 Great analogy, sir!
Charles Mitchell Bygt
Appropriate. Shalom
The man is an excellent speaker. And his down home personality endears him to his audience. Great job.
Plus his enthusiasm and energy and ability to paint an action picture with words : 👏🏼
@@lespangen His narration's so vivid that he makes you feel as if you're actually in his tour group, Ms. Spangenberg👌 He's an excellent speaker💯
I love this guy! He makes history not only come alive, but he also makes it current. You are there!
Brilliant. Matt's story of the Devil's Den fighting reminded me of Col Carden of the 16th Royal Welsh Fusiliers. As part of the 38th (Welsh) Division they attacked Mametz Wood during the Battle of the Somme. Waiting for the attack the men sang hymns, in Welsh of course, and Carden said "Boys, make your peace with God. We are going to take that position and some of us won't be coming back, but we are going to take the position." He tied a handkerchief to his walking stick and said, "This will show you where I am" and led the battalion forward. The had about 500 yards to go into German rifle and machine gun fire. Carden was hit twice but kept going. He was hit for a third time and killed just as his men broke into the German position which they captured. Heroism and leadership doesn't change.
I love the way he works the children into his presentation of the geography and tactics. A real history lesson they will remember.
It's good he incorporates them into all or mist of his battlefield narratives, Mr. Marler
Oops....most
Yep this gentleman is a great guide.
I've visited Shiloh which was fought 93 years before my birth on the 6th of April - the NPS Ranger was "good" but Matt Atkinson is great presenting here. As a native Texan, and retired US Army Infantry Officer I appreciate what these men did under the worse conditions in combat.
I'm from outside of Houston in Northwest Harris County. Been to Gettysburg, for the 145th anniversary reenactment.
Walked the route of my ancestors through Devils Den and up Little Round Top.
Took a lot of gumption to try and scale those heights under tremendous fire!
My birthday is three days prior to Shiloh on the 100th anniversary.
I hope you made it through this Covid-19 mess. I don't mean to be nosy, but did you happen to participate in WWII?
Many thanks for your military service, sir. I was an infantryman myself for 3 years in Ft. Benning, Ga.... 11th Bravo
I'm a big fan of Ranger Atkinson myself. Like his presentation style and humor tossed into the mix
Funny thing is Matt has a unbalancing effect on every other park ranger in the United States. Any history buff? We've seen even one a presentation of Matt now wants to have the park rangers that he sees as funny as Matt and is let down when he's not
Gettysburg battlefields are a must see. It is indeed hallowed ground. Much respect for all soldiers who fought.
I just got back last week from Gettysburg and Washington DC. I could only spend a day in a half at the battlefield. I would recommend about 4 or 5 days minimum. I will be going back someday
@@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862 yeah you know it wasn't brutal only 23,000- 28,000 people were killed along with 3,000-5,000 horses
@@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862 I counted overall not just killed but was more wounded than missing or captured. 2,592 Confederates were killed but there is good reason to believe that the amount is underestimated
@@mikegrey5663 "Union casualties were 3,155 killed while Confederate casualties are more difficult to estimate. Many authors have referred to as 4,708 killed"- Busey and Martin, p. 125. (Wikipedia)
@@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862 feel like I just said that about the Confederate casualties. My info came from a book on the battle of Gettysburg called Gettysburg a test of courage
I watch everything this guy does. I want to fly to Gettysburg just to visit the field listen to him live. I didn’t even think much of the Civil War until I discovered his videos. Now I’m fascinated. I don’t think the Battlefield could have hired a better person for the job. I hope they treat him right.
we are blessed to live close... appreciate that even more... seeing posts like yours!
you guys have a hell of a story teller here. very personable and funny. great job.
Love this guy. He enjoys his work.
Agreed!!!!😬👍👏🏻👏🏻
Matt Atkinson is tremendous
I wish he could host a History show he would be great at it.
He signed my book I was there july 1-3, two years ago we did picketts charge battle walk!
My middle name is Atkinson
This guy knows his shit and can make a perfect, uninterrupted delivery. Good man.
This guy needs a TV show.
Every time this man speaks........he speaks for every single man that fought that battle. Love his skill set, he is very good at what he does. He is a credit to American history and the National Park Service. God bless him.
As the 2nd great grandson of Sgt. James R. Bennett, Co. C, 20th Indiana Volunteers, I am without sufficient words to properly express my thanks for informative and emotional presentation of the details of he and his comrade's valor at Rose Woods. So, as trite as it seems, I'll simply say, "Thank You" and, "Job Well Done,". Bill Keener
Well said. Hope you are well.
Your words couldn't have been more carefully chosen, Mr. Keener
Hope you're doing well, too👍
@@michaelvaughn8864 Thank you. I'm well.
@@magwakeener Glad to hear it, sir🙂
I meet the man the myth the legend, Matt Atkinson at the visit center yesterday. he was doing a live talk about medical and surgical practices of the war. best live historian I've seen in years
I have been to Gettysburg and took the tour with him. He is one of the nicest most knowledgeable Park Ranger I have ever met. He is one of the best .
Whoo were there other knowledgeable park rangers and where were they from?
This man taught me that going to wikipedia is not reliable, i watched this and now i understand everything. Thank you. Briliant man and a great tour i would love to attend in the future
Matt Atkinson is indeed a fantastic and knowledgable presenter! Still I can't help think of the irony that Matt a Missipp Southerner is in complete knowledge of Union Troop movements at Gettysburg. :) Matt truly brings the battle alive for viewers and tour goers. Thank you.
As a former tour guide at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California....I must applaud and express my enjoyment of Ranger Atkinson's talk on Devil's Den. In my eyes, a successful Ranger or tour guide is part historian, part comedian, and part entertainer. I've enjoyed Ranger talks from Yosemite to the Shilo Battlefield, and from when I was a youngster thru today at 63 years of age. We are so fortunate to have a NPS and staff, that are dedicated to preserving this history for generations to come. Thank you so very much.
I’ve been to Hearst Castle many times! I always love it.
I love this guy, Awesome historian and storyteller. Entertaining and evocative. Insight is everything in historical recitements. I've been to Gettysburg many times and I love the place with all my heart.
I go to Gettysburg every year in May and always come back home again with new knowledge about the battles learned from battle guides. Gettysburg is 690 miles from my home
I love Matt! He is funny, loves what he does and I would go on any tour with him! I am catching up on all his walks from last year here on RUclips....YOU GO MATT! People need to be less serious and have some fun along with learning history! Live life to the fullest, laugh a little...damn people!
Yes he is excellent at what he does. My heart goes out to those brave soldiers who fought so valiantly on that hot July day. Little water,the acrid smoke,the noise of men and horses,it was a bad day for American men.
Ranger Matt has carried me through the lockdowns. Thank you.
Wow, Matt Atkinson has given us a splendid account of the Devil's Den area of the Gettysburg Battlefield. I could practically hear the cannon fire, see the Rebs coming down the hill in the far distance, smell and peer through the smoke of Rose's Woods and see heroism in the Triangular Field. All leading up to why the Rebs controlled Devil's Den and the Yanks Little Round Top. Very well done; I am a native Pennsylvanian and visited Gettysburg several times as a youngster and young adult. I now live in FL and it was great to see my beautiful home state and excellent battle interpretation by Matt. Thank you sir, for your hard work and kindness; you also knew how to involve the kids which is always good for instilling a love of American history. Just as we toured the battlefield as middle schoolers during its Centennial in 1963, the tradition of teaching children about our history continues over 50 years later. Awesome!
Matt is a good tour guide,very entertaining.
Had the privilege of meeting Matt while at the park last weekend. A great guy. Reccomend him 100%
I have seen all of these GNMP videos and have seen Matt in person and can honestly say that he is one of my favorite instructors of civil war history. Like many have already posted on here, Matt is very entertaining and very knowledgeable making his tours well worth watching and seeing. Keep up the great work Matt!!
My wife and I just left Gettysburg and by watching these videos by this ranger, we relived the battle on July 2, 1863. I was in complete awe to be on the battlefield.
Mr. Akinson is without a doubt very entertaining as well as very educational.
The GNP and all of us are very fortunate to have Park Ranger's with such knowledge, passion, and a good mix of humor.
"As Good As It Gets."
BRAVO ZULU
Park Ranger Matt Atkinson is wonderful.
Everyone who loves history has had a teacher or professor like this.
Had a 7th grade Texas history teacher who very knowledgeable, and her passion for the States history of all aspects kept me very attentive.
Always made A's on test & report card every six weeks. I never asked her if her ancestors where part of the "Old Three Hundred" who were the first Anglo families who migrated with Stephen F.Austin to the west of Houston in the lower Brazos River Valley.
Sorry for that run-on sentence.
Matt is so passionate about these events. He puts you right in the middle of the action. Acrid smoke and horses breath, rushing off into a certain death
I love Civil War history. I am so enthralled to find this man's guide who combines the knowledgevof a PHD with the down to earth narrative of a feet on the ground regulsr person. Exemplary. Thank you sir?
He is great.
Makes history "fun."
Very well spoken. It was like being there in the middle of the battle myself. Breathtaking!!!!
What a world we live in. Seriously. I can see Hood looking through his binoculars and seeing a car driving around Devil's Den! It's funny, because I remember being the age of those kids and just not caring...But now at 27, I've just become obsessed with the Civil War. The Killer Angels pretty much changed my life. If Longstreet actuall got through to Lee and let Hood go around Big Round Top, who knows what would have happened. So many what-ifs! This was FANTASTIC. Got comfy and watched the whole thing with maps up on my ipad.
Andrew Joseph I agree. Just got back from Gettysburg and I thought it was going to be kinda blah..(I mean its just a field). Actually it was fascinating and I wish I could have stayed a few days to see everything. So crazy to think of so many lives lost on the very ground your standing on and how it could have changed the future so dramatically. Highly recommended for any history buff.
+Andrew Joseph
Shrugs... this happens in every battle in every war. What makes Gettysburg unique is the massive amount of documentation, i.e. memoirs, letters, etc, we have on all the players.
If Longstreet had got through to Lee, they never would have attacked on that field that day. Longstreet wanted to re-deploy - probably to Frederick, MD in the hopes of taking a defensive position.
I once biked across the Manassas battlefield and felt much the same. I don't think it's a matter of how well a battle is documented. Rather, it's the fact that a lot of men fought and died in a particular place.
All things considered, Frederick strikes me has having been a much more expeditious place for the Confederates to have fought than was Gettysburg.
This man has the art of storytelling down. I clicked on a video to see what Devil’s Den looks like and an hour later...
Ranger Atkinson should be given a commendation by the NPS! Brilliant man. Incredibly knowledgeable. NPS is very fortunate to have a man with that kind of humor and zeal for what he willingly shares with we less knowledgeable civilians. 👏
And THIS ladies and gentlemen is how you teach history. Matt Atkinson is incredibly gifted.
Matt seems like a very nice guy
I visited Gettysburg for the first time ever this week. Made the 9hr drive down from MIchigan. Even though I only spent 3 days at this historic site I want to come back and stay for a month. There is so many monuments to read and other places I did not get to visit. I have always been a big Civil War buff since I was a kid. This past week when I was in Gettysburg it was very emotional and moving experience for me. To walk on the hollowed grounds of cemetery hill, little round top Devils Den and walking through the wheat field. I could only imagine what the soldiers from both sides went through. Things I learned more about that were never taught in school. Things I learned not only what the soldiers went through but what the towns people had to endure once the battle there was over not only caring for the wounded but the smell of the rottting bodies that still lay out in the open. I am so glad I was able to visit such a historic place and look forward to doing it again.
The reason to have all of these videos - we're packing up the whole family and taking an RV to visit Gettysburg. I know Matt has worried that it would stop people from coming.
This guy is the best story teller ever, I was riveted and I'm not even an American.
Here's a man who loves his job, and has a penchant for entertaining as well as educating park visitors. Bravo, sir, and thank you.
Mr. Atkinson did an outstanding job!!! We were in Gettysburg Oct 2013 when the government had the parks shut down. We was able to see a little but not a lot. Still an awesome place to see where so much history took place and soldiers died for what they believed in.
the guides at the park are all very knowledgeable and we should remember both sides and their efforts to fight for what truly they thought was right, these guides express themselves well and we should give these guides thanks for reminding us of the sacrifices both sides made, so to both sides thank you, rest in peace.
I watched so many of these videos before ever going to the battlefield. Matt was always my favorite and I will be damned if the first person I ran into was him. He met me in the parking lot and proceeded to tell me all kinds of things I needed to see. He is a credit to the park.
What a SUPERB narration!! You can feel this Ranger's passion for the history of Gettysberg. Great stuff. 👍👏👏👏👏👏
Yes I love Matt too. I also liked Jim Martin who sadly passed away this year. He told me that I should take the test to go into the nps because I've been going to Gettysburg for so long and know so much about it
Scott Avellino did you take the test?
Yes! Another Matt Atkinson video :D
LZRD WZRD I
Matt is the best and I couldn't enjoy his presentation of the Battle any more than I do. Give him accolades and a nice raise in pay. Thank you Matt.
Getting an in-depth explanation of the strategies and the formations employed in the battle is fascinating.
I will watch more of these. Thank you for uploading these videos.
That was absolutely amazing. You sir, Matt Atkinson were amazing. You kept me thoroughly enthralled for over an hour. You have heart, you have love, and you have compassion for your job and for that hollowed ground. You sir, are an amazing man thank you very much!!!
Watch this every year. Great job 👏🏻
Excellent video - thanks for posting NPS.
This man is an amazing man. His knowledge of his subject and ability to teach it make it so interesting. He's a excellent communicator
I dig Matt's humor,in his presentations,this was the first of many times I have taken in his videos.
My ancestors fought at Devils Den,4th Texas,Company K,Hood's Texas Brigade.
I like his welcoming comment to the yankees at the beginning,cuts the ice quickly.
This is the first Matt Atkinson video I've seen. He's delightful. I'm going to watch all the others. I wish my history teachers in high school and college had been as engaging as Matt.
the smoke hanging out heavyer then a ledzepplin concert got me good lol🤣😂
Must be a Southern Country boy thing Matt.I am from North Carolina and when I was a kid,me and my older brother and cousin played Civil War in my grandparent's cow pasture!..lol 😄
We use to play Civil War on Petersburg battlefield park. That was in the 60’s. We ran up and down the trenches but now it’s frowned upon.
Matt is a great curator ...really enjoy watching him..
I know, I'm about 4 years late on finding this but really well done. Thank you for sharing.
I'm going through all these Gettysburg walks and talks and so far Ranger Matt is my favorite. He has his own style that gives that little extra to the information he presents and you can tell he loves his job in a dozen different ways. Like how the interruption of the cars passing and interrupting his presentation irk him. If I was in his shoes I know by the sixth time of giving this presentation boredom would be setting in and I would be speaking in mono tone. Even wilting in a hot sun his presentation is fresh.
He is Amazing! I do look forward to returning to Gettysburg again! Hopefully he'll still be there!
He’s a super star narrator incredibly well- versed in his subject and passionate about it ( I’m watching all the NPS / Gettysburg you tube snippets he is presenting solely for the entertainment value 🙏👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Matt again you are awesome! I love your enthusiasm to teach the history of this important battle and your respect and reverence for the participants thereof. I also love your witty humor! Plz continue to use your gift to tell people what happened here! You are amazing! Thank-you!
Again, Ranger Matt is a perfect tour guide, this guy gives you all the details but without making your brain explode with history knowledge. And also just a heads up even though this is like a 6 year old video, “orbs” is a ghost hunting term, it’s quite literally floating orbs
Very interesting, I would like to visit that battlefield one day along with other less well known ones. Mr Atkinson makes a great informative guide to this battlefield.
This man really knows how to tell a story. He really brings these special events to life. Gave me goosebumps. I hope I can go there in person someday.
Mr Atkinson has had me enthralled for a hour Very knowledgeable and a bit of a humorous raconteur on a subject could otherwise be a bit dry.
I loved the presentation and the Led Zeppilin reference. Seriously, this presentation held my attention and I learned. Thanks so very much.
I know I will never make it to Gettysburg. The kids would never sit in the car that long! I find this very interesting however! Thanks Matt!!
Send the kids w your in laws or parents for a few days. It’s a beautiful place and fascinating story behind the battle itself. The battlefield has been protected and preserved so it’s pretty much intact from what it was in 1863. You should go if u can
YEAH Bonnie, Take those kids and go. Don't miss out on an experience that money can't buy, and all you have to do is show up! People show up from all over!
I would love to see Ranger Atkinson give a battle walk of the 1st day
Matt you really bring history to life for all ages. I have studied the civil war for decades and though I have taken courses in military tactics, and as a lawyer I have developed strong reading comprehension, I have personally found Gettysburg one of the most complicated battles of the entire civil war. However, Ranger Matt has explained so much I did not understand and furthered my comprehension well beyond ANY BOOK! I cannot thank you enough Ranger Matt- and by the way keep those southern expressions coming- you in fact, through your hard work and entertaining insight, bring honor also to the unsung vanquished foe. You insure our history is never repeated by it not being forgotten. Thank you Ranger Matt.(from a Kentuckian who loves American history). 🇺🇸
History doesn't have to be boring. Love this Ranger.
Matt Atkinson is fantastic. I was captivated by his presentation. I learned things which i had never heard of before. Huzzah, Matt!!
Matt Atkinson's telling us about Devil's Den was OUTSTANDING. I have been o DD many times. Through him i have a better understanding of this sacred ground
My Great Grandfather was Sgt. Thomas Stephens of Company K, 20th Indiana. He records this fight in his diary. The hand written diaries were transcribed by my Great Uncle Frank Stephens at the University of Kansas. Thomas saw Colonel John Wheeler shot down. His brother Jimmy was also in the ranks. Thomas records that the 20th stood the actual attack for about 15 minutes when about 50 percent of the regiment were shot down from fire by the 3rd Arkanasas. He retreats with no ammunition and takes a hit in the cartridge box on his hip. He's assisted off the field by comrades. He loses track of Jimmy. The rest of the story is, Thomas and Jimmy both live. Thomas will meet the Texas Brigade again in the Wilderness. And he would live to end of his enlistment in August 1864. So Greetings from the great grandson of a survivor of this fight. A tip of my hat to Arkansas and thank you to Matt Atkinson for the detailed account.
Matt Atkinson is an excellent interpreter and explainer of battles. He could be a great presenter of a TV series of War Walks, looking at a lot of different battles around the world through history. great format there.
This is really my first in depth study of this fight in this place. A true learning experience.
I recommend the book titled The Second Day at Gettysburg. This is a blow by blow account of the individual units down to the regimental level of the events unfolding on the second day. It will impress you of the closeness of the battle and the twists and turns it took favoring both the Union and the Confederate armies. I would read the book with detailed battle maps as it is very detailed and unless one knows the ground it would be very hard to follow.
I will read that. There were 3 Harrison s in the Neshoba County Rifles. 1 killed, 1 wounded, and my great great grandfather got out unscathed. Thinking about Picket's, the entire battle is beyond me. The plac you pointed out for the New York men, I yield him to his country and his God, says much. I have served in the armed forces and I cannot imagine doing what they did.
There's a number of books with that name in the title. Who is the author? Do you know? Thanks
50,000 soldiers did not die in that battle. It was close to 4,000 Confederate dead and little over 3,000 Union dead.
@@tomcockburn653 all together there was 51,000
Thanks for posting the tour on RUclips. Matt Atkinson is a very clear and concise speaker, I like the fact that he stops at specific landmarks which you can see on google street view. If you watch the video while on google maps you'll get the feel as if you were actually at the battle field with the guide speaking.
Enjoying all the videos from the Gettysburg battlefield. Thank you Matt and all Gettysburg NPS staff your work and for posting these.
It is a beautiful finesse of Ranger Atkinson swinging from light humor to the titanic struggles of men battling one another for military advantage. Mr. Atkinson interesting tales is complimented by the fine editing that keeps the stories and crisp and sharp. Thanks.
Ranger Atkinson, you are indeed a gift to us all and especially to the memory and honor of these brave soldiers. And whatever they’re paying you, it isn’t enough! Thank you so much for making this come alive for us!
This is a very well done tour, get this man a raise!
My fifth great-grandfather fought in the devil's den and on Little round top. I've read his papers and he said that he knew he was never going to hell because he had already been there. He said it wasn't so much as a fight as it was just murder!
Matt and Gary Cross are two of the best working there.
LOL I love how he interacts with the camera as well. I cant wait to go back
I loved watching history unfold from this video....great ranger bringing the story to life.
This man is amazing. I learn something new everything whether in person or thru these videos. A must see at Gettysburg.
Great storytelling! If something ever happens to demand a biopic on Ranger Atkinson... I think we can all agree Walton Goggins should portray him.
An excellent presentation giving credit to both US and CSA soldiers alike. The one cause they all fought was to win that day and then to save their lives. How could so many face death and walk to meet it in that narrow, deadly place? Ranger Atkinson takes only one side: Historical Accuracy. Along the way he teaches the meaning of Valour! Thank you.
I absolutely love this ranger! Incredible knowledge and the story telling of the battles is just aww inspiring!!
This man is my favorite guide. Great storyteller!
He is an Outstanding guide and enjoy his kindness in bringing the kids into it which makes it more exciting for them! Well done, Sir !
I wish I had watched this before I visited Gettysburg last weekend. Another reason to go back there. Great presentation on this video.
Amazing narration of the story of the 124th NY. He really brings it to life. Was riveted all the way through.
Matt does a supper job of bringing information to the 1st timer, or the old hand Gettysburg visitor, he,s always up and gives a great talk... and does it all without notes or proms...