RST: Gettysburg 150 Day Two July 2, 1863

Radio Smart Talk for Tuesday, July 2:

Cannon overlooks Little Round Top

Radio Smart Talk broadcast live from the American Civil War Wax Museum and focuses on July 2, 1863 -- day two of the Battle of Gettysburg.

The first day of fighting at Gettysburg took place mostly on Seminary Ridge, west of town and the Confederates carried the day.  The union army was driven back into Gettysburg but eventually staged a rally on Cemetery Hill on the south end of town. 

Union troops had been outnumbered on July 1 but more troops and new commander, Gen. George Meade arrived during the night.

Geography became more important as both sides coveted the high ground surrounding Gettysburg.

Union Gen. Gouveneur Warren realized there was a hole in the army's left flank and filled it just in time.  Warren became known as the hero of Little Round Top.  A statue stands in the spot today on the battlefield.

Union Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Union Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain also took heroic action to save the Union's left flank when his 20th Maine troops who were low on ammunition staged a bayonet charge that drove the Confederates back.

Both Warren and Chamberlain will appear on Tuesday's Radio Smart Talk.

Ben Neely, Executive Director, Adams County Historical Society will describe the July 2 events as well.

We'll also hear about the civilian life during the Battle of Gettysburg from Nancie Gudmestad of the Shriver House Museum.