Believe it or not, some folks love to hate Gettysburg. We’ll hear from them when this one hits the mailboxes and newsstands. On the other hand, Gettysburg has an almost cult following that consumes anything that might lead to a deeper understanding of the battle, its characters and causes, and its what-ifs. To be sure, it’s the one that hooked me years ago, and I still get excited when I go there.

Gettysburg’s a unique battlefield where guides are licensed and can make a living giving tours. Without a license you’re not supposed to be conducting any type of tour within park boundaries. You have to pass a rigorous test to get a license, and after that you have to pass an even harder test—satisfying the well informed public with your skills as a guide and historian.

For example, having someone to guide you through the complicated action in the Wheatfield is a necessity. Stuart R. Dempsey, a Licensed Battlefield Guide (LBG) making his B&G debut, is an authority on the action. Stuart has a great opportunity to leave a lasting mark at Gettysburg. He should make a detailed map study of the Wheatfield at ten or 15 minute intervals. It would have to be a computerized study to be feasible, and I’ll be first in line to get one if he creates it.
Another LBG contributing his vast knowledge to this issue is Tim Smith, a veteran of B&G’s Gettysburg issues. He did a study of visible battle damage in the Borough of Gettysburg. While strolling about town, his tour will have you gawking at things high up sticking out of walls, so watch your step.

As promised, we have LBG Andie Custer squaring off with cavalry historians Eric Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi after her revision of Farnsworth’s Charge in last year’s Gettysburg issue. Eric and J. D. are advocates of the traditional version of the charge. Maps of both versions are shown side by side to aid your understanding of events and interpretations. Walk the ground, study the accounts, and reach your own conclusions.

editor