Gettysburg--The Second Day

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The second day's fighting at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, was a pivotal engagement in the Civil War. Harry Pfanz, a former historian at Gettysburg National Military Park, offers a comprehensive account of this brutal combat. He introduces the key figures and units involved, analyzing the strategic intentions of Lee and Meade, and detailing the concentration of forces around Gettysburg. The narrative focuses on the tactical plans and troop deployments leading to the battle, emphasizing the fierce fighting that unfolded. Pfanz meticulously recounts the Confederate assaults at Devil's Den, Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, the Peach Orchard, and Cemetery Ridge, alongside the Union defense that ultimately thwarted these attacks, denying Lee victory. The book delves into long-debated decisions and events, particularly the Meade-Sickles controversy and Longstreet's delay in attacking the Union left. Enhanced by thirteen maps, over eighty illustrations, and profiles of key commanders, the work provides insights into artillery, weapons, and tactics. Pfanz's expertise is evident, drawing from a wealth of sources including Official Records, regimental histories, personal accounts, and his extensive knowledge of the battlefield. His tenure as a park historian ensures a deep understanding of both the terrain and the battle itself, making this account a likely classic in Civil War literature.