A Park, an Institute and an opinion

 WARNING: The following blog expresses opinions.

Some very nice news crossed this computer screen last month: The Little Round Top area at the Gettysburg National Military Park will be open for visitors when we go there in June.

          The Park is in the midst of a major repair-and-expand project at both LRT and the Devil’s Den areas. LRT was expected to be closed by early June so the workers could continue their work. But now the closure is not expected until July. If you value the Park, then you understand how important the project is. Still, it would have been disappointing to visit the battlefield and not spend time on that famous, little hill. If you ever get there, sit on a rock and listen. You can learn a lot.

          The visit to LRT will be just the beginning of an extraordinary week in Gettysburg. Two days after we arrive, the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College will begin. The CWI is an annual conference, a gathering of the best-known scholars in the field and a lot of enthusiasts. The CWI will draw better than 400 attendees this year. Whether that’s a record or not, it’s a big bunch of folks. For many of us, it is the highlight of the year.

          One of the highlights this year will be a roundtable debate about Confederate General James Longstreet, the best general the Union side had. Yes, Longstreet was a Confederate. Yes, it says here that he was the best soldier of any rank the UNION army had. There are many who disagree with that assessment. The roundtable roster will include no less than four all-stars: Gary Gallagher, Carol Reardon and Jeffrey Wert are the panelists and Peter Carmichael will moderate. This panel and topic would attract 400 attendees if it was the only topic of a one-night argument. In fact, if it WAS a one-night event, a hockey game might break out over seating. Each year, parts of the CWI are carried live on one of the CSPAN networks. If this panel is part of that coverage, you don’t want to miss it on Sunday, June 12. Consult your local listings.

          Each year the CWI includes lectures, chances to dine in a small group with a scholar to discuss a specific topic and tours of both the Gettysburg battlefield and others. If you like history, especially Civil War history, you should at least watch on CSPAN.

          Gettysburg is an unusual place. The battlefield lends itself to photography, even though it is not a haven for artists. Its history is such that it draws millions of visitors. No American military event, save possibly the Battle of the Bulge and the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, has been researched so completely.

          So, add Gettysburg to your bucket list. Watch the CWI on CSPAN, especially the Longstreet discussion. American history is right here at home and it is waiting for you to come visit.

          Thanks for reading.