Army of Northern Virginia

Chapter 1 – This poem focuses on the Army of Northern Virginia, led by Robert E. Lee, moving north to break the will of the people in the North to continue the war. A military victory in the North could have achieved this, and they could have marched on to Washington D.C. Originally, they were headed for Harrisburg. Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, was located at the intersection of important railroads. It was an important transportation and supply center. The Confederate troops of Richard S. Ewell, one of Lee’s Generals leading the Second Corps, threatened the area around Harrisburg before they were called south to fight at Gettysburg.

by Christopher Rudolph © 2015

Army of Northern Virginia

Chapter 1 – Army of Northern Virginia Marches North

 

The third summer

Of the Civil War, June, 1863

Army of Northern Virginia marches north

From Dixie led by Lee

 

Provisions and plentiful food

Robert E. Lee wants to acquire

Political battle victory

Confederacy desires

 

60,000 crack infantry

Equipped for warfare

Move stealthily on the tramp

Behind the Blue Ridge frontier

 

By end of month

Panic, rage, despair

Closes in on Harrisburg

Within North’s own lair

 

The Union Army

They have come to destroy

In the land North of Washington

It’s part of their ploy

 

For then they foresee

The war will cease

On Lincoln’s desk

Place ultimatum of peace

 

From Jefferson Davis

Demanding recognition

Of the Southern Confederacy

Or face total demolition

 

Go to Chapter 2

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Battle of Gettysburg Poem

A ballad poem about the unexpected and miraculous victory of The Union.

 

             Charge of the 1st Minnesota

 

“Christopher Rudolph exercises his study of the Confederacy’s invasion of Pennsylvania to create a poem. He relates the story of the campaign and Battle of Gettysburg with insight and care for detail. It will appeal to the student and the enthusiast.” –  Donald J Frey – Civil War Author, Longstreet’s Assault – Pickett’s Charge, In The Woods Before Dawn, The Adventures of Daniel Buchwalter in the Western Army, and others.

A “Monumental piece.” Janet Morgan Riggs – President of Gettysburg College

“Excellent, and a great way to get students interested in history! It’s extremely creative, and a great approach to teaching.” – Diane Zazzali DeBella – Writing Professor at University of Colorado

 “I loved it. Quite a tour de force.” – Judy Hammer – High School English and Drama Teacher

This battle was fought for three days from July 1st to July 3rd, 1863. It is estimated that there were over 50,000 casualties in the two armies fighting (28,000 from the Confederate Army and 23,000 from the Union Army). It was the bloodiest battle of the entire Civil War.

Battle of Gettysburg Poem

by Christopher Rudolph © 2015

Chapter 1 – Army of Northern Virginia

Chapter 2 – Army of Potomoc

Chapter 3 – Colonel Chamberlain

Chapter 4 – General Buford

Chapter 5 – The First Shot

Chapter 6 – Buford Day 1

Chapter 7 – Railroad Cut

Chapter 8 – Chamberlain Day 1

Chapter 9 – Buford Night 1

Chapter 10 – Chamberlain Day 2

Chapter 11 – General Longstreet

Chapter 12 – Charge of 1st Minnesota

Chapter 13 – Charge of 20th Maine

Chapter 14 – Little Round Top

Chapter 15 – Culp’s Hill

Chapter 16 – Longstreet Night 2

Chapter 17 – Chamberlain Day 3

Chapter 18 – Longstreet Day 3

Chapter 19 – East Cavalry Field

Chapter 20 – Pickett’s Charge

Chapter 21 – Bloody Angle

Chapter 22 – The Aftermath

Chapter 23 – The End

Battle of Gettysburg Quizzes

Battle of Gettysburg Commanding Officers Quiz

Battle of Gettysburg Printable Crossword Puzzles

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