Our Country's Fiery Ordeal

A blog about the American Civil War, written and maintained by historian Daniel J. Vermilya, author of The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (History Press, 2014) and James Garfield and the Civil War (History Press, 2015)

Dedicated to my great-great-great grandfather, Private Ellwood Rodebaugh, Company D, 106th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, killed at the Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862.

"And may an Overuling Providence continue to cause good to come out of evil, justice to be done to all men where injustice has long prevailed, and finally, peace, quiet, and harmony to come out of this terrible confrontation and our country's fiery ordeal." -- Albert Champlin, 105th Ohio, Diary entry of June 19, 1864 (Western Reserve Historical Society)

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Sunrise at Gettysburg

Yesterday I arrived back home in Ohio for the holidays and for the winter. While I won't be gone from Antietam for too long, being back home has reminded me just how fortunate I have been this past year to be able to work at such an amazing place. Before I went home, I made one last sojourn up to Gettysburg to take some sunrise photographs of the battlefield on a frigid, frosty morning. Because of the angle of the sun, I drove along Confederate Avenue on Seminary Ridge for the best views. No matter when or how often I visit, Gettysburg never fails to remind me of the magnitude of the events which took place there. While it is imperative to study, read, write, and tell the stories of our past, sometimes the best way to understand and appreciate our nation's history is to simply sit back and be a spectator on a cold December morning at Gettysburg.



Sunrise from Seminary Ridge





North Carolina Memorial


North Carolina Memorial


North Carolina Memorial


Statue of Robert E. Lee atop the Virginia Memorial


Virginia Memorial


Virginia Memorial


Virginia Memorial


Louisiana Memorial


Louisiana Memorial


Louisiana Memorial  


 Mississippi Memorial


Mississippi Memorial


 Mississippi Memorial

2 comments:

  1. Sunday afternoons wont be the same without you. It was a good year. I cant think of a better crew than ours on Sundays. I always enjoy the conversation, both serious and zany. Have a great holiday. Jim

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  2. Thanks, Jim, I will miss our Sunday afternoon chats. Although before we know it spring will be upon us and I will be back at Antietam. All the best to you and Merry Christmas.

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