Gettysburg National Battlefield: Virginia Monument, looking across to the Copse of Trees , the ultimate destination of Pickett's Charge

The Roaming Baur was here, but was resting in the shade, behind the photographer. This pic shows the route of Pickett's Charge: the Virginia Monument marks one of the stepping off spots; the copse of trees (the clump of trees just to the right of center in the pic) approximately 1000 yards away across this open field was the ultimate destination of Pickett's Charge. Imagine 12-14,000 men walking across that open expanse, totally exposed to cannon fire and rifled muskets. Approximately half that number returned. Unbelievable. Brian and I walked the route of Pickett's Charge, and back, just like they did that day. Temperature was in the nineties for us, just as it was that fateful day in 1863. An awe-inspiring experience. Highly recommended for any student of The Civil War.