Battlefield Views Page 20



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The North Carolina Monument on Seminary Ridge. As you face this monument your back is to the field of Picketts Charge and the Angle. There are five men depicted in this sculpture. The color bearer is in the background holding the colors high. In the center foreground is a soldier with a look of absolute determination on his face. Directly behind him is a young fearful soldier. To his left an old veteran is whispering in his ear urging him to do his duty. On the ground is a wounded and dying comrade pointing the way across the field.

When you turn around and face the Angle you not only know why those emotions have been captured in this sculpture. You can FEEL them. One out of every four Confederate soldiers who fell on these fields was from North Carolina. You must visit this monument. If you have any understanding at all of what went on in this field you will never forget it.
Another view of the North Carolina Monument. Each time you look at it you find something more the artist tried to convey. If you were facing in the direction of the figures in the sculpture you would be facing the Copse of Trees and the Angle. Big and Little Round Top would be off in the distance to your right. Culps Hill would be in the distance to your left. General Lee was to your immediate right down the ridge. Union cannon and Hancock's men dead ahead.
Snow covered Big Round Top on the horizon. You can clearly see the outline of the rocky crest through the barren trees. Its a carpet of green all summer. Theres a self guiding walking tour on Big Round Top. Can't imagine why its not one of the Ranger Walk's! It's a steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery climb. Once on top you'll find another monument to the 20th Maine who were sent here after their action on Little Round Top below.

Also from the top of Big Round Top as you look away from the battlefield you'll be looking in the direction of the position of the 2nd Corps field hospital. I've stood directly in front of the marker for the 2nd Corps hosptial site on a hot, muggy July day looked towards Big Round Top and wondered how many wounded Union soldiers shared that view so long ago.