Addressing Gettysburg

Isn't Gettysburg history so interesting, the more you dig into it? We think it is. And this one is something we would have loved to witness. 
In 1922, the US Marine Corps was fighting for its life. Many in Washington, including the Commander-in-Chief, wanted to disband the Marines even though they fought valiantly in WWI. So, the Marines campaigned to stay alive by showing the American People who they are and why they're needed. 
General John A. Lejeune had two goals for the Marine Corps. He wanted Marines to become better fighters by learning from past wars and testing new ways to fight. But he also wanted the American people to see the value of the Marine Corps at a time when some people were questioning whether the country even needed it.
Instead of holding military exercises in places far from the public, Lejeune wanted to bring the Marines to famous historic sites where people could watch them train. As Gunnery Sergeant Thomas E. Williams explained, the Marines could practice working with artillery, armor, and aircraft while also putting themselves in front of the American public.
Gettysburg was a perfect place to do it. At the time, Gettysburg and other national battlefields were still controlled by the U.S. War Department. That meant they could be used for military training.
General Smedley D. Butler took command of the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, in June 1920. He is credited with the idea of holding these exercises on famous American battlefields. Butler believed the Marines could study the decisions made by Civil War commanders, practice their own skills, and give the public a chance to see the Marine Corps in action.
The idea was simple: train the Marines while also showing Americans why the Marine Corps mattered.
LBG Rich Kohr joins us to talk about this lesser-known event in Gettysburg's history.
Check out Rich's presentation from the COVID days https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjR_Z8ZWHm8&t=4401s
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg
Grab some merch: https://heritage-depot.myshopify.com/
Get yer Little Ground Top and start your day the Gettysburg way: www.addressinggettysburg.com/cafe
Donate to The Digital History Pioneers Foundation: www.dhpioneers.com

September 19, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
Union vs. Confederate Artillery on July 3, 1863
Led by LBG Lewis Trott
What decisions made by either side were most impactful on the outcome of the July 3 fight? Were there any advantages lost by decisions made by artillery commanders?
Park where legal with all 4 wheels on the pavement.
Meet at Zeigler's Grove near Woodruff's Battery

Limited to 40 seats
Deadline to donate: August 29 @11:59pm 
Field Study at Valley Forge Fall Fundraiser 
Led by historian Ken Gavin
Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13, 2026
Join us for a special weekend exploring the history of the Valley Forge encampment through its military, political, economic, social, and cultural significance. Led by historian Ken Gavin, this fundraising field study will include rarely visited locations, well-known landmarks, and fascinating connections between Valley Forge and Gettysburg.
Saturday, September 12
Dinner at the Historic Black Powder Tavern
5:30–6:00 p.m. — Arrival
6:00 p.m. — Buffet Dinner
8:00 p.m. — Program Concludes
Black Powder Tavern
1164 Valley Forge Road
Wayne, PA 19087
Portions of the Black Powder Tavern date to approximately 1747, allowing participants to dine inside a building that witnessed the Valley Forge encampment. Dinner will be served buffet-style. Soft drinks are included, and a cash bar will be available.
The tavern stands across the street from the site of the **Stone Chimney Picket**, an important but rarely visited location associated with the encampment. During the winter of 1777–1778, the Continental Army used the surviving chimney of a burned home as a picket post guarding a key roadway. The site also hosted one of the army's biweekly markets, where local civilians sold food to soldiers at regulated prices.
Sunday, September 13
Participants will have the morning free to eat breakfast before gathering for the field study. You are responsible for transportation to the visitor center at VFNHP.
8:30–9:00 a.m. — Gather at the Valley Forge National Historical Park Visitor Center**
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Valley Forge Field Study with Ken Gavin**
**Participants will travel between tour stops aboard a reserved bus.**
This comprehensive tour will examine the encampment from multiple perspectives, with stops including:
Muhlenberg Brigade Huts
National Memorial Arch
Washington's Headquarters Complex
The Grand Parade
Ken will also highlight individuals, monuments, and stories that create unique connections between Valley Forge and Gettysburg.
1:00 p.m. — Tour concludes at the Visitor Center. Thank you for joining us and for your support!
## Transportation and Lodging
Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Valley Forge area and secure their own hotel accommodations.
Bus transportation between locations within Valley Forge National Historical Park during Sunday's field study is included.

As we've always said, Gettysburg history is fascinating. So are other parts of American history and, during America250, we're inviting you to step out of Gettysburg with us one more time as *Ask A Gettysburg Guide* heads to the American Revolution! In this live, unscripted episode, Kenneth Gavin and Ralph Siegel explore the **"Ten Crucial Days"**—from Washington's Christmas-night crossing of the Delaware through the battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton, December 25, 1776–January 3, 1777. In little more than a week, a battered Continental Army turned desperation into renewed momentum and transformed the course of the war. How did Washington keep his army together? What risks made this remarkable campaign possible? Join us live, bring your questions, and take another trip beyond Gettysburg with Addressing Gettysburg.
Support the Show:
For the Historian https://forthehistorian.webstoreplace.com - Mention Addressing Gettysburg to get 20% off
Patreon - Addressing Gettysburg Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com
Addressing Gettysburg Addressing Gettysburg: Little Ground Top Coffee https://www.addressinggettysburg.com/cafe/
Equipment upkeep and replacement (among other things) is made possible by our monthly small-dollar donations to our non-profit partner, The Digital History Pioneers Foundation at www.dhpioneers.com
Sincerely, Jeffrey Pasnik AG LOTY 2025

THIS FIELD TALK IS RESERVED FOR AG PATREON MEMBERS ONLY.
JOIN OUR PATREON TO PARTICIPATE! - https://www.patreon.com/c/AddressingGettysburg
August 15, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
Major General Daniel Sickles - July 2, 1863 
Led by LBG Lewis Trott
Could Major General Sickles have properly defended his assigned line or was his movement forward a necessary tactical move? Was the risk of breaking the Union line worth the gambit of seizing the Peach Orchard and altering Confederate operational plans?