"On this tour you don't get anything" I beg to differ, you get Matt Atkinson as a tour guide, worth a whole lot to me.

Ranger Atkinson is the at the top of his game. These parks have some amazing Rangers and they have a lot of professional pride. It's awesome that we can watch them without traveling to these sites. That being said it's always nice to make the trip and see these amazing places in person. Keep up the great work.

Ranger Matt is definitely my favorite park ranger at Gettysburg.

Over 10 years ago, my husband and I went to Gettysburg. Heavy rain so we were unable to walk the field from the start of Pickett's Charge to the Angle. My mother's line is old Virginia. Robert E. Lee is my 3rd Cousin, his wife my 4th. Lewis Addison Armistead is my 5th Cousin. My Great Grandfather, 3rd Sgt. (later 2nd Lt.) Edward Harrison Estes and his brother, Capt. Joseph Estes were in Pickett's Charge. They were 38th Virginia Infantry, Cascade Rifles, Pittsylvania Co., Company K. A letter that Edward Harrison Estes wrote on retreat to Mayport on July 11th of his account of what happened to Kemper and Garnett was donated by our family (my brother, my 1st Cousins and me) to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia. I am a 5th Great Granddaughter of PATRICK HENRY. Thank you for this great video.

It’s bad when you know the answers to Matt’s questions and yell them out even though you aren’t there and standing in your driveway washing your truck. Love listening to these videos on KZread! Thanks for posting. Matt is the best!

Ranger Matt, your passion, emotion and enthusiasm is so remarkable. Thank you for service to our Great Nation.

It’s amazing that people use these forums to extol personal views. Concentrate on the excellent video presented by ranger Atkinson and posted by Stuffwriter for viewer enjoyment. Thank you both for the availability of these battle walls for everyone on KZread.

I'm fortunate enough to have attended a few of his programs and talked to him a bit afterwards. All around great guy.

Park Ranger Matt is awesome. I enjoy his presentations. We're lucky to have him.

Thanks so much SuffWriter for these awesome videos. A battlefield walk with Ranger Matt is on my bucket list. He is a Gettysburg NMP treasure!

@wes2262

5 жыл бұрын

Garrett Corum Me too, 💯

I love history and I love people that tell a story with passion. I wanna go on a tour of Gettysburg with this fella. I've watched a few of his presentations and you can tell he has a passion for it. A great mix of humour, seriousness and history.

@kimberlyhenshaw8368

5 жыл бұрын

I got to take a tour with him just recently - he’s just as witty and funny and exactly like he is in these videos.

@idunbeezasmart1

5 жыл бұрын

@@kimberlyhenshaw8368 That's awesome! Is it luck of the draw or do they have posted schedules so you can jump on a tour with a specific ranger?

Thank you so much for posting this Matt is my favorite he really is the best

Great Presentation! Thank you Ranger Atkinson and Gettysburg NMP.

Matt has renewed my interest in Gettysburg. Having grown up there we took the Battlefield for granted. I would love to meet him and say thank you and even do a few of his tours. Thanks for doing these videos and sharing them!

This guy is unreal! My great great grandfather was in the 62nd company k from WV on the Confederate side. From what I gathered he was lucky enough to miss this battle. Great talk, hopefully I can see this place one day. Thank you

Thank you Stuffwriter for posting these videos of yours lead by Ranger Matt Atkinson. They are interesting ,entertaining and always teach something

Ranger Matt I wish more Americans would take the time to watch some of your videos. We need to get back to venerating the men who fought that great and terrible war, Maybe the haters would stop tearing down monuments and learn to respect the price that was paid at places like Gettysburg.

@jaymanb2914

2 жыл бұрын

We dont need monuments to traitors and slavers... Burn them all

@VF15Muto

2 жыл бұрын

@@jaymanb2914 Completely agree. They have their monuments on the battlefields where they died defending their racism and immoral commitment to slavery and the maintenance of gentrified plantation society ... and that's more than the terrorist rebel traitors deserve.

I've had the luxury of walking the charge in uniform many times, in and not in the reenactment. Amazing when you think about the amount of courage it took to make this charge.

@zanewane5

3 жыл бұрын

So true I visited the battlefield when I was 13-14 years old and remember looking from the confederate lines where they are at the start of the video and looking over to cemetery ridge and being amazed at the courage it would take to attempt that attack. It made me understand Longstreet’s adversity to the offensive attack on the 3rd day and why he delayed in hopes of not having to make this attack. As a young teenager I even recognized the futility of such a advance across a open field into a stonewall/ fence protected troops overwatched by superbly placed cannons. It literally blew my young mind I just couldn’t grasp what would have Lee make such a decision and send his men on such a doomed advance

@outfield1988

2 жыл бұрын

Wow that’s awesome. Yes it’s why the civil war is so intriguing as to how men on both sides would make such a sacrifice for there beliefs and country.

These talks are amazing. What a great staff the NPS have in bringing these stories to life. Well done.

Waited all year for more Matt Arkinson videos, cheers StuffWriter from Ireland

What a wonderful talk with a sprinkle of humor mixed in!. Ranger Atkinson's high degree of education always amazes me! He really knows what he's talking about, and loves his people he guides and his profession.

great job by Matt as always. very colorful story teller and educator

Absolutely riveting presentation, Ranger Atkinson! I’ve studied the War for many years and have walked a number of battlefields, including Gettysburg, and attended the 125 th and 150 th re-enactments. I learned so very much from you today that I never knew before. Can’t wait to listen to some of your other tours. Thank you!

Matt is back. I hope he doesn’t retire before me and my son get back from Japan.

@springfield03sniper

5 жыл бұрын

This man loves his job clearly, so i think he will be around a while

@kimberlyhenshaw8368

5 жыл бұрын

I just went to Gettysburg a couple weeks ago... very late July, early August. Ranger Atkinson is very much there and active!

@haileycomer8706

3 жыл бұрын

Brian X... I went there 2 weeks ago and he was working at the front desk at the visitor center!!!!

Thank you for posting this. Enjoying all of the Ranger Matt Atkinson videos lately.

I enjoy all of Ranger Matt's Gettysburg videos.

Excellent video Matt at his best

It makes much more sense that Armistead's brigade was a second line behind Garnett, matching Trimble backing up two brigades of Pettigrew on the left. The concentration for the breakthrough would therefore consist of two lines in the center with single lines of brigades (Davis & Brockenbrough on the left, Kemper on the right) on the flanks. Longstreet deployed in similar multiple lines for a breakthrough attack at Chickamauga a couple of months later.

The rangers who give these tours are great. But Matt is awesome.

Best battle walk I've seen!!!

Thank you Matt for another inspirational lecture and and illustration of detail on Joe Davis, Mississippi berates, and Pickett's charge.

Wish I could’ve been in a tour with Matt. Great videos!

Matt at his best performance, great as usual. 👍👍👍 😄

Enjoy every one of these, thank you

Another great one, StuffWriter! Thank you, Sir. Next year is my year to get out to Gettysburg and visit my birth-state.

An extremely informative,detailed and interesting presentation of Armistead's advance,also nicely interspersed with some fine humour. Well done to Matt Atkinson.

I need to go to Gettysburg just to be in a tour with Ranger Matt Atkinson. I love hearing him talk.

@LundgrenAndreas

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, he is fenomenal

@cyndiebill6631

2 жыл бұрын

If I went I’d have to take a tour with Matt or it wouldn’t be fun. Learning history should be be fun as well as educational. I love the way he uses the kids to show parts of the battle line. They will always remember a part they played showing the history of Gettysburg’s history.

There is a grandson of John Tyler still living today. The man in Armistead's brigade in 1863 was his FIRST COUSIN.

Matt is a national treasure.

Great videos to watch while under Corona lock down :) !

StuffWriter , thank you so much for sharing these videos !! Plus putting up with heat. I know for the 130th we did Picketts Charge the temp was 112.

The park service stuck gold with this guy.

@willoutlaw4971

4 жыл бұрын

The movie "Gettysburg" portrays Confederate "General" Armistead as a pathetic, love sick puppy, lusting after Hancocks' wife. Wonder if Armistead had any sisters he could lust after?

What an amazing story teller...

This was posted one year ago. My how the world has changed.

@sartainja

4 жыл бұрын

Thomas T Amen.

@TheDozin1

3 жыл бұрын

indeed

Thank you stuff writer and ranger matt

What a good presentation.

Been a fan of Mr. Atkinson for years. Been a HUMBLE fan of the battle of Gettysburg for much, much longer. Walked the soil myself in 2001, a month prior to 9/11. Seen the most recent videos as of July 2019, and #Easily identify similarities between Mr. Atkinson and Australia's Steve Irwin, et al. Disconcerting, not so much of any effort to extend fame and occupation generationally...but because BEFORE fame...Mr. Atkinson recants from MEMORY and sheer passion his acumen and recitals. However, recently...he reads from...something, and responds "in the moment" as he discovers--same time as us, the viewers--certain facts. That is not to suggest that Mr. Atkinson isn't chock full of erudition of his own, as noted throughout and right up until the end of this particular video...) I sense, even through these recent videos...Larger Forces At Work. (Been there, done that, personally, as a professional myself.) Something essential has been lost. ALL that said..nothing but affection and respect towards Mr. Atkinson, and Son. "$25.00....already gone.", says Mr. Atkinson near the end. O, what to conclude from such a trusted man? My mind wanders...I fear I might have chosen the "$30.00 Tour", in spite of Mr. Atkinson's "...That was just a joke". Sure, that was "just a joke". I love you, Mr. Atkinson...do what you need to do moving forward personally...

Outstanding Matt.

This will all be on the record books...of how much I love ya!

I agree loosing most of his valuable officers. At Gettysburg caused Lee a lot of headache’s. Thank you for sharing this History!

The great Matt Atkinson. None better.

This guy is an amazing guide...da best

SIR MATT .....THANK YOU ....VERY MUCH ....

Great job to the guide!!! GREAT!!!!

@marymoriarity2555

5 жыл бұрын

Shaw A yes you are right. Matt Atkinson is one of the rangers. Each ranger writes his or her own program. If course they have noes.rarely do tourists not enjoy his tours or lectures. He combines humor and knowledge of history. He’s good with kids.

@rayflores2471

5 жыл бұрын

@@deanmacmanus595 He generally only reads specific comments from the participants for accuracy. He is actually very knowledgeable about the battIefield. You don't know anything about children if you think they are always going to be happy wherever their parents take them. If you think it is so easy to capture the environment then I think you should sign up and become a guide - since you think the job is such a piece of cake. One thing I have learned in life - there are doers and complainers. The complainers are people who have no talent who spend all day criticizing the doers.

The disconnect between Lee’s intents on Day 3 and Day 2, and the outcomes is breathtaking…there’s a good story in there somewhere. James Longstreet disaffection and scepticism is in the middle of it. He’d been by Lee that the campaign in the north would be a matter of offensive strategies executed by defensive tactics. That’s not what Lee pursued at Little Round Top or at Cemetery Ridge. Ava the formulation of battle orders. Why wasn’t Longstreet charging at the Union’s left flank on the morning (instead of 5 hours later) of Day 2 in concert with Hill’s charge at the right flank? Was there a coherent order of battle for that charge on Day 3? The sequence of events described here on this fascinating walk with Mr. Atkinson suggests that there was not.

@marknewton6984

6 ай бұрын

Longstreet was SLOW.

Lewis Armistead as an American Soldier....... Brigadier General should never ever be forgotten.

Lewis Armistead is a fine study no matter what side your on, it doesn’t matter, if you study a great man’s life and make an effort to know him, it will be rich and rewarding. All great men have a story that will never leave you, Lewis Armistead was one of those men.

The nicest monuments at gettysburg. The pa momument is absolutely gorgeous. The fighting 69 looks great. But most of the best monuments are on confederate row. The north Carolina and Tennessee monuments are amazing. Lee sitting on his horse traveler as the sun hits it is breathtaking.

Lewis Armistead (lothario) , I will always see him as a gallant Confederate officer of the highest caliber. Real men don’t come any better than this. Not just because I watched Gettysburg. I read his life story, his biography, this was a real Southern man only few men can aspire to be. I wish that I would have had a tenth of his DNA after serving 25 years on active duty in over 2 war zones. This was a man amongst real men.

@willoutlaw4971

4 жыл бұрын

Rebel "history" written after the Civil War ( 1861-1865) by. Caucasian Southern "historians" like Shelby Foote is largely fiction and should be so listed online, in libraries, and bookstores. Much of it was written by crippled rebels, Sons of Confederate Veterans, members of the Ku Klux Klan and their sister auxiliary; United Daughters of the Confederacy. These groups and others similarly situated are largely responsible for the gross miseducation and ignorance of Southerners about their vile and repugnant history.

@hiccurps

4 жыл бұрын

Tim Smith Exactly he’s showing us all what a delusional mentally ill fool he really is.

Matt is awesome as I wish I count hang out with him.

@upchu005

2 жыл бұрын

I agree that he does seem pretty awesome. I had a question, and I emailed him my question last Thursday night around 11:30 or 12:00 and he answered me by 7:00 a.m. on Friday. He was just as kind as could be answering what was probably a dumb question from a complete Civil War novice. The National Park System is lucky have a guy like him. He definitely makes me want to make the trek from Alabama to Pennsylvania.

There is no one who can tell a story of /at / on Gettysburg better than Ranger Matt Atkinson. He can always add some new meaningful information; information that is not in mainstream accounts of the battle. He puts the humanity into the maelstrom of war with the wit of a comedic and the inspiration of a poet. Huzzah to Mr.Atkinson,GNMP and to the elusive but hard working StuffWriter!!

The Monitor Center is in Newport News Va. About 15miles north of Norfolk,Va. At the Mariners Museum.

Hearing the Mississippi accent at this spot is amazing! “Hearing Dixie makes we want to shoot a Yankee.”

Little tip for Matt and the visitors to the battlefield. When we reenacting the 130th wilderness North Anna campaign we were in the middle of the woods. For Ticks and chiggers I put seven dust in a old sock tie the end up and use the sock like a Rosen Bag . I keep the sock in a zip lock bag just powder around the ankles and your shoes or pants legs if in jeans.

@ichetuknee

3 жыл бұрын

Those wanting to avoid pesticides may use sulfur powder. It repels ticks and mites (chiggers or red bugs).

Thank you! You represent us and we appreciate it!! Long live the Southern Heritage!!

Interesting take on the friendship between Hancock and Armistead. Hancock supported Armistead when his wife and child died, and Armistead made arrangements for his personal bible to be given to Hancocks wife when he died. I would surmise that both knew that the other was directly across the battlefield and neither wanted to be the one responsible for the others death. You can still be a professional soldier and not want to "cross the field and kick in someone's teeth". Even Longstreet knew of this friendship, and respected Hancock.

I can't believe he didn't mention Armistead's nickname, "Lo." It was short for Lothario. The name of his uncle who defended Fort McHenry was George. His father, Walker Keith Armistead, was a lieutenant colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers during the War of 1812.

@georgemorgan5906

4 жыл бұрын

Austin Tashis I was stationed there my last year and a half at the Navy Reserve Center. We volunteered there on weekends. Loved it and you are right on the history.

Love Matt's presentations and Stuffwriter's videos, but I have to visit to get more perspective for the lay of the ground, and NOW Matt drops info about Pickett's charge which is different to what I thought was how it unfolded. Great vid, great presentation. Thanks Matt and Stuffwriter. Gav, Australia.

Yes, the 44th NC was left behind in Virginia for guard duty. They did have a fight there. My great-great grandfather was in the regiment. They also were involved in Jackson's funeral procession.

Man Stuffwriter love ur videos but dang I had to watch an ad about every 2 minutes! Gosh couldn’t even get into Matt’s amazing stories because they were constantly interrupted. And I know it’s a new thing because this is a rewatch and I’m really disappointed bc I really enjoy Matt’s presentations.

By far he is the best.

Well done

When will stuff writter make a new video? I can't wait to see what the next lecture will be on

He seems like a great guy. Does he still work for the park service? I'm going to have to look him up when we visit Gettysburg military park.

StuffWriter speaks!

You da man Matt! I live about 30 minutes away and am very interested in doing a tour with you. Is there a way I can get in contact with you?

In his official report of the battle at G-burg, Lt. Col. James M. Bull of the Union Army writes that the rebels involved in the famous charge approached Cemetery Ridge in four lines.

Sold me! Pickett’s buffet was pretty good! The most awe inspiring place I’ve ever been! Getting ready to leave Gettysburg here in a few minutes.

@idunbeezasmart1

5 жыл бұрын

That's great and all, but did you 'Just Charge It'?

Ranger Matt a cold beer & 2 hours of free time!!!! Not much better

What is the road with all the heavy traffic in beginning of video?

@JVRottweil

5 жыл бұрын

Probably people going to work, store, etc

I love these NPS battle tours; however, it seems that in each and every video there's at least one fellow who just CANNOT help himself but ask the Ranger, MID-TOUR, an extremely obscure and disruptive question the Ranger is not capable to give a simple answer to (often because there isn't any simple answers to such a ridiculous question). It really seems like these guys go to these battlewalks for the sole purpose of "impressing" their fellow visitors with just how much they know about the Civil War; which usually entails making the Ranger stumble on the absolute smallest and least significant details which may/may not have ANYTHING to do with the topic of the tour. When the Ranger asks if the audience has any questions, take it with a grain of salt. Do not ask a question which incorporates info which has not been (or will not be) discussed at any measure during the tour. For example, in this video, the gentleman who asked the Ranger about the "alternate attack plan".... like.... why?? You can tell the Ranger is a little frustrated upon hearing the question, and hearing the follow-up questions from the same man. The tour is about Armistead's brigade and the story which the Ranger is giving you. Save a question like this for after the tour; I'm sure the Ranger will be more than happy to have a short discussion with you for a few minutes once the tour is over. But.... in all honesty... I believe the people who ask questions like this KNOW they can save it for after the tour. I also believe the people who ask these questions don't even CARE about the answer to it themselves. I think these people concoct these questions for the sole purpose of inflating their ego by confusing not only their fellow visitors, but the Ranger himself.

@StuffWriter: Just a question. Do you think Ranger Matt would agree to wear a wireless mic, connected to your gear? I do meteorology and radio production for a living, and I was wondering if he'd do that. I understand he might not be able to, due to Park rules. If he can, I can recommend some good mics, and would even be willing to help you foot the cost. (They're not very expensive, and they'd cut out the background noise quite a bit.) Thanks again for your efforts. Maybe I'll get a chance to meet you next summer.

@marymoriarity2555

5 жыл бұрын

Very nice of you to offer

@TheWeatherbuff

5 жыл бұрын

@@marymoriarity2555 Thanks Mary. I'm a re-enactor from Colorado, and I love that StuffWriter is posting these. I can't get out much, but I'm planning a trip to Gettysburg next summer, (I'm a PA native). StuffWriter's efforts mean a ton to me. :-)

Armistead was able to breach the rock wall due to the fact that the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment "Boys of Philadelphia" fled in cowardly fear to the rear of the Union lines thus exposing approx 150 feet of rock wall to the Confederate charge. The rock wall was undefended when Armistead breached it. Unfortunately for Armistead and his men, hundreds of reinforcement Union soldiers converged on them and they were either killed or captured in a matter of minutes. The Confederate soldiers largely surrendered, at this point. Their plight was hopeless and they knew it.

Patton was born in and raised in California.

@Baseballnfj

5 ай бұрын

A-yup. It's the VMI thing. He still should know that. How does this guy still not know "Kathleen Mavourneen"? Is it really that hard? I mean what kind of intelligent man has a problem pronouncing words he's been TAUGHT to say several times? It's things like this and blatant omissions I see in other videos that make me think this guy is more entertainment with the southern yokel thing. That's harsh... but you know what I mean.

Some film trivia, since the movie is always brought up and this episode in about Armistead. The production team received the news of Richard Jordan's ( who played Armistead) death while they were editing his character's death scene.

@sofly7634

5 жыл бұрын

@Sebastian didn't know this. He played an awesome role.Armistead is unsung hero along with Sickles.

@ericferguson6099

5 жыл бұрын

We were just discussing this at work. Did he know he was dying during filming?

@GanimeadMusic

5 жыл бұрын

Sadly yes he did know that.

When did they elude to Armistead being kicked out of West Point in the movie Gettysburg?

He mentions the Brown ranch. If I’m not mistaken this land is protected from development by some agreement with the Park service. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

@Zoetropeification

5 жыл бұрын

Conservation Easement agreement

@marymoriarity2555

4 жыл бұрын

I think they have the rights to buy the land preventing devrloppemrnt but allowing the land to be farmed. Ideal land use.

I'v seen this guy on other videos and he's very good! Does anyone know if I can request him when I go to Gettysburg?

@mcfail3450

5 жыл бұрын

I don't think you can request him but you can look at his scheduled battle walks and camp fire talks and choose to go to them. The schedule is found here on the park website: www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battlewalks-campfires.htm

@kimberlyhenshaw8368

5 жыл бұрын

You cannot request him, but if you go to the desk at the Visitor’s Center, you can ask what tours he is doing when, or even speak to the man himself!

@Alex-ej4wm

5 жыл бұрын

@@kimberlyhenshaw8368 Okay thanks! I've seen about four or five of his videos and enjoy his tours.

Is the person holding the camera like 2-ft tall?

@BJNich78

3 жыл бұрын

No. Matt is 9'-2"

@idunbeezasmart1 Just head to the Visitor’s Center and speak to the ranger on duty. There’s a book with tours and they can tell you if and when Ranger Atkinson is doing tours and battle walks.

@marymoriarity2555

5 жыл бұрын

Kimberly Henshaw exactly it’s all published online.

What is lost avenue

2:11:11 Influencer marketing at its best! Picket’s Buffet needs to cut the check 😂

Matts Rebel Yell Cracks me up!

I keep hearing shots. Is there a living historian event nearby?

@marymoriarity2555

5 жыл бұрын

JVRottweil it’s the ghost of battlefield you hear lol

I can't wait to be able to come to Gettysburg and join one of Matt's battle walks! Where could i locate the information for the park's event schedule (battle walks specifically)? Its officially on my 'bucket list' to experience one of matt Atkinsons battle walks. Thanks to all that's involved in preserving and sharing the amazing history of this country's greatest struggle.

@springfield03sniper

5 жыл бұрын

Visitors center

@paparude7724

5 жыл бұрын

@? thanks!!!

@paparude7724

5 жыл бұрын

@@springfield03sniper thanks

@kimberlyhenshaw8368

5 жыл бұрын

@Walt Langdon Just go to the Visitor’s Center. They have a book of who does the tours and when. You might even see the man himself!

This video need more ads. One every 60 seconds just doesn’t cut it.

I know this is silly but what happened to the farm animals. In other videos Matt refers to the umdergrowth being much less due to farm animals i presume most were cows maybe some pigs. Did farmers put them in the barn hoping they would be safe, were they shot accidentally & became collateral damage, did they run off or did they farmers move them. I can't imagine driving a herd of cattle with battles raging. Maybe the answer is lost to the mists of time. But i do wonder

@marymoriarity2555

5 жыл бұрын

Kimberleyanne Demong most of the local farmers list their livestock in the carnage. When I toured the battlefield many decades ago there were some animals around in places which surprised me. They were soon gone. Once the battlefield was overrun by often idiot tourists the animals would not be safe. At that time there were no walking tours etc. the excessive growth of trees weren’t removed until the late 90s. There were so many deer destroying the crop etc due to no hunting policy they had to have a controlled deer kill. All controversial decisions

@kimberleyannedemong5621

5 жыл бұрын

@@marymoriarity2555 thank you for the answer. I know it was silly but it was one of those little things that drove me crazy

@willoutlaw4971

5 жыл бұрын

Robert E. Lee and his confederates stole thousands of head of cattle and sheep in Gettysburg and surrounding towns and drove them into Virginia.

@willoutlaw4971

4 жыл бұрын

The Confederates stole everything they could get their hands on. Cattle, sheep, produce, meats, clothing, shoes, wagons.

@LuisRamos-ou8zb

4 жыл бұрын

@@willoutlaw4971 An army in the march needs food. The Army of the Potomac did the same!

Great Job Matt, by the way , Hail State! lol

WOW GREAT REBEL YELL GUYS ....

What is the small joke about picketts writing of the after action report

@allansaad4735

4 жыл бұрын

After the battle was over and the officers had to write their after-action reports, Pickett’s report was allegedly so bitter that Lee told him to destroy it. Pickett never forgave Lee, and was reported to have said “that old man had my division slaughtered”.