Blogging Through the Alphabet: D is for Devil's Den

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If you have studied the Battle of Gettysburg or visited the National Military Park, you may be familiar with the area known as Devil's Den. But why is it called by this name? Where specifically is it located? What lore is associated with this place before and after the American Civil War? 

There is little evidence to suggest that the area known today as the Devil's Den was known by that name prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. There are several places where it is referenced as such after the battle, including: 

• In the official report of Captain James F. Smith of the 4th Independent Battery
• By Francis M. Stake, who was stationed at Camp Letterman General Hospital after the battle 
• And by historian John Bachelder 

Why Is It Called Devil's Den? 

The very appearance of the place could be the reason why people gave it that nickname. It is wild and rocky and appears desolate and sinister. There are a host of reptiles, including snakes that live in dens among the rocks. There is even a story of one large snake named Devil, who lived among the rocks. Keep in mind, though, that local residents have refuted that it was called Devil's Den prior to the battle. 

Where Is Devil's Den? 

There has been much discussion over the years as to the specific location. Was it the boulders, a cave or cavern, the outcroppings of the rocks, or the spring? 

Memories Formed About Devil's Den 

The naming and exact location matter little in the formation of memories after the battle. On the evening of July 2, 1862, there were blood-stained boulders in the area. The Army of the Potomac and the Confederates fought to gain control of the area during the day, and in the evening, the bodies of American men – both dead and dying – were amongst these giant rocks. There was death and suffering in the area. 

After the Battle of Gettysburg was over, the people visiting Devil's Den on July 4, 1863, found many "Rebel" sharpshooters among the rocks - forever holding their rifles but shooting no more. Many were given burial near the Den due to the nature of their bodies' decomposition. If one visits the area today, you can probably imagine the many locations that might have provided coverage for a brief time for these sharpshooters. 

There are many interesting points and facts about Devil's Den. Among the many rocks, there are carvings from the early years after the American Civil War, and sometimes there is even modern vandalism that needs to be cleaned and removed. Visitors may leave trash, stack small rocks, or leave behind graffiti. As the Park Service is attempting to keep the area as close to what it was like in 1863, it is sad to see the remains of modern visitors.

In addition to the physical memories, there are also some false ones associated with Devil's Den. There is a famous photograph known as "The Dead Sharpshooter." This famous image is often printed in history books but without the notation that the Confederate soldier was not killed - did not die - at that spot in the photograph. He was killed about 70 yards away and was moved by the photographer. The photographer created a stunning but fake picture of a "Rebel" sharpshooter by manipulating the truth.

When visiting Gettysburg, I always enjoy spending time visiting Devil's Den. You can see the daring as they try to climb over all the rocks and boulders, as well as those who are reading the various carvings in the rocks. And if you are lucky, you can find a quiet spot to reflect upon those who died in that location fighting for their country.  

Do You Want to Learn More About the American Civil War? 

Read more about the Battle of Gettysburg in this Blogging Through the Alphabet Post. 

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If you want to join Blogging Through the Alphabet, please visit: 

Desiree @ Our Homeschool Notebook

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

 

Wordless Wednesday: Mini-Golf and Arcades

 

Blogging Through the Alphabet: C is for Civil War Books

 

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There are so many books to choose from if you wish to read more about the American Civil War. You could start with The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (all 127 volumes!), also called Official Records (OR), to read primary source material and then jump into history books, biographies, fictional books, edited diaries, compilations of weird but true stories, and more! What are a few books about the American Civil War that sit on my bookshelf? First, let me admit that I have not read through each book I am going to share with you. To pick which ones I wanted to share, I simply took a handful off the shelves, snapped a few photos, and dug into the books. 

This is a small sampling of the books one can read to learn more about the American Civil War. You could narrow down your approach to picking books if you wanted to specialize in one topic or another. For example, you could research and read books that only discuss slavery, the 13th-15th Amendments, Northern or Southern generals, one specific battle, one specific regiment, or other topics. When it comes to studying history, there are so many wonderful options. 

Sickles The Incredible by W. A. Swanberg 

"A problem child for all his 94 years" -- "A diplomat who insulted Queen Victoria" -- "The genius who smashed Jay Gould's railroad conspiracy" -- from the back of the book describing Daniel Sickles 

Daniel Sickles was usually surrounded by gossip. Before his nomination for brigadier general, he found out that some felt he would march his brigade to Jefferson Davis' side. So, he went out to win over the opposition. Sickles always put his whole heart into any project. 

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The Preacher's Tale: The Civil War Journal of Rev. Francis Springer, Chaplain, U.S. Army of the Frontier edited by William Furry 

Reverend Francis Springer served in Arkansas during the American Civil War and through to the beginning of Reconstruction. In this book, Springer not only wrote about the events but also reflected upon them. This is extremely helpful as it helps people understand life as it was during the time period the journal or diary was written. For example, On November 7, 1863, at Fort Smith in Arkansas, he wrote of "The Two Societies." He explained that Civil Society was one where men were at home with their family, and everything was subject to their own will and desire. Military Society was one in which the men were not free to do what they wanted. There was always the "clatter of arms, rumbling of wagons, the roll of the drum" that was the background noise to their loss of freedom (95).

Jeff Shaara's Civil War Battlefields: Discovering America's Hallowed Ground 

You may recognize the name, Jeff Shaara. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure, which complete the trilogy his father, Michael Shaara, began with The Killer Angels. With these books, father and son bring the history of the American Civil War to life. With this book, readers will learn tidbits of history they might not be familiar with, may find conclusions they disagree with, and help you take away "something enormously valuable" when you visit these sites. 

The book looks at the following battles (to learn about the battles, please click through the links): 

• Shiloh
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Vicksburg
• Chickamauga
• The Wilderness and Spotsylvania
• New Market
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg

Two More Books 

I also want to briefly mention two more books from two individuals whose works can found on multiple shelves in my home. James M. McPherson, who I have referenced and quoted previously, wrote Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam to describe the events that led up to this pivotal battle on September 17, 1862, the battle itself, and its aftermath. If you are interested in the American Civil War, McPherson has a variety of books that might suit your needs. 

The Second Day at Gettysburg is a series of essays on Confederate and Union Leadership edited by Gary W. Gallagher. If you are looking to dive into one specific day, it is always interesting to find books and essays on Civil War battles. Part of the reason why I picked up this book is that I read the letters of a Civil War soldier from Pennsylvania who died on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The other reason is that I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture series by Professor Gallagher on the American Civil War and other works he has authored and edited. 

As a student and teacher of history, I love delving into all the different aspects of different time periods. Looking at the military events, famous and not-famous individuals, the locations of the battles, and specific battle details hour by hour is very enjoyable and educating. I love flipping to the end of many of these books and reading through the endnotes to discover more books to read. There is so much to learn! 

 

If you want to join Blogging Through the Alphabet, please visit: 

Desiree @ Our Homeschool Notebook

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

Wordless Wednesday: Fun at the Farm

 

Blogging Through the Alphabet: B is for Billy Yank

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When it comes to nicknames, the American Civil War has provided many: 

• Johnny Reb
• Rebel Yell
• "Stonewall" Jackson
• Honest Abe 
• "Lee's War Horse"
• Little Mac 

But one that may have been added after the Civil War was the term, Billy Yank. And it probably gained popularity with a classic Civil War history, The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union by Bell Irwin Wiley. He had already written a book about Johnny Reb and wanted to pen a companion piece. As Wiley stated, "The two were so much alike that the task of giving this book a flavor and character distinct from The Life of Johnny Reb has at times been a difficult one" (13). 

In What Ways Were the Two Soldiers Who Fought for Different Causes Similar? 

• Pride in themselves and their families 
• Sense of duty 
• Will and strength to endure
• Devotion to country 
• Devotion to the cause 

What was unique about Billy Yank? 

• Devotion to Abraham Lincoln
• Devotion to McClellan
• Deep patriotism 
• Joined because of the example of friends and family 
• Antislavery urge – abolitionism 

Who Were the Billy Yanks? Who Wore the Blue Uniform? 

The men of the Union Army were very diverse. Among the Union soldiers, there were people of various nationalities, races, creeds, and occupations. Different religious denominations were represented, and the age range was quite large. Very young boys would sign up as drummer boys, and men like John Burns from Gettysburg would help fight for the North. We may never know the exact ages of all the Yanks as they often listed their ages as 18 and up – even if they were younger – so they could enlist. 

When Wiley investigated 123 company rolls, he created a list of over 300 occupations. What an amazing and varied group of talented men gathered together for a common cause. And the occupations of some of these Billy Yanks included: 

• Barkeepers 
• Chemists
• Grocers 
• Iron workers 
• Miners 
• Pianists 

But the most numerous group? Farmers. 

This diversity in the Union Army meant that they were able to fulfill needs – like print official papers, re-lay railroad rails, and provide entertainment – in between the battles and more. They were resourceful.

Where Were They From? 

While Billy Yank fought for the North, his ancestors (and perhaps himself) were from one of many nations. The majority were Americans. There were regiments made up of solely different ethnic groups like those in New York made up of Germans or Irish or the 15th Wisconsin made up of Scandinavians. And while the Union Army was mostly white, there were 186,017 African Americans on the Federal muster rolls and a brigade of Native Americans in the Indian Home Guard.

The men in blue were a mix of weak and strong men who were sometimes less prepared than other days. They were proud to defend their nation but were also scared at times. I don't think Billy Yank is much different than the men at uniform in any time or place.

If you want to join Blogging Through the Alphabet, please visit: 

Desiree @ Our Homeschool Notebook

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses