Video
Pickett's Mill
Transcript
[Text with voice over] "There is a class of events which by their very nature, and despite any intrinsic interests that they may possess are foredoomed to oblivion." Ambrose Bierce, "The Crime at Pickett's Mill" [loud cannon fire]
Hey guys. Ranger James here from Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. We are in fact not at Kennesaw Mountain today. We're over here with our friends at Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site. And specifically we have Ranger John Holmes here, who is one of the interpretive rangers. Ranger John could you just tell me a little bit about this site? This is described as one of the best preserved Civil War sites in the nation. Can you tell me kind of what happened here and also what you guys do here? (Ranger John) Sure, thanks Ranger James. This, um, site on May 27, 1864 was a site of an attack by the Union army. Their objective was to push up this ravine, which is a geographical feature here that kind of divides the battlefield. And attack the east end of the Confederate line, or what they thought was the east end of the Confederate line. It ended up that this was in fact NOT the east end of the Confederate line. And the Confederate army, through scouts had been made well aware of the Union plans. It would end up in a devastating defeat for the Union army and a Confederate victory. Here on this site, a lot of men lost their lives here. And it is an area that is still here today that is one of our focal points during the, anytime we do educational programming is to bring people out here. And it's a must see if you are interested in the Battle of Pickett's Mill. We are one of the best preserved battlefields in the nation. Um, our earthworks are pretty much intact. Our artillery works are also pretty much intact. And we will be glad if you come on out to show them to you. (Ranger James) So, man, this seems like a really rough place to be stuck in during that day. Uh, you did mention earthworks. So let's talk about that a little bit. So the Atlanta Campaign specifically is known for its trench warfare. Um, but that really became sort of a key feature in the war in and around where the Dallas line is which Pickett's Mill is a part of that. Could you tell us a little bit more about the earthworks that you have and how they were used during the battle? (Ranger John) Okay, well one of the questions we have from visitors is how shallow some of the trench lines are and then some of them are more elaborate. Uh that that's one of the biggest questions we get about our trench works. To answer that very quickly...The shallower lines were dug very hastily by hand. Once the Confederates realized what was going on, they had to spread out their line and had to very quickly, uh, entrench. If you go on down the line and more into the battle as the battle, uh, went on into the nighttime hours. Which this is one of the few, uh, battles. I think there were only four Civil War battles that were held at nighttime. Uh, by the time of 12 o'clock in the morning, the earthworks were much better organized. There was more time to dig them with proper tools instead of hand. So as you go on down the Confederate and the Union trench lines, you see more interesting, intriguing, and fully developed lines. [Horn in distance] (Ranger James) Awesome. So, uh, this is going to be airing during the 157th battle anniversary of Pickett's Mill. But you guys are going to be having your programming the following weekend. Could you tell us a little bit more about what you guys are going to have? (Ranger John) We plan, plan on having a little bit scaled, more scaled down version this year than in previous years. Um, of course last year due to COVID, we didn't have it at all. But we will have, uh, stations about five stations. We'll do artillery, do infantry (both Confederate and Union), and we'll also do civilian life. And then we'll have an area where authors who have written about the battle here will sign autographs and give a few little notes about the battle themselves. (Ranger James) Sounds like a lot of fun. (Ranger John) Yep. (Ranger James) Yeah, well thank you, Ranger John. Always good working with you guys. (Ranger John) Thank you, Ranger James. (Ranger James) And, uh, I hope that you guys come out and see, uh, visit the Pickett's Mill State Historic Site here for their battle anniversary programming. This is Ranger James. Hope to see you next time. [multiple gun shots]
Description
In the cross- over event of the century, Kennesaw Mountain's Ranger James travels to Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site to meet with Ranger John Holmes get some insight into the battle that was fought there May 27th, 1864.
Duration
4 minutes, 46 seconds
Credit
NPS / James Pratt
Date Created
05/27/2021
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