This is the back side of the house in Gettysburg that served as Meade’s headquarters. The apex of Pickett’s charge is about 300 yards from this spot. A five minute walk. War was certainly a more personal prospect in those days and the number of generals who were killed is testimony to that reality. Meade did an excellent job here being in command of the Union for only 3 days prior to the battle. However he lost favor when Lee’s battered forces crossed the Potomac into Virginia. It is difficult knowing the scope of the battle and the exhaustion of the forces to see how he could have prevented Lee’s retreat.
The second photo is from the same spot but facing toward the attack. For perspective the trees in the right of the photo are at the High Water Mark of the Confederacy, the hill to the left of the center group of trees is Round Top, the spire monument is to Vermont soldiers and the National Cemetery would be to your right.
