The National Park Service continues to rehabilitate the Gettysburg National Military Park by planting acres of fruit trees in locations throughout the battlefield where orchards existed in 1863. The plan also involves restoring historic fence lines and fields, including removing trees from areas that were clear during the Civil War.
Here are some photos taken February 13, 2011, of the area around McKnight’s Knoll (near Culp’s Hill and East Cemetery Hill).
I. E. Avery’s North Carolina brigade of Jubal Early’s division charged over some of this same ground on the evening of July 2, 1863, in a coordinated attack with the Louisiana Tigers. In the right center background is the Evergreen Cemetery Gatehouse (click on the photo to enlarge it for easier viewing).
Here are some photos of the recent tree clearing…
The Iron Brigade of the West entrenched in this general vicinity, with the left of its line protecting the artillery on the knoll and its right well onto Culp’s Hill.
Looking toward Culp’s Hill down the line of the Iron Brigade.
Felled logs await removal from the Gettysburg battlefield. The sweeping view of Avery’s attack path is greatly improved from the same view last summer.
Scott L. Mingus, Sr. is a scientist and executive in the paper and printing industry, as well as the author of several books and magazine articles on the Civil War, including some that deal primarily with York County during the Gettysburg Campaign.
This Cannonball blog presents stories and anecdotes from the war years, as well as announcing local Civil War events of the modern day.
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I am glad to see the progress that is being made on this project. I was at Gettysburg in November and saw the work that was completed at that time. I am very interested in the restoration as my 2nd great-grand uncle was James McKnight who lived on this farm in 1963.
There is a correction to my submission of March 13, 2011. James McKnight lived on the farm during the Battle of Gerrtysburg in 1863.
My wife is the great great great granddaughter of James and Margaret Mcknight. We do have some family history and also know the gentleman that now owns the McKnight farmhouse. We are always looking for more info about James, Margaret and the MckKnight farm.