Behind McPherson's Ridge looking towards the Seminary
Looking towards the woods from McPherson's Ridge. This would have been the view of the Iron Brigade as the Confederates emerged from the woods.
Maj. General John Reynolds Monument
On July 1st, 1863, Federal calvary under Brig. General John Buford engaged elements of the Heth Division of The Army of Northern Virginia just north of the town of Gettysburg, Pa. As the southern infantry pushed the horse soldiers back onto McPherson's ridge, they were suddenly met with a thunder of musket. They now faced the Iron Brigade of the First Corps, Army of the Potomac. Composed of hard men from the midwest the "Black Hats" put up fierce resistance eventually forcing Heth to commit his full division. Faced with superior numbers, the Iron Brigade began to fall back towards the town. The cost however was high as one of the first casualties was their corps commander Major General John Reynolds. Reynolds was considered the finest soldier in the northern army and had just days previously turned down command of the entire force. He was felled by a single shot to head from a Confederate sharpshooter.
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