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The Maps of Gettysburg: An Atlas of the Gettysburg Campaign, June 3–July 13, 1863
A comprehensive collection of Civil War maps and battle plans that brought Union and Confederate forces to the largest battle ever fought on American soil. Thousands of books and articles have been written about Gettysburg—but the military operation itself remains one of the most complex and difficult to understand. Here, Bradley M. Gottfried gives readers a unique and thorough study of the campaign that decided the fate of a nation. Enriched with 144 detailed, full-page color maps comprising the entire campaign, The Maps of Gettysburg shows the action as it happened—down to the regimental and battery level, including the marches to and from the battlefield, and virtually every significant event in-between. Paired with each map is a fully detailed text describing the units, personalities, movements, and combat it depicts—including quotes from eyewitnesses—all of which bring the Gettysburg story to life. Perfect for the armchair historian or first-hand visitor to the hallowed ground, “no academic library can afford not to include The Maps of Gettysburg as part of their American Civil War Reference collections” (Midwest Book Review).
723 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2007
114 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Bradley M. Gottfried
32 books5 followersBorn and raised in Philadelphia, Brad Gottfried earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from Miami University and spent the four decades as an educator in higher education. He has served as a full-time faculty member, department head, campus dean, chief academic officer and president. Before retiring in 2017, he served as President of Sussex County Community College (NJ) and College of Southern Maryland for the past 17 years.
His interest in the Civil War began at an early age and was rekindled when he returned to an administrative position in the Philadelphia area. His fourteenth book was recently published. His early writing primarily centered on the Battle of Gettysburg, and he wrote five books on this topic. He has also written two brigade-level histories. His current “niche” is map books, where he thoroughly describes campaigns through the use of maps. Seven books have been published in this series: Gettysburg, First Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cavalry at Gettysburg, Bristoe/Mine Run, and the Wilderness, have been published. The Maps of Spotsylvania through Cold Harbor will be published next. He is also working on a variety of other Civil War related projects.
In addition to writing, Brad is an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide and a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide. He may have retired, but he is still an educator.
Brad is married to his wife, Linda and between them they have four grown children and six grandchildren. The Gottfrieds moved from Southern Maryland to Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, which is just west of Gettysburg.
His interest in the Civil War began at an early age and was rekindled when he returned to an administrative position in the Philadelphia area. His fourteenth book was recently published. His early writing primarily centered on the Battle of Gettysburg, and he wrote five books on this topic. He has also written two brigade-level histories. His current “niche” is map books, where he thoroughly describes campaigns through the use of maps. Seven books have been published in this series: Gettysburg, First Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cavalry at Gettysburg, Bristoe/Mine Run, and the Wilderness, have been published. The Maps of Spotsylvania through Cold Harbor will be published next. He is also working on a variety of other Civil War related projects.
In addition to writing, Brad is an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide and a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide. He may have retired, but he is still an educator.
Brad is married to his wife, Linda and between them they have four grown children and six grandchildren. The Gottfrieds moved from Southern Maryland to Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, which is just west of Gettysburg.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 19, 2020
Details details details
Having read descriptions of the battle, traveled to Gettysburg numerous times as well as seen many many battle maps, I was curious what information I would acquire. Seeing the battles unfold in a more minute fashion was beneficial as well as fun to gain the new information.
Having read descriptions of the battle, traveled to Gettysburg numerous times as well as seen many many battle maps, I was curious what information I would acquire. Seeing the battles unfold in a more minute fashion was beneficial as well as fun to gain the new information.
August 30, 2021
Over the past thirty five years I have made the Battle of Gettysburg a major focus of my American history studies. I have probably read well over a hundred books on the battle. It is only in the last five or ten years that I’ve come to believe I am beginning to have a pretty good understanding of the major events and the timeline of this immensely confusing battle.
I wish I had had access to a book like this one when I first began my study. There is such a bewildering cast of characters and military units of organization that the beginner quickly becomes overwhelmed. Some 150,000 soldiers in countless corps, divisions, brigades and regiments mixed it up here for three days over a very large geographic area. The written narrative can only go so far in explaining the scene, the players and the action. A good battlefield map is a huge help in understanding the troop dispositions, movements and the impact of terrain features on events.
Gottfried’s maps are nicely drawn and (especially in the color edition) very easy to understand.
My only complaint about the book are some inaccuracies and omissions in the text. Principally they involve the author’s neglect of the contributions of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. Without detailing his accomplishments I will merely state that no officer, with the possible exception of Robert E Lee, had a greater impact on the outcome of this monumental battle. He was literally everywhere on that field, especially where the action was the most critical. His split second assessments and decision making saved the Union Army from destruction on several occasions. These are serious omissions for a student of Gettysburg to make and they would be inexcusable in a straight up battle narrative. In this case however the text is really not meant to be comprehensive anyway. It seems to be intended to outline the major events illustrated in the maps. If you would like to tour the Gettysburg battlefield I would recommend two things. Hire a professional tour guide to take you around the park and take Gottfried’s book with you. Your depth of understanding will be greatly enhanced.
I wish I had had access to a book like this one when I first began my study. There is such a bewildering cast of characters and military units of organization that the beginner quickly becomes overwhelmed. Some 150,000 soldiers in countless corps, divisions, brigades and regiments mixed it up here for three days over a very large geographic area. The written narrative can only go so far in explaining the scene, the players and the action. A good battlefield map is a huge help in understanding the troop dispositions, movements and the impact of terrain features on events.
Gottfried’s maps are nicely drawn and (especially in the color edition) very easy to understand.
My only complaint about the book are some inaccuracies and omissions in the text. Principally they involve the author’s neglect of the contributions of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. Without detailing his accomplishments I will merely state that no officer, with the possible exception of Robert E Lee, had a greater impact on the outcome of this monumental battle. He was literally everywhere on that field, especially where the action was the most critical. His split second assessments and decision making saved the Union Army from destruction on several occasions. These are serious omissions for a student of Gettysburg to make and they would be inexcusable in a straight up battle narrative. In this case however the text is really not meant to be comprehensive anyway. It seems to be intended to outline the major events illustrated in the maps. If you would like to tour the Gettysburg battlefield I would recommend two things. Hire a professional tour guide to take you around the park and take Gottfried’s book with you. Your depth of understanding will be greatly enhanced.
January 31, 2013
This was the fourth book of this series that I've read, although it was the first one published. That spoiled me, I think, because it comes across as a first effort in comparison to the others (especially the Maps of Antietam, which is my favorite). It didn't help that all of the other books have color maps, and the edition of this book I got as a Christmas gift has black and white maps. I thought the graphic quality of the maps were a little less than desired. What I really missed in this book in comparison to the others, though, was a careful documentation of the passage of time from map to map. There were several times while reading this book that I wondered how much time had passed from map to map, and could not find an answer in the accompanying text. Still, this book and the others in this series are extremely useful for understanding the ebb and flow of battle.
December 5, 2022
I am studying for the Gettysburg Battlefield Guide exam. I do not know at this time when the next written exam will be offered, but that means I have more time to prepare until then. I read Sears, Trudeau, Guelzo (unfortunately), Pfanz's books, Martin's excellent book about the first day and others. Sometimes I wish I had a map for some parts of the battle. Thanks to Dr. Gottfried we have that now. I purchased the Maps of Gettysburg and it has benefitted me so much. I definitely have to go and walk around the battlefield with it. He covers the opening of the campaign, the battle and the retreat. One reviewer's criticisms was Hancock deserves credit and Gottfried barely covered him. He is not wrong, but so does George Meade. Meade deserves credit as well. Anyway, Gottfried did an impressive job creating this book. It is helping me remember the regiments, brigades, and divisions. I am also using some of the quotes to use on my tours in the future. I am looking forward to reading his other maps books. More good news: he emailed me and said he is working on a Second Bull Run/Manassas and Shiloh map books. Looking forward to those.
April 11, 2025
Brad Gottfried sets the standard for Civil War battle maps. This book traces the activities from before the time that Lee started his Pennsylvania invasion until his army safely returns to Virginia. Once the battle gets going, the maps and accompanying narrative provide almost minute by minute details of the action. Nothing is omitted as he includes operations frequently not covered in books about Gettysburg, such as the south cavalry attack. I'm visiting Gettysburg next week and will be sure to have this book along.
June 3, 2022
Extremely well written, albeit short, descriptions of the battle almost on an hour-by-hour basis. I am a very 'visual learner' so a map with accompanying descriptions is perfect. Just enough detail to explain what was happening when and where.
Gottfried also covers the post-battle retreat to Virginia which is often overlooked.
Gottfried also covers the post-battle retreat to Virginia which is often overlooked.
March 24, 2023
This series of books are very good. The Maps of Gettysburg is also good. However, I have found that in each book in the series there are small flaws either in the text or the maps. With that said, I still recommend this book or any in the series.
December 28, 2022
Excellent review of the campaign. Most are essential to comprehend the how and why of any military movements and engagements. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2023
Very detailed history and maps of the battle of Gettysburg
August 17, 2008
Another book about the battle of Gettysburg? A map on every other page?
Ok, so this book isn't for everyone. OK OK, so it isn't for most people. But to students of the Civil War this is a fantastic reference book.
144 detailed maps cover the entire Gettysburg campaign, from the first Confederate movement north in the beginning of June, 1863, through the battle itself and ending with the Confederate withdrawl from Pennsylvania and Maryland in mid July.
The layout - left page is text and the right page is the map. In the beginning the maps show army corps and divisions. Once you get to the battle, the maps highlight individual regiments.
And why is this cool?
Because you can actually see where your great-grandpappy Jeremiah (or Grandpappy Joshua, Richard, Hiram, Thomas..you fill in his name) fought.
Example:
Private Milton Lawhead, 149th Pennsylvania Infantry, USA - my sons' multi-great grandfather (ex-wife's side of the family). This book SHOWS where his regiment was positioned on 1 July 1863; the other Union regiments in the line of battle and which Confederate regiments it fought against.
By the way, Milton's regiment entered the battle with 448 men - after several hours of intense fighting, the 149th was forced to retreat. It lost 336 - 75% - of its men. Milton escaped without a scratch. However he did break his wrist during a night march back to Virginia later in the month.
Again, this is a great reference book. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the battle of Gettysburg.
Ok, so this book isn't for everyone. OK OK, so it isn't for most people. But to students of the Civil War this is a fantastic reference book.
144 detailed maps cover the entire Gettysburg campaign, from the first Confederate movement north in the beginning of June, 1863, through the battle itself and ending with the Confederate withdrawl from Pennsylvania and Maryland in mid July.
The layout - left page is text and the right page is the map. In the beginning the maps show army corps and divisions. Once you get to the battle, the maps highlight individual regiments.
And why is this cool?
Because you can actually see where your great-grandpappy Jeremiah (or Grandpappy Joshua, Richard, Hiram, Thomas..you fill in his name) fought.
Example:
Private Milton Lawhead, 149th Pennsylvania Infantry, USA - my sons' multi-great grandfather (ex-wife's side of the family). This book SHOWS where his regiment was positioned on 1 July 1863; the other Union regiments in the line of battle and which Confederate regiments it fought against.
By the way, Milton's regiment entered the battle with 448 men - after several hours of intense fighting, the 149th was forced to retreat. It lost 336 - 75% - of its men. Milton escaped without a scratch. However he did break his wrist during a night march back to Virginia later in the month.
Again, this is a great reference book. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the battle of Gettysburg.
January 25, 2010
Every page has a description of the movements/fighting on the left and a map on the right. No previous book has so successfully helped me understand what was going on and where things happened than this one. I enjoyed reading it, and am glad I own this book for later reference.
The introduction of the book claims to avoid the arguments and assignment of blame that plague the histories of Gettysburg. When I read that, I snickered and read on. The author largely suceeded with this.
The introduction also stated that the author drew all the maps himself, and that does show. It isn't that uncommon for locations or units mentioned in the text on the right don't appear in the map. Some of the attempts at portraying motion just don't work. You can almost imagine someone making a smoothed animation out of the wh9ole thing, however.
So, yup I loved the book. It could have been better, but its the best I've seen yet. I originally found this book due to a person I know writing the Chikamauga version. It is definitely time to find and purchase that book.
The introduction of the book claims to avoid the arguments and assignment of blame that plague the histories of Gettysburg. When I read that, I snickered and read on. The author largely suceeded with this.
The introduction also stated that the author drew all the maps himself, and that does show. It isn't that uncommon for locations or units mentioned in the text on the right don't appear in the map. Some of the attempts at portraying motion just don't work. You can almost imagine someone making a smoothed animation out of the wh9ole thing, however.
So, yup I loved the book. It could have been better, but its the best I've seen yet. I originally found this book due to a person I know writing the Chikamauga version. It is definitely time to find and purchase that book.
October 6, 2020
Here's your chance to follow the Gettysburg campaign in close detail with this set of exquisitely-drawn maps. There are around 140 of them, and they cover the campaign from Lee's first moves north from the Rappahanock, through the entire battle at the brigade/regiment level and until the retreat and escape of the Army of Northern Virginia across the Potomac. The commentary that faces each map is flowing, if terse, and deals exclusively with the various troop movements and combats, so there's no or little commentary of the states of mind of the various commanders or other issues. I've read many books on the battle but now, having read this masterpiece, I finally feel that I have an adequate understanding of how the battle unfolded. I'd have to say that this book is pretty much mandatory for students of Gettysburg, and it would be a most useful companion if one were to visit the battlefield itself. I am looking forward to reading some of the other books in this series.
June 5, 2025
Pretty good narrative of the battle; the book is probably best for those who are just getting interested in Civil War history or in Gettysburg. However there were several inconsistences in the text. For example, according to map 26.2 the Confederate artillery bombardment before Pickett's charge effectively ended about 2 p.m. A few pages later map 27.4 (describing the action on East Cavalry Field) stated that the bombardment was "tapering off" when "it was approaching 3 p.m." Also, in a few parts the text describes a line of regiments arranged one way while the map shows a different alignment.
The author tends to give an officer's full name and rank on each map that the officer is mentioned. He also fails to give the time frame for each map set, making it difficult to determine if the action on one map set overlaps with the action in another set.
The author tends to give an officer's full name and rank on each map that the officer is mentioned. He also fails to give the time frame for each map set, making it difficult to determine if the action on one map set overlaps with the action in another set.
Want to read
May 2, 2012I just started reading this book on the kindle app of my iphone and ipad. I'm not sure if this will work since you need to switch back and forth between the map and the text. I'm on the first chapter and kind of wish I had a physical book to look at to easily view the maps and text at the same time. However, so far I like what I have been reading.
January 5, 2017
A beautiful book the printing and paper are excellent! Of course a must have for any Civil War scholar .
Most importantly it excellently written. It is more than a mere atlas. You can learn about the battle by using this one book. He has books on other battles.
Most importantly it excellently written. It is more than a mere atlas. You can learn about the battle by using this one book. He has books on other battles.
December 7, 2013
This is the best of the maps of Gettysburg collections that I have run across (except for one really hard to get publication (Gettysburg: Day Two, John D. Imhof).
June 30, 2013
THE collection of maps for the battle.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews