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Gettysburg Trilogy #1
Gettysburg: The First Day
For good reason, the second and third days of the Battle of Gettysburg have received the lion's share of attention from historians. With this book, however, the critical first day's fighting finally receives its due. After sketching the background of the Gettysburg campaign and recounting the events immediately preceding the battle, Harry Pfanz offers a detailed tactical description of events of the first day. He describes the engagements in McPherson Woods, at the Railroad Cuts, on Oak Ridge, on Seminary Ridge, and at Blocher's Knoll, as well as the retreat of Union forces through Gettysburg and the Federal rally on Cemetery Hill. Throughout, he draws on deep research in published and archival sources to challenge many long-held assumptions about the battle.
472 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2001
53 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Harry W. Pfanz
7 books26 followersHarry W. Pfanz graduated from Ohio State University in 1943, followed by service in the U.S. army in World War II. He then became a historian, first for the Department of the Army then for Gettysburg National Military Park for ten years. He received a doctorate in history from Ohio State University in 1958. He has also served as the Chief Historian of the National Park Service from 1974 until his retirement in 1981.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 1, 2022
Pfanz's Gettysburg -- Day 1
Harry Pfanz, former Chief Historian of the National Park Service and historian at the Gettysburg National Military Park, has written a three-volume trilogy on the Battle of Gettysburg. This book, the last of the volumes to be written, covers the opening day of the great battle, July 1, 1863. For many people, the fighting on the first day tends to be overshadowed by events such as the struggle for Little Round Top on July 2 and Pickett's Charge on July 3. But the first day was critical to the progress of the Battle of Gettysburg. Without an understanding of day 1, the interested student cannot fully grasp the events which followed on the second and third days and their aftermath.
Pfanz gives a very brief account of the reasons underlying the Confederacy's decision to invade the North following the Battle of Chancellorsville in May, 1863. He also is very short in describing the early stages of the invasion and Stuart's ill-conceived cavalry ride around the Union rear. But his account of day one of the battle itself and of the course of the fighting is full and outstanding.
I have found the events of July 1 difficult to follow in reading earlier studies. This is because, I think, the meeting between the two armies was unplanned and unexpected. Neither Union nor Confederacy expected to fight a major battle at Gettysburg. When the armies stumbled into each other, activities on both sides were improvised. There were a number of different fights at different times and different locations on the field and a lack of coordination. It is important to keep in mind the different units of each army involved and the different times and locations on the field.
Pfanz develops his story slowly and tries to present an integrated, cohesive account. He begins with the meeting between Buford's cavalry in the early morning of July 1, followed by lengthy discussions of the fighting between the Union First Corps and Heth's Division of Hill's Corps to the West and Northwest of the town and of the fighting between the Union 11th Corps and Ewell's Division to the North of the town. His account is less critical of the activities of the Eleventh Corps than are many other accounts of July 1, 1863.
Pfanz pays attention to leadership -- or its overall lack during the first day of the fighting -- and focuses on the troops on the ground. The fighting brigades and their leaders get a great deal of attention. There are excellent maps and descriptions on the maps which lead the reader step-by-step through the key encounters on day 1. The book is enlivened by many human interest stories and histories of the participants. Pfanz draws many insightful parallels, comparisons and contrasts, between the fighting on day 1 and some of the events which followed on days 2 and 3.
Students of Gettysburg have long debated whether the Confederacy could have gained a decisive victory if it had followed-up its initial success and attempted to occupy Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill after it had driven the Union army through Gettysburg. Pfanz studies this question carefully and shows the difficulties and uncertainties that General Ewell would have faced if he had decided to mount a further attack. Pfanz offers a thoughtful, sobering discussion of an important question about the battle.
This book is not for the beginning student of the Battle of Gettysburg. It presupposes a certain familiarity with the battle as a whole and with its ebb and flow over the three days. For those readers who have a basic grasp of the battle and a desire to learn about the events of day 1 in detail, Pfanz' study is an indispensable source.
Robin Friedman
Harry Pfanz, former Chief Historian of the National Park Service and historian at the Gettysburg National Military Park, has written a three-volume trilogy on the Battle of Gettysburg. This book, the last of the volumes to be written, covers the opening day of the great battle, July 1, 1863. For many people, the fighting on the first day tends to be overshadowed by events such as the struggle for Little Round Top on July 2 and Pickett's Charge on July 3. But the first day was critical to the progress of the Battle of Gettysburg. Without an understanding of day 1, the interested student cannot fully grasp the events which followed on the second and third days and their aftermath.
Pfanz gives a very brief account of the reasons underlying the Confederacy's decision to invade the North following the Battle of Chancellorsville in May, 1863. He also is very short in describing the early stages of the invasion and Stuart's ill-conceived cavalry ride around the Union rear. But his account of day one of the battle itself and of the course of the fighting is full and outstanding.
I have found the events of July 1 difficult to follow in reading earlier studies. This is because, I think, the meeting between the two armies was unplanned and unexpected. Neither Union nor Confederacy expected to fight a major battle at Gettysburg. When the armies stumbled into each other, activities on both sides were improvised. There were a number of different fights at different times and different locations on the field and a lack of coordination. It is important to keep in mind the different units of each army involved and the different times and locations on the field.
Pfanz develops his story slowly and tries to present an integrated, cohesive account. He begins with the meeting between Buford's cavalry in the early morning of July 1, followed by lengthy discussions of the fighting between the Union First Corps and Heth's Division of Hill's Corps to the West and Northwest of the town and of the fighting between the Union 11th Corps and Ewell's Division to the North of the town. His account is less critical of the activities of the Eleventh Corps than are many other accounts of July 1, 1863.
Pfanz pays attention to leadership -- or its overall lack during the first day of the fighting -- and focuses on the troops on the ground. The fighting brigades and their leaders get a great deal of attention. There are excellent maps and descriptions on the maps which lead the reader step-by-step through the key encounters on day 1. The book is enlivened by many human interest stories and histories of the participants. Pfanz draws many insightful parallels, comparisons and contrasts, between the fighting on day 1 and some of the events which followed on days 2 and 3.
Students of Gettysburg have long debated whether the Confederacy could have gained a decisive victory if it had followed-up its initial success and attempted to occupy Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill after it had driven the Union army through Gettysburg. Pfanz studies this question carefully and shows the difficulties and uncertainties that General Ewell would have faced if he had decided to mount a further attack. Pfanz offers a thoughtful, sobering discussion of an important question about the battle.
This book is not for the beginning student of the Battle of Gettysburg. It presupposes a certain familiarity with the battle as a whole and with its ebb and flow over the three days. For those readers who have a basic grasp of the battle and a desire to learn about the events of day 1 in detail, Pfanz' study is an indispensable source.
Robin Friedman
September 21, 2018
In Gettysburg: The First Day (2001), Harry W. Pfanz charts the events of the Battle of Gettysburg’s first day, July 1, 1863. July 1 went badly for the Union Army of the Potomac, yet quick thinking by generals like Winfield Scott Hancock staved off disaster and set the stage for what would become the most famous Union victory of the American Civil War.
While the author’s strategic overview falls flat, Pfanz shines in his detailed tactical descriptions of the engagements in McPherson Woods, at the Railroad Cuts, Oak Ridge, Seminary Ridge, Blocher’s Knoll, and the subsequent Union retreat through Gettysburg and rally on Cemetery Hill.
Gettysburg: The First Day is not a linear history. Though it is roughly arranged chronologically, the narrative jumps back and forth from events leading up to the battle to the battle itself. As Union and Confederate units appear on the field, Pfanz pauses to reflect on how each unit arrived, sometimes across the span of several days. In such a long narrative, this has a tendency to cause the reader to lose track of how events tie together.
Pfanz’s attempt to describe the armies’ approach to Gettysburg is particularly sloppy. The writing is so awful I briefly wondered if the book was self-published. The author lacks the strategic depth and understanding of Stephen W. Sears, and for a masterful retelling of the entire campaign, read Sears’ Gettysburg (2004). Pfanz focuses almost exclusively on what occurred, not why.
The author’s grasp of history shines through at the tactical level. When Pfanz describes the gritty events of July 1, 1863 in all their gruesome detail, he brings to life the men who fought that day, from the lowliest private to commanding generals. While most authors focus on the exploits of commissioned officers, Pfanz’s narrative includes enlisted men and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). NCOs form the backbone of the U.S. Army and many of the best officers, both North and South, began their careers as enlisted men.
The Union Eleventh Corps is often criticized for its role in the Union’s defeat that day, but Pfanz is more generous. He describes how many men in the Eleventh wanted to erase the stain from their poor performance at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and fought valiantly in the face of overwhelming odds. In particular, he highlights Col. Charles R. Coster’s stand at a brickyard north of Gettysburg, which bought time for retreating Union soldiers to escape.
Any history of Gettysburg will be weighted toward the Northern perspective because Confederates didn’t keep detailed accounts of the fighting, but we do know that victory came with a high price on the first day. Confederate leadership stumbled headlong into the enemy, often with disastrous results. Pfanz shows how, despite facing overwhelming odds, the Union leadership gave the Army of Northern Virginia a bloody taste of what lay ahead.
Harry W. Pfanz (1921-2015), of Gaithersburg, Maryland, was a graduate of Ohio State University. He served during World War 2 and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. He was the historian at Gettysburg from 1956 to 1966 and chief historian of the National Park Service until 1981. His other books include Gettysburg: The Second Day (1987) and Gettysburg: Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill (1993).
While the author’s strategic overview falls flat, Pfanz shines in his detailed tactical descriptions of the engagements in McPherson Woods, at the Railroad Cuts, Oak Ridge, Seminary Ridge, Blocher’s Knoll, and the subsequent Union retreat through Gettysburg and rally on Cemetery Hill.
Gettysburg: The First Day is not a linear history. Though it is roughly arranged chronologically, the narrative jumps back and forth from events leading up to the battle to the battle itself. As Union and Confederate units appear on the field, Pfanz pauses to reflect on how each unit arrived, sometimes across the span of several days. In such a long narrative, this has a tendency to cause the reader to lose track of how events tie together.
Pfanz’s attempt to describe the armies’ approach to Gettysburg is particularly sloppy. The writing is so awful I briefly wondered if the book was self-published. The author lacks the strategic depth and understanding of Stephen W. Sears, and for a masterful retelling of the entire campaign, read Sears’ Gettysburg (2004). Pfanz focuses almost exclusively on what occurred, not why.
The author’s grasp of history shines through at the tactical level. When Pfanz describes the gritty events of July 1, 1863 in all their gruesome detail, he brings to life the men who fought that day, from the lowliest private to commanding generals. While most authors focus on the exploits of commissioned officers, Pfanz’s narrative includes enlisted men and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). NCOs form the backbone of the U.S. Army and many of the best officers, both North and South, began their careers as enlisted men.
The Union Eleventh Corps is often criticized for its role in the Union’s defeat that day, but Pfanz is more generous. He describes how many men in the Eleventh wanted to erase the stain from their poor performance at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and fought valiantly in the face of overwhelming odds. In particular, he highlights Col. Charles R. Coster’s stand at a brickyard north of Gettysburg, which bought time for retreating Union soldiers to escape.
Any history of Gettysburg will be weighted toward the Northern perspective because Confederates didn’t keep detailed accounts of the fighting, but we do know that victory came with a high price on the first day. Confederate leadership stumbled headlong into the enemy, often with disastrous results. Pfanz shows how, despite facing overwhelming odds, the Union leadership gave the Army of Northern Virginia a bloody taste of what lay ahead.
Harry W. Pfanz (1921-2015), of Gaithersburg, Maryland, was a graduate of Ohio State University. He served during World War 2 and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. He was the historian at Gettysburg from 1956 to 1966 and chief historian of the National Park Service until 1981. His other books include Gettysburg: The Second Day (1987) and Gettysburg: Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill (1993).
May 3, 2024
Updated review.
Originally, I gave this book five stars because I felt it did day 1 justice. Out of the three days the first day at Gettysburg is neglected the most. To be fair, I had that mentality as well at one time, but, as I read more about the battle, the first day is important because it set up what was to come. You could also that the North won day 1 despite being driven back since they secured the better ground. A park ranger at Gettysburg said on a tour "Robert E. Lee winning on July 1st was the worst thing that could have happened to him." His explanation was Lee's arrogance got the worst of him as others have argued.
I reread this book, and I did not enjoy it as much. First, it is by far the weakest of the great Harry Pfanz's books. Second, David Martin's incredible treatment of the first day at Gettysburg ruined this book for me. Martin did a much better job explaining July 1st, 1863 much better than Pfanz. I recommend Pfanz's books about the second day and Culp's Hill (this one my favorite of the three). However, for day 1, read Martin.
Originally, I gave this book five stars because I felt it did day 1 justice. Out of the three days the first day at Gettysburg is neglected the most. To be fair, I had that mentality as well at one time, but, as I read more about the battle, the first day is important because it set up what was to come. You could also that the North won day 1 despite being driven back since they secured the better ground. A park ranger at Gettysburg said on a tour "Robert E. Lee winning on July 1st was the worst thing that could have happened to him." His explanation was Lee's arrogance got the worst of him as others have argued.
I reread this book, and I did not enjoy it as much. First, it is by far the weakest of the great Harry Pfanz's books. Second, David Martin's incredible treatment of the first day at Gettysburg ruined this book for me. Martin did a much better job explaining July 1st, 1863 much better than Pfanz. I recommend Pfanz's books about the second day and Culp's Hill (this one my favorite of the three). However, for day 1, read Martin.
April 9, 2020
This is an excellent account of the events in the Gettysburg Campaign on July 1, 1863. It is mostly a very detailed, first person account by the men who participated in this battle. It clearly shows how the armies basically collided by accident. A major battle was not planned for this day. Neither side was prepared for a general engagement on this day at this sight. The stories of the men caught up in this collision of armies and their stories demonstrate the confusion and tragedy of how events occurring in real time determined outcomes, not grand strategies or battle plans. This is a very compelling look at how the men who fought here experienced battle in the American Civil War.
July 20, 2021
Well Done History
Harry Plans has written an excellent account of the first day's action at Gettysburg. He has done a first rate job of researching his topic and provides some thrilling accounts of the action he lives up his narrative with great anecdotes and interesting human interest stories. He also presents facts that disspell the notion that the Confederate could have pushed the Union off Cemetery Hill at the end of Day one. Also gives due credit to Generals Howard and Doubleday for their roles
Harry Plans has written an excellent account of the first day's action at Gettysburg. He has done a first rate job of researching his topic and provides some thrilling accounts of the action he lives up his narrative with great anecdotes and interesting human interest stories. He also presents facts that disspell the notion that the Confederate could have pushed the Union off Cemetery Hill at the end of Day one. Also gives due credit to Generals Howard and Doubleday for their roles
August 8, 2018
The definitive account of Day 1
The author's detailed knowledge of the battle paired with his use of first-person testimony makes this book the definitive account of the battle. It reads like an thrilling play by play. I really recommend using a good battlefield atlas while reading this to follow all the action. Philip Laino's "Gettysburg Campaign Atlas" is what I used and it really brought the author's words to life.
The author's detailed knowledge of the battle paired with his use of first-person testimony makes this book the definitive account of the battle. It reads like an thrilling play by play. I really recommend using a good battlefield atlas while reading this to follow all the action. Philip Laino's "Gettysburg Campaign Atlas" is what I used and it really brought the author's words to life.
March 14, 2021
An excellent study of the first day of the three-day battle of Gettysburg. This book has probably become the definitive study of the first day's actions. Pfanz gives different interpretations of the cavalry action at the beginning of the day as well as the retreat of the 11th Corps later in the day, and makes his opinions very plausible. He narrative is easy to follow and exciting to read. Included are some excellent maps, which to me can make or break a book. Highly recommended!
July 14, 2017
As with all of Pfanz's works, the narrative is lucid, straightforward, and comprehensive. I felt a little more satisfied with his book on Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill than I was with this one, but if you're looking for a detailed analysis of actions at Gettysburg, you simply cannot go wrong with any of Pfanz's books.
August 28, 2021
A great book to understand the first day of the battle of Gettysburg. In a battle known for Pickets Charge and Little Round Top, there is so much more to be told, and this book does that. With first hand accounts the reader learns not only about the military engagement and men who fought but also learns stories of the citizens of Gettysburg caught in the crosshairs of war.
January 6, 2020
Very detailed front line story
Very detailed, sometimes difficult to track what the big picture is of the battle. Very little analyze mostly a piece of good research on what the regiments, and bridges did.
Very detailed, sometimes difficult to track what the big picture is of the battle. Very little analyze mostly a piece of good research on what the regiments, and bridges did.
March 5, 2020
Exhaustive review of the first day. Quite readable. I suggest not reading on a Kindle (a mistake I made) because it makes it too hard to refer to the plentiful maps and notes; this definitely detracts from both comprehension and enjoyment.
June 17, 2024
Of the three days of the Battle of Gettysburg, the first has always seen the least covered. I am not sure. Even with having toured the battlefield, I grasped what was going on. After reading Planz's account, I do.
Read
March 9, 2025Splendid account of the activities on July 1, 1863. The book contains maps which are essential to keeping track of the detailed movements of multiple regiments, brigades and divisions. I highly recommend this book to all who seek further knowledge on The Battle of Gettysburg.
May 8, 2018
Excellent Civil War historry!!
June 26, 2020
Details.
Outstanding maps that include topography which is critical to understanding the battlefield.
Outstanding maps that include topography which is critical to understanding the battlefield.
January 2, 2021
Very good book to include in your library. A detailed and tactical look at the first day. Will support anyone who studies Gettysburg/History.
February 25, 2023
Great book! Just a Gettysburg classic.
February 18, 2024
Very well-written and researched. The book would benefit from more maps, or a companion of maps.
Looking forward to re-reading it.
Looking forward to re-reading it.
April 21, 2024
This is a fascinating read but I like to take it a chapter at a time. I made it 2/3 of the way through and will pick it up another day. So much information!
July 3, 2019
Great, detailed account of Day 1
This is the first Day 1 only account that I’ve read. I thoroughly enjoyed the research and the use of great sources. Has me even more interested to read his Day 2 account as I hear that’s his best work. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this one!
This is the first Day 1 only account that I’ve read. I thoroughly enjoyed the research and the use of great sources. Has me even more interested to read his Day 2 account as I hear that’s his best work. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this one!
January 5, 2017
DITTO. All four are a must have for your Civil War library
I appreciated the large print.
I appreciated the large print.
May 5, 2024
Pfanz’s Day 1 account of the Battle of Gettysburg is a good detailed review of the primary events occurring during the first stages of the major engagement taking place between the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia in July 1863. The great strength of this work lies in the number of anecdotes and personal accounts of the soldiers who and officers engaged in the fighting. These stories personify the battle in an important way, emphasizing that these were more than just red and blue lines on a map.
While this is an important part of the Gettysburg canon, it is not the entry work for those who are just learning. Whether or not intentional, the work assumes some basic understanding of the events leading up to the events as well as a basic knowledge of the major players.
Pfanz does not offer much analysis, strategic or otherwise, as he sticks primarily to a description of the tactical events taking place. Every once in a while, he offers a thought on an officer’s motive, but it is infrequent.
These critiques are not meant to diminish the value of Pfanz. It’s not Sears or Trudeau, but that’s okay. It’s still a necessary read for the Gettysburg student.
While this is an important part of the Gettysburg canon, it is not the entry work for those who are just learning. Whether or not intentional, the work assumes some basic understanding of the events leading up to the events as well as a basic knowledge of the major players.
Pfanz does not offer much analysis, strategic or otherwise, as he sticks primarily to a description of the tactical events taking place. Every once in a while, he offers a thought on an officer’s motive, but it is infrequent.
These critiques are not meant to diminish the value of Pfanz. It’s not Sears or Trudeau, but that’s okay. It’s still a necessary read for the Gettysburg student.
Read
August 2, 2011A detailed analysis of the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg by a historian who already wrote book length studies of the struggles for Cemetary & Culps Hills and the rest of the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. He busts a lot of myths about the battle that have been repeated in various histories of the battle over the years. Well worth reading if you want to learn more about the Battle of Gettysburg than is covered by most single volume histories.
One thing that I found curious is that (unless I missed it) he didn't cite the earlier "Gettysburg July 1" by David G. Martin, even if the purpose of the citation is to disagree w/ some of Martin's conclusions.
One thing that I found curious is that (unless I missed it) he didn't cite the earlier "Gettysburg July 1" by David G. Martin, even if the purpose of the citation is to disagree w/ some of Martin's conclusions.
September 15, 2014
The quick, one-line review by Washington Post Book World provided on the front cover of the book says it all, "An exhaustive and intimate description of the tactical events of day one." Having served for ten years as a historian at Gettysburg National Military Park and many more years as the Chief Historian of the National Park Service, Harry Pfanz presents impeccable credentials for authoring such an exacting work. Any serious student of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg should have this volume on his or her personal bookshelf along with Pfanz's other two major Gettysburg works on the 2nd day and on Culp's Hill.
December 12, 2013
Loved this account of the First Day of fighting at Gettysburg. Pfanz does well to bring in biographical sketches of some of the significant Gettysburg participants as he tells the stories of the day. He does a great job of creating an enjoyable narrative on the battle. Probably not as detailed as Martin's, July 1, but still an excellent run down of Day 1.
Recommend for those who are Gettyburg fanatics or Civil War buffs seeking a more detailed explanation of the Day 1 events.
Recommend for those who are Gettyburg fanatics or Civil War buffs seeking a more detailed explanation of the Day 1 events.
June 4, 2012
This book provides a very good account of the first day of the battle of Gettysburg. While it goes into many details, Pfanz was able to keep the narrative interesting and engaging. The main flaw in this book was the maps. Although its maps were better than many books, about twice as many would still have been fine and would have enhanced the story greatly.
September 2, 2007
The obsession continues until the trip in December. Admittedly I scanned this one pretty quickly....I was mainly interested in the maps. However, if you are interested in detail then this is the book for you. Every movement of every brigade is tracked on day one..
November 2, 2020
Pfanz suffers from extreme dullness of prose and a point of view in which he blithely accepts every convention about the battle of Gettysburg without investigating to see if the evidence supports these conventions or not. His analysis is simply awful.
read-and-sold
January 15, 2017Good book, lots of generals moving troops to and fro, detailed lists if which divisions / regiments did what and where on the first day. Usual interesting side-storys of individual events happening to individual soldiers, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews