Peter Frederick Rothermel's famous "Picketts Charge" was one of many he painted of Civil War battles. This image is his rendition of Pickett's charge on July 3, 1863, the culminating event of the three day battle. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal point, an encounter that many historians consider the turning point in the Civil War. Rothermel devoted almost five years and created a monumental 16' by 32' foot painting of The Battle of Gettysburg, Pickett's Charge. This immense painting hangs in the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The desperate character of the attack and defense is depicted in the hand-to-hand fighting over the stone wall. Pickett disagreed with Gen. Lee on the chances of success but Lee had ordered a frontal attack on Union forces and Pickett complied. Led briefly by Pickett himself, 12,000 to 15,000 Southerners charged towards the Union center, but the plan proved disastrous. Pickett lost almost 60% of his troops to death, wounding and capture. Shortly after the charge, Lee retreated to Virginia followed by Union troops under General Meade.

Medium : 1 print : engraving

Creator : Peter Frederick Rothermel, artist, 1812-1895

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

The battle map shows the action on the afternoon of July 2nd. It was prepared by Capt.William H. Wilcox who was on the staff of Maj. Gen. Reynold. The map shows a large amount of information including topography by hachures, vegetation, roads, railroads, houses, churches, stonewalls and many other features. Also included are names and locations of various Union and Confederate placements.

When, and if time permitted during a battle, topographical engineers in both armies were called upon to prepare accurate, detailed maps of the fields of battle. Cultural and topographical features were carefully shown and the position of troops and batteries was depicted in detail.

Throughout the American Civil War, commercial publishers (one of whom published this map) in the North and to a lesser extent in the South produced countless maps for an eagerly awaiting public in need of up-to-date geographical information. Few families were without someone in the armed forces serving in a little-known place in the American South. Maps, therefore, were not only important sources of information, but also satisfied the patriotic impulses of the populace. Publishers in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Boston quickly became aware of this profitable market and began to issue maps in quantities undreamed of before the war.

Medium : 1 map

Creator : Capt. William H. Willcox

Created/Published : P.S. Duval & Son, Philadelphia, 1863

Housed in the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress

Frame : Overall size : 17 3/4" x 25 1/4", double matted, 1 1/2" gold with black flecking

Price: $260.00

Availability: Usually ships in 1 week.

Product #: FR0116