Highways of History - 1863

The third history bus tour was held June 16-17, 2001 and  visited key battlefields of 1863. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the 69th assaulted the Confederate lines taking heavy losses.   During the Chancellorsville campaign, the 69th guarded Union pontoon bridges across the Rappahanock River at Banks Ford that were vital to both supply and eventual retreat.    As Lee's army marched north to Gettysburg, the 69th established records for daily marching distance (sometimes over 30 miles per day)as they pursued the rebel invasion.   The tour visited all of these sites and followed the exact routes taken by the irish regiment in 1863.    We walked where they walked and fought. We saw where they camped and rested. We honored their memory.

The rebel wall at Fredericksburg

Where the 69th made their stand on Marye's Heights

Location of the Pontoon Bridges at Fredericksburg

Banks Ford-Protecting the Pontoons

Don Ernsberger tells the story of the Harvey's at the gravesite of John Harvey Sr.  Alexandria, Va

More photos from the trip