July 1, 1863, 37 year old Union cavalry General John Buford sits astride his horse beside the McPherson barn and directs Calef's battery into position. The Union troops held their line against the advancing Confederates until reinforcements arrived, holding their position in the climatic battle known as McPherson's RidgeYou can find "McPherson's Ridge" here!
This is a signed & numbered, Limited Edition print by Don Troiani.
ReplyDeleteTitle: McPherson's Ridge
John Buford, Gettysburg
July 1, 1863
Artist: Don Troiani
Publisher: Historical Art Prints
1300 s/n Limited Editions
Image Size: 26 3/4" x 20"
In the Gettysburg Campaign, Buford, who had been promoted to command of the 1st Division, is credited with selecting the field of battle at Gettysburg. On June 30, Buford's command rode into the small town of Gettysburg. Very soon, Buford realized that he was facing a superior force of rebels to his front and set about creating a defense against the Confederate advance. He was acutely aware of the importance of holding the tactically important high ground about Gettysburg and so he did, beginning one of the most iconic battles in American military history. His intelligent defensive troop alignments, coupled with the bravery and tenacity of his dismounted men, allowed the I Corps, under Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds, time to come up in support and thus maintain a Union foothold at strategically important positions. Despite Lee’s barrage attack of 140 cannons and a final infantry attack on the third day of the battle, the Union army won a highly significant victory. Afterward, Buford's troopers were sent by Pleasonton to Emmitsburg, Maryland, to resupply and refit, an ill-advised decision that uncovered the Union left flank. The importance of Buford's leadership and tactical foresight on July 1 cannot be overstated in its contribution to this victory.