Gettysburg Daily

Union Cavalry in Pitzer’s Woods

The 2nd United States Cavalry performed living history demonstrations at Gettysburg National Military Park this weekend. They were camped in Pitzer’s Woods along Seminary Ridge. Here, near the amphitheater, they are taking a recreational ride to the Virginia monument. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.

The 2nd United States Cavalry Regiment is performing some living history demonstrations at Gettsysburg National Military Park this weekend. They are camped in Pitzer’s Woods on Seminary Ridge in the area of the amphitheater and the Longstreet Monument.


The 2nd United States Cavalry, a group of reenactors from “all over,” camped in Pitzer’s Woods on Seminary Ridge this weekend. This view was taken from the north facing south at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



The horses eat approximately three to six pounds of oats a day, and twenty pounds of forage, such as grass or hay. This view was taken from the north facing south at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



According to Bill Wolfe, one of the members of the unit, a horse at that time would be purchased for the army for approximately $100. The equipment shown here, would be purchased for approximately $200 in the 1860s. This price did not include weapons. This view was taken from the east facing west at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



Horses are bigger now than they were at that time. The reproduction saddle trees for the McClellan saddles have to be made larger to accomodate modern horses. This view was taken from the southeast facing northwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



A typical schedule for a cavalry unit while in camp is shown on the wooden slate in front of the hardtack box. This view was taken from the north facing south at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



A consistent flow of visitors came to the camp to see the horses, take pictures, and ask questions. This view was taken from the east facing west at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



Bill Wolfe is also a middle school history teacher in the Central Dauphin School District near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.



The 2nd U.S. Cavalry is mounted and on their way to visit the Virginia monument. On top of the Virginia monument is Robert E. Lee, a former Colonel of the 2nd United States Cavalry. This view was taken from the northeast facing southwest at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008.