Mary Adams and Albert Mattin
How John Batchelder Molded the Story of the Battle of Gettysburg
In 1863 the artist John Batchelder received word that Lee’s troops were advancing into Union territory. While he had painted many battlefield scenes, he was still searching for the one moment in battle to capture that would define his career. He found it in the Battle of Gettysburg! Through intensive study and interviews, Batchelder acquired a detailed understanding of the battlefield and troop movements, and as a result became the official historian of the battle. The masterpiece he designed and commissioned, The Repulse of Longstreet’s Assault, toured the country and Batchelder delivered thousands of lectures accompanied by an extensive catalog of products related to the battle. This presentation will examine how Batchelder achieved commercial success and shaped the story of Gettysburg in ways still felt today.
Mary Adams has worked in public history for her entire adult life, first as an interpreter for the National Park Service in both Glacier National Park and on the National Mall. She is currently the homeschool program developer for the New Hampshire Historical Society as well as serving as Director and co-host of History Camp Author Discussions and as the Manager of Pursuit of History Weekends.
Albert Mattin is an avid reader, researcher, and lover of Civil War History.
