Just a few years ago, 5 to be exact, the Park Service, custodian of the battlefield, opened the new Visitor Center. While not within the middle of the battleground, it is well situated to afford easy access to the grounds nearby. This theater in the round is an exceptionally well done building. It has adequate space for all visitors to enjoy and learn about this historical event. A film initiates the experience, placing the event in context of the period: pre-war, and the first two years. From there, guests are directed to the panoramic painting, in the round, of an artist's interpretation of events. This painting was completed almost 100 years ago and sat in storage for years before the 6 year restoration brought it back to life. Known characters are seen in their final position before becoming a casualty.
It helps a viewer get a picture of the battle at one glimpse of one day's action. Officers are seen on their mounts directing the troops; artillery cannon are firing their deadly rounds with smoke and fire visible. Riflemen are standing, and kneeling while firing their weapons. Many soldiers are obviously wounded on the ground. All appears to be chaos as the two generals in charge are unseen at these moments. They are in protected quarters, removed from direct action, but close enough for involvement within the framework of tactics as they were in 1863.
After leaving the panorama picture, one begins the walk through the exhibition of events that are part of the 3 day battle, from beginning to end. All topics are covered, including those civilians caught up by the actions; soldiers from North and South, the wounded and their dispositions, the daily movements of units as the ebb and flow occurs over the ground, and the aftermath as armies leave the area.
more later
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