That is the Matter

One of the first things I was able to do during my most recent trip to Gettysburg was seeing and touring the new Seminary Ridge Museum that was inaugurally opened on July 1 in time for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

One of the first things to notice is the awesome paint job that was done on the outside of the building. The gold color helps the brick to pop out of the building, in my opinion. The cupola is not the original that Gen. John Buford and his adjutants used at the opening of the battle. It was struck by lightning in August of 1913, caught on fire and was rebuilt as accurately as possible.

This is a significant part of the battlefield. Not only was it an observance point for Buford's cavalry troops, it also served as a hospital throughout the battle's duration. Legend has it that John F. Reynolds met Buford there as he led the I Corps onto the field that day as it's dramatized in the 1993 film. I've read conflicting reports in certain books. Still, Reynolds assistants swear that the meeting took place on McPherson's Ridge directly west as time was scarce. A favorite quote of mine was by Buford as one of Reynolds' aids rode into town that morning and asked Buford what was the matter. At that moment artillery fire was heard from this area of the field, west of Gettysburg. Buford turned back and said "That...is the matter."