The Tide at Little Round Top: A Tale of Two Brigades

The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, witnessed countless acts of heroism and sacrifice. Yet, few stand out as dramatically as the desperate struggle for Little Round Top, a rocky prominence that threatened the Union flank. Here, amidst the chaos and carnage, the 20th Maine regiment, commanded by the resolute Joshua Chamberlain, found themselves locked in a bitter fight with elements of John B. Hood's Confederate Division. This essay delves into the stories of the Confederate regiments that faced the 20th Maine – the 15th, 47th Alabama, 4th, and 5th Texas – revealing their motivations, challenges, and the crucible they endured on that fateful day.

The Alabama Brigade: Blood and Belonging

Hailing from the cotton heartland, the 15th and 47th Alabama arrived at Gettysburg brimming with a potent mix of patriotism and state pride. The 15th, nicknamed "Lee's Grenadier Guards" for their flamboyant uniforms, was a veteran unit hardened by previous battles. Colonel William C. Oates, a firebrand West Point graduate, led them with an aggressive spirit. The 47th Alabama, commanded by the more reserved Colonel James Jackson, was a relatively new regiment, eager to prove themselves. Both regiments were bound by a strong sense of regional identity. The "Southern spirit," a potent cocktail of states' rights advocacy and resentment towards the North, fueled their determination.

A Long March, A Short Fuse

General Hood's audacious plan for the second day at Gettysburg hinged on capturing Little Round Top. However, communication breakdowns and the fog of war resulted in a grueling 20-mile forced march for the Alabama Brigade. Exhausted, dehydrated, and low on ammunition, they reached the battlefield in a far-from-ideal state. This physical duress undoubtedly impacted their fighting capacity.

The Fury of Oates' Attack

Despite their disadvantages, the Alabamians charged Little Round Top with undeniable courage. Colonel Oates, ever the aggressive leader, spearheaded the assault with the 15th Alabama. They slammed into the 20th Maine's left flank, a point mistakenly perceived as weak by Oates. A fierce fight erupted, characterized by brutal hand-to-hand combat and withering rifle fire. The 47th Alabama joined the fray, bolstering the attack.