Perspectives in Military History Lecture: To Make a Demonstration, to the Letter

Join us on Wednesday, September 17 as we welcome Cory M. Pfarr as he presents his lecture, “To Make a Demonstration, to the Letter”: Eight Distinct Maps of Longstreet’s Gettysburg Performance.

This lecture critically examines General James Longstreet’s role at the Battle of Gettysburg by reassessing longstanding claims about his conduct, including allegations of delay, disobedience, and insufficient support during key phases of the battle. Drawing on eight detailed battlefield maps and a broad range of primary sources, the lecture explores how logistical challenges, evolving battlefield conditions, and shifting Confederate plans shaped Longstreet’s actions. The analysis also highlights inconsistencies in postwar accounts and emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive reading of the evidence. Rather than offering a revisionist defense, the lecture aims to provide a clearer, more balanced understanding of Longstreet’s performance and its place within the larger context of the Gettysburg campaign.

Cory M. Pfarr works for the Department of Defense and is the award-winning author of Longstreet at Gettysburg: A Critical Reassessment (McFarland, 2019) and Righting the Longstreet Record at Gettysburg: Six Matters of Controversy and Confusion (McFarland, 2023). He is currently at work on a forthcoming book about the Federal Signal Service at Antietam. Mr. Pfarr has contributed to North & South Magazine and Gettysburg Magazine, and has appeared on the Pennsylvania Cable Network and C-SPAN’s American History TV. He lives in Fallston, Maryland, with his wife and three children.

A livestream of the lecture will be available at www.youtube.com/@US_AWC/streams

You may also like the following events from United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC):

• This Sunday, 14th September, 09:00 am, Army Expo '25 in Carlisle
• This month, 26th September, 11:00 am, Food Truck Friday in Carlisle

Also check out other Arts events in Carlisle, Fine Arts events in Carlisle, Literary Art events in Carlisle.