Article by Timothy Bassett, Carson Long Military Academy
I have the privilege of spending most weekends from April to November on horseback at the Gettysburg National Military Park, where I guide visitors over the hallowed ground imparting the stories of American heroes. As a Licensed Battlefield Guide (LBG), I strive to convey what it was like to be present at Gettysburg those fateful first three days of July 1863. As best I can, I do this by tailoring my tours to the visitor—where they’re from, their interests and occupations—drawing from the diaries and accounts of soldiers and civilians alike.
My interest in Gettysburg began like that of most visitors: with a visit to the battlefield. My father was invited to the centennial ceremonies as a Pennsylvania dignitary in 1963, and he often talked about our family history and the relatives who participated in the battle. However, the Gettysburg “bug” didn’t bite until my 13th birthday, when I specifically requested a visit there. Even so, my interest didn’t really deepen until college, when as a physics major I started a journey that continues to this day: reading about the Civil War. The Civil War trilogy by Bruce Catton will always hold a special place for introducing me to this amazing part of our national history.
It wasn’t until my fourth effort that I did well enough on the written exam to take the oral exam, where another 80 percent fail. Thankfully, on November 4, 2012, I became the 568th guide over the 100-year history of licensed guiding at the park.
Gettysburg is the only Civil War battlefield where guides must be licensed, and becoming an LBG begins with a rigorous written exam that is offered only every two years. Civil War Monitor magazine calls it the “toughest test in history,” and I learned this first-hand in 2002, when I ranked in the low 50s among 170 test-takers. Prospective guides must score at the very top of their test class to move onto the oral exam, and because I have that wonderful “type A” personality I was not going to give up. Over the next several years, I read a lot; I took relevant classes at a local community college; and it wasn’t until my fourth effort that I did well enough on the written exam to take the oral exam, where another 80 percent fail. Thankfully, on November 4, 2012, I became the 568th guide over the 100-year history of licensed guiding at the park.
One advantage of working at a military boys’ school is that the curriculum complements my passion, and I get to take students to the battlefield. My involvement at Gettysburg is also a great icebreaker, especially for new students. In my office at Carson Long Military Academy, there are huge maps of each of the three days of the battle, along with some battlefield memorabilia and a copy of the Constitution. No matter who is visiting my office, I can sometimes use these items to make them feel more comfortable, whether they’re a nervous student or a parent who needs to talk about money.
Of the countless fascinating soldiers who served at Gettysburg, I especially admire Confederate Lieutenant General James Longstreet. He has been criticized for his efforts at Gettysburg and for disagreeing with Robert E. Lee’s tactics for the battle; however, he didn’t hesitate as a subordinate to give his honest opinion to his superior. Debatably, he turned out to be right but still became something of a scapegoat for why the South lost Gettysburg, despite Lee being magnanimous enough to admit he had asked Longstreet to do more than could be done.
As a business manager and an “office of one,” I feel that I need to be able to speak my mind with similar impunity, whether the issue involves capital improvements or just a discussion with the finance committee. Thankfully, I have the kind of relationship with our headmaster that Longstreet had with Lee, and I know that my input is always well respected.
