Fury on the Bliss Farm at Gettysburg

by John M. Archer

The odd grassy mound between the long ridges south of Gettysburg might arouse the curiosity of a visitor, but the site of the Bliss Farm lies hundreds of yards from modern tour routs. Certainly, more infamous sites on the battlefield vie for one's attention, and the struggle fro this once prosperous homestead is easily overlooked. Yet, on July 2 & 3, 1863, the incongruously named farm was a no-man's land that changed hands some ten times - possibly more than any other ground at Gettysburg. The reader is invited to tour this seldom explored area of the battlefield using maps, photos, and first-hand accounts to discover how that struggle impacted Lee's plan for victory, the lives of those who fought there, and the Bliss family.

Genres: Civil War

80 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2012

Reviews

[Patrick J. Baier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slap in the face

Where to start? I liked the book that it gives the reader the attention a small part, important, of the Battle of Gettysburg.
It was written by the Adam's County Historical Society.
The statistics about the Bliss Family and the property is favorable in itself.
The book is part about the activities around the Bliss farm and a tour guide.
Which is valuable.
Now here is where the slap in the face comes in. Mr. Bliss applied for compensation, for years it did come. Mr.Bliss died, Mrs.Bliss died, and one of the daughters died. Francis the lone survivor received a letter from the Roosevelt Administration that the claim was rejected. Quoting the the government was responsible for occurring d during a conflict.

[Matt Hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine microhistory with a good narrative. This book is brief, perhaps excessively so, and necessarily repetitive, due to the nature of the fighting at the Bliss Farm. The element of human interest of the Bliss Family could have been fodder for a more detailed discussion about property loss in the fighting. Additionally, Archer flirts with the controversy of the breakdown in command in Anderson's Division and the flailing attack on Cemetery Ridge at dusk on July 2nd, a discussion which is worthy (and deserving) of a more exhaustive study.

[William Olenick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short booklet is based on a previous article written by the author. The story of the Bliss farm is written in the format of a tour on the battlefield. It is a well written book.

[Mark Luongo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short little book on the action in and around the Bliss Farm on July 2 and July 3, 1863. I was expecting a bit more about the 39th's role but I was disappointed as usual. The same few disparaging comments. But I am looking forward to walking the ground as the book includes a guided walking tour.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read about a part of battle that I really had little to no knowledge of. When I return to Gettysburg in the next year or so, I definitely plan to follow some of the directions and walk the locations mentioned in the book.

A very quick, but good read! A few typing mistakes slipped thru, but the heart of the history is well-written!

[Joe Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the action at Bliss Farm during the Battle Of Gettysburg. Also an added bonus is a driving tour guide of the battle around the farm.

[Kathy Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book about the Battle of Gettysburg and how one farm was right in the middle of the fighting. Good maps and organized according to each day.