S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland explains that by July 2, the Union Army establishes a formidable "fishhook" defensive formation from Culp

The John Batchelor Show · Jul 5, 2026 · 9m

Colonel Jeff McCausland explains that by July 2, the Union Army establishes a formidable "fishhook" defensive formation from Culp's Hill to the Round Tops, benefiting from interior lines that allow General Meade to reposition forces much faster than General Lee. Lee seeks to break this line, but delays in General Longstreet's advance push the primary assault into late afternoon. A significant tactical error occurs when Union General Dan Sickles moves his corps forward, creating a dangerous gap in the line at the Peach Orchard and exposing his troops to attack from three sides. This…