John Badger Bachelder Paintings

John Badger Bachelder was an American artist, cartographer, and historian, best known for his extensive documentation of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal battle in the American Civil War. Born on September 29, 1825, in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, Bachelder showed an early interest in art and history. He pursued his education at Captain Alden Partridge's Military Scientific Academy in New Hampshire and later at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

After completing his education, Bachelder taught drawing and painting but soon became deeply interested in the American Civil War, which broke out in 1861. He decided to dedicate his efforts to documenting the war and took a particular interest in the Battle of Gettysburg, which occurred in July 1863. Following the battle, Bachelder visited the site and began an exhaustive study that would last over two decades. He interviewed numerous soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies, collected artifacts, and sketched the terrain.

Bachelder's commitment to preserving the history of Gettysburg was unmatched. He produced a massive map of the battlefield, which was published in 1863, and his extensive research greatly contributed to the establishment of the Gettysburg National Military Park. His efforts ensured that the terrain would be preserved and that monuments and markers could be accurately placed to reflect the events of the battle.

Aside from his work on Gettysburg, Bachelder also produced other historical paintings, engravings, and writings. His painting 'The Repulse of Longstreet's Assault' is considered one of his masterpieces and was widely reproduced in his time. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he was a prolific writer and lecturer on the Civil War, sharing his knowledge and insights with a broader audience.

John Badger Bachelder passed away on December 22, 1894, in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. His legacy as a historian and artist lives on through his detailed maps, paintings, and scholarly work that continue to be crucial resources for historians and Civil War enthusiasts. Bachelder's dedication to the accuracy and preservation of the history of the Battle of Gettysburg earned him a special place in the annals of American historical documentation.