July 3


987 – Hugh Capet was crowned King of France, becoming the first monarch of the Capetian dynasty - but not for long in the recent interactive history in the Chapter House!!!
1608 – French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City, considered to be the first European-built city in non-Spanish North America.
1844 – The last known pair of Great Auks the only species in the genus Pinguinus, were killed in Eldey off the coast of Iceland.
1863 – Pickett's Charge, a disastrous Confederate infantry assault against Union Army positions, occurred during the final and bloodiest day of fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg, marking a turning point in the American Civil War.
1988 – United States Navy warship USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard.

As a Brit, I wondered what the popular view in the States was of Pickett's charge? - Is it one of tragic valour, incredible courage or a military blunder?

My view would be that it is a military blunder of the highest order - much more like the mistakes the Union often made, as opposed to the Confederates.

Any thoughts??