Factual error: After the birth of the baby, James Stewart and "Doc" Witherspoon are discussing the course of the war. "Doc" relates that he has always lived in Virginia and that his son died at Gettysburg at Little Round Top. No Virginia regiments fought at Little Round Top - only Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas regiments.
Character mistake: The 4 brothers have just rode into town and are securing their horses. On the flag pole in the background the Texas flag is upside down. Note: The correct way is white flies on top and red on bottom.
Revealing mistake: After Manco beats up Cavanaugh and places Cavanaugh's back up against the bar, while Manco faces him, three of Cavanaugh's henchmen appear at the entrance of the bar demanding that Cavanaugh be released. Manco turns around and kills all of them with his pistol, while Cavanaugh falls to the floor crawling toward his gun. Manco is walking toward the entrance of the saloon with his back to Cavanaugh. Manco draws his gun and kills Cavanaugh without looking at him. If you look closely at the tip end of the pistol, you can see that the only thing that Manco would have killed was the saloon floor. (00:17:00)
Audio problem: When the band is marching with the Massingale rally one can hear flutes and many band instruments, but the band consists of only a few brass instruments.
Character mistake: Ryan's final diary entry says the US Cavalry fought against "French irregulars." The French lancers were actually regular troops.
Revealing mistake: In the scene at the end of the movie where Lee Marvin is running interference during the escape by shooting in the air, horses pulling a beer wagon get startled and run into the street where the wagon turns over. At the beginning of the shot, when the horses begin to bolt, you can see the stuntman driving the wagon. He is sitting low behind the wooden front of the wagon (which has holes cut in it so he can see out).