Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1, 1863- July 3, 1863) was the pivotal battle of the American Civil War. The Army of Northern Virginia, led by Robert E. Lee, invaded Pennsylvania in an effort to bring the war to a decisive end. The Army of the Potomac, led by George Meade, followed and eventually the two clashed at the crossroads town of Gettysburg. It was a decisive Union victory, though in the aftermath the Confederate army was able to withdraw to Virginia.

Gettysburg battle map showing the Union defensive "fishhook" and the exposed positions in the Peach Orchard and the Wheat Field.

Pre-battle

Jeb Stuart and the Confederate cavalry take off on a raid behind Union lines, leaving Lee without important reconnaissance information.

Day 1

Union cavalry are driven from the town itself as the Confederates are the first to arrive in force. The Union cavalry under Buford successfully defend the high ground south of the town around Cemetery Ridge, preserving an excellent defensive position for the Iron Brigade that soon arrives under General Reynolds. Lee asks Ewell to attack "if practicable", Ewell declines to press the issue on the first day.

Day 2

Lee sends Longstreet to attack the left of the Union line. Longstreet delays, preferring a flanking movement further south. Fierce fighting erupts on Little Round top, successfully defended by the Union. Fighting also happens at the right end of the union line around Culp's Hill.

General Dan Sickles stakes out an advance position around the Peach Orchard and the Wheat Field. His exposed troops are driven back to the main Union line after terrible fighting, but they succeed in slowing down the Confederate effort. Sickles loses his leg.

Day 3

Having attacked both ends of the Union line, Lee sends a large force under General Pickett over open ground to attack the middle. They are repulsed with heavy casualties.

Aftermath

Meade does not aggressively pursue and rain helps the Confederates to withdraw south.