|
Other Name: |
None |
|
State: |
Pennsylvania |
|
Location: |
Adams County |
|
Campaign: |
Gettysburg Campaign (June-August 1863) |
|
Dates: |
July 1-3, 1863 |
|
Principal Commanders: |
  Union States: Maj. Gen. George G. Meade
  Confederate States: Gen. Robert E. Lee |
|
Forces Engaged: |
  Union States: 83,289
  Confederate States: 75,054 Total: 158,300 |
|
Estimated Casualties: |
  Union States: 23,000
  Confederate States: 28,000 Total: 51,000 total |
|
Results: |
Result(s): Union victory |
| Description: |
Gen. Robert E. Lee concentrated his full strength against Maj. Gen. George G. Meade’s Army of the
Potomac at the crossroads county seat of Gettysburg. On July 1, Confederate forces converged on the town from
west and north, driving Union defenders back through the streets to Cemetery Hill. During the night,
reinforcements arrived for both sides. On July 2, Lee attempted to envelop the Federals, first striking the Union left
flank at the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, and the Round Tops with Longstreet’s and Hill’s divisions,
and then attacking the Union right at Culp’s and East Cemetery Hills with Ewell’s divisions. By evening, the
Federals retained Little Round Top and had repulsed most of Ewell’s men. During the morning of July 3, the
Confederate infantry were driven from their last toe-hold on Culp’s Hill. In the afternoon, after a preliminary
artillery bombardment, Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge. The Pickett-Pettigrew assault (more
popularly, Pickett’s Charge) momentarily pierced the Union line but was driven back with severe casualties.
Stuart’s cavalry attempted to gain the Union rear but was repulsed. On July 4, Lee began withdrawing his army
toward Williamsport on the Potomac River. His train of wounded stretched more than fourteen miles. |
|