Gettysburg Battlefield Calendar

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to 3, 1863, during the American Civil War, stands as one of the most pivotal and decisive conflicts in the war's history. It took place in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and involved the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the Army of the Potomac, led by General George G. Meade. The battle marked a turning point in the Civil War, as the Union forces, despite being initially pushed back, managed to secure a defensive position along Cemetery Ridge, where they withstood the relentless Southern assaults. The battle consisted of three days of intense fighting, with significant engagements at locations like McPherson Ridge, Culp's Hill, Little Round Top, and Pickett's Charge. On the second day, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's heroic defense of Little Round Top and the Union's ability to hold onto key positions like Cemetery Ridge played a crucial role in the outcome. On the third day, General Lee ordered a massive assault known as Pickett's Charge, which saw Southern troops charging across an open field under heavy Union artillery and musket fire. The charge failed catastrophically, resulting in immense casualties and a Southern retreat. In the end, the Union emerged victorious at Gettysburg, and it is estimated that over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured during the three-day battle. The Union victory at Gettysburg had profound consequences, as it halted General Lee's invasion of the North, boosted Union morale, and marked the beginning of a series of Union victories that eventually led to the South's defeat. Gettysburg is often regarded as a turning point in the Civil War and a symbol of the high cost of the conflict.