The battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863

By July of 1863 the Confederacy had won many battles against the North, but they were running low on supplies and men. Robert E. Lee was just won a major battle in Chancellorsville, Virginia. Lee decided for the first time in the war to go on the offensive and to move into northern territory. Robert E. Lee

Lee’s plan was to cut off the northern capital, Washington D. C Lee’s plan was to cut off the northern capital, Washington D.C. from the Union Army’s protection. Washington D.C.

One of Lee’s biggest weapons in the war had been his chief scout, Jeb Stuart. Now that they were in the North though, they were in unfamiliar territory. Stuart either got lost or was out looking to loot some towns in the North. Either way, he did not gather the information about the enemy Lee desperately needed. J.E.B. Stuart

On July 1, 1863 some Confederate Troops headed toward the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to look for some shoes. Union scouts led by Captain John Buford arrived on June 30 and saw the Confederates coming. They were able to hold off the Confederates until reinforcements arrived. He also was able to get the Union Troops on the high ground. John Buford

Buford was the first to recognize that the Union needed to take the high ground south of Gettysburg. Had the South continued their attack on the first day, they might have broken through Union lines and won the battle. But, they did not know how many Union troops were there and Lee had not arrived so they decided to wait for reinforcements. Unfortunately for the South, this allowed the North to reinforce as well. Gettysburg: Day 1

As Day 2, July 2 arrived, Lee had arrived to command the Confederate troops. Gen. George Meade had also arrived to command the Union troops. Both sides had heavily reinforced their lines. The Confederates decides to attack on the flanks of the Union Army. On the left flank, at a place called Little Round Top, Union Colonel Joshua Chamberlain was told to hold his position no matter what. Joshua Chamberlain

Chamberlain and the unit he commanded, the 2nd Maine, were part of Gen Chamberlain and the unit he commanded, the 2nd Maine, were part of Gen. Dan Sykes corps. If the Confederacy had been able to overtake their position, they would have cut off the Union from Washington D.C. The Confederates could have won the war that day if not for Chamberlain and his men! Gettysburg: Day 2

On Day 3, July 3 Lee was determined to attack the Union lines in the middle of their lines. James Longstreet, on of Lee’s most loyal generals urged against it. He was sure it would turn into a slaughter, but Lee was determined. Longstreet followed orders and sent Gen. George Pickett up the middle to attack. Longstreet was right. The South suffered a major defeat and retreated back to Virginia. James Longstreet George Pickett

When Pickett was retreating, Lee asked him where was his division was When Pickett was retreating, Lee asked him where was his division was. Pickett responded, “General Lee, I have no division.” Had Gen. Meade pursued Lee instead of letting him retreat the war may have ended in Gettysburg. But Lee escaped. Regardless, this battle turned the tide of the war in favor of the Union! Gettysburg: Day 3