1. The Generals of Gettysburg

2. The Battle of Gettysburg
July 1 - 3, 1863
Thought by many to be the turning point of the war
Casualties numbered about 51,000
Ended Lee’s invasion of the north
120 Generals fought at Gettysburg – 67 Union and 53 Confederate. Of these 10 were killed – 5 on each side. Many more died in subsequent battles.

3. Robert E. Lee
Commander of Confederate army during Civil War. Venerated by most of his soldiers
Had been offered the command of the northern armies by Lincoln
Invaded Pennsylvania in the hope of stimulating peace with North
Invasion proved a costly mistake
After the war Lee said that taking a military education was the greatest mistake of his life

4. John Buford
Led the first union force which met the invading Confederates at Gettysburg
Played a critical role in the battle, selecting the field of battle and holding his position until help arrived. Told his men that if the Rebels seized the high ground We will have the devil to pay.
His cousin, Abraham Buford, was a cavalry General for the south
Died of illness 5 months later
Trivia: His aide, Myles Keogh, was killed with General Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn

5. James Longstreet
Lee’s most important general who called Longstreet his “Old War Horse”
Many have referred to him as the best general on either side
At Gettysburg he disagreed with Lee’s tactics, especially the disastrous Pickett’s Charge
During the War, Longstreet lost 3 of his children in one week due to illness, which changed him from a fun, sociable soldier to a quiet, withdrawn commander.