The 15 Key Facts of the Battle of Gettysburg

Introduction:

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, was a turning point in the American Civil War. This pivotal battle between the Union and Confederate forces in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, resulted in a significant victory for the Union Army and is often considered a major turning point in the war. Here are 15 key facts about the Battle of Gettysburg that highlight the significance and impact of this historic event.

Fact 1: The Largest and Bloodiest Battle of the Civil War

The Battle of Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought in North America and remains one of the bloodiest in American history. Over the course of three days, approximately 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured during the intense fighting.

Fact 2: General George Meade Takes Command

General George G. Meade assumed command of the Union Army just days before the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite his short time in charge, Meade’s leadership and strategic decisions played a crucial role in the Union victory at Gettysburg.

Fact 3: General Robert E. Lee’s Northern Invasion

Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his Army of Northern Virginia on a daring invasion into Union territory, culminating in the Battle of Gettysburg. Lee’s decision to invade the North was a bold but risky move that ultimately led to defeat at Gettysburg.

Fact 4: Pickett’s Charge

One of the most famous moments of the Battle of Gettysburg was Pickett’s Charge on the third day of fighting. Confederate General George Pickett led approximately 12,500 men in a desperate assault on the center of the Union line, resulting in heavy casualties for the Confederates.

Fact 5: The Gettysburg Address

Just a few months after the battle, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg. In his short but impactful speech, Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and reaffirmed the principles of equality and democracy.

Fact 6: Little Round Top

One of the key strategic locations during the Battle of Gettysburg was Little Round Top, a rocky hill on the Union left flank. The defense of Little Round Top by Union forces, including the 20th Maine regiment led by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, played a crucial role in securing the Union victory.

Fact 7: The High-Water Mark of the Confederacy

The Confederate high-water mark at Gettysburg refers to the furthest point reached by Pickett’s Charge before the Confederate forces were repulsed by the Union defenders. This marked the turning point of the battle and the beginning of the Confederate retreat.

Fact 8: General John Buford’s Cavalry Defense

Union cavalry General John Buford played a critical role in the early stages of the Battle of Gettysburg. Buford’s cavalry held off Confederate forces long enough for Union reinforcements to arrive and secure crucial defensive positions.

Fact 9: Devil’s Den and the Slaughter Pen

Devil’s Den and the Slaughter Pen were two rocky outcroppings on the battlefield where some of the most intense fighting took place. Union and Confederate forces clashed in brutal hand-to-hand combat, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

Fact 10: The Wheatfield

The Wheatfield was a key battleground during the second day of fighting at Gettysburg. Union and Confederate forces fought fiercely for control of this open field, with the tide of the battle shifting multiple times throughout the day.

Fact 11: The Peach Orchard

The Peach Orchard was another crucial location on the battlefield, serving as a strategic point of contention during the second day of fighting. The orchard changed hands several times during the battle, with heavy casualties on both sides.

Fact 12: General Winfield Scott Hancock’s Leadership

Union General Winfield Scott Hancock played a vital role in the defense of Cemetery Ridge during the Battle of Gettysburg. Hancock’s leadership and tactical decisions helped to repel Confederate attacks and secure the Union victory.

Fact 13: The Battle of Gettysburg Turns the Tide

The Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. The defeat of the Confederate forces at Gettysburg marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy and boosted Union morale and confidence.

Fact 14: Gettysburg’s Legacy

The Battle of Gettysburg left a lasting legacy on American history, symbolizing the cost and sacrifice of war. The battlefield at Gettysburg has been preserved as a national military park and a memorial to those who fought and died during the battle.

Fact 15: The Gettysburg Address

President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, remains one of the most famous speeches in American history. In just over two minutes, Lincoln eloquently expressed the ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy that the United States was founded upon.

Conclusion

The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in American history, shaping the course of the Civil War and the nation as a whole. By understanding these 15 key facts about the battle, we gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made and the impact of this historic event on the United States.