The Battle Of Gettysburg

It’s hard to believe that more people died in this little town of Gettysburg than ever before on American soil. 23,040 Union killed captured, wounded, or killed; 20,650 to an estimated 28,000 Confederate casualties. It started with General Robert E. Lee and his Confederate army marching north. To start battle with the Union and their leader General George C. Meade. Approaching Gettysburg along Chambersburg Pike, they expected Union minimal resistance. Fighting went on through the first day until about 11 p.m. when fighting ceased while both sides waited on reinforcements. Only two more days of this horrible battle left to fight.

Day two of the great battle presumed from early in the morning. Lee, Confederate commander, sent General Stuart with four brigades to attempt to swing around the Union’s right. His intention: to exploit any successes by Confederate infantry.

Day three, at three p.m. at Rummal’s farm, about three miles east of Gettysburg, Stuart ran into two brigades commanded by MG McGregg. McGregg’s men held their place and soon after Lee and his army were forced to retreat through Hagerstown, Maryland into Virginia. The North took this victory as the South came to the safety of their homes. This was the turning point in the war because it was when they determined that all other battles would be fought on Southern soil.

Imbroden’s wagon train, which consisted of wagons and ambulances, lined up for seventeen miles. The 51,000-casualty battle was not quiet the end though, never the less, the war would go on for another two grueling years after that three-day collision. While Lee went home the North had claimed victory of one of the greatest battles of the Civil War.    day1 day2 day3

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brian Williams: "Milatary History Online"  <http://www.militaryonline.com/getty.html> (Oct. 30, 2000)

"American Civil War Map Exibits Timline State Battle Maps" <http://www.americancivilwar.com/getty.html>

Ciera VanVleck  8th Grade 2000-2001