The Three Days That Changed the War: Deets On The Battle of Gettysburg
Deets On The 13th Amendment
The Three Days That Changed the War: Deets On The Battle of Gettysburg
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F51cad456-1a56-40a1-a2a2-aa095be91214_2560x1856.jpeg)
The Three Days That Changed the War: Deets On The Battle of Gettysburg
In the months leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, the American Civil War had reached a critical and volatile stage. The Confederate Army, under the leadership of General Robert E. Lee, had achieved several significant victories, bolstering the Southern cause and providing a much-needed boost to Confederate morale. These victories included the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862 and the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, where Lee's audacious tactics and the brilliance of his commanders, such as General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, had led to decisive Confederate triumphs.
Strategic Objectives and Confederate Momentum
Emboldened by these successes, Lee devised a bold plan to take the war into Union territory. His objectives were both strategic and psychological. By invading the North, Lee hoped to relieve the pressure on war-ravaged Virginia, gather much-needed supplies, and strike a blow that could potentially force the Union to negotiate peace. Additionally, a Confederate victory on Northern soil could influence public opinion in the North, possibly leading to political pressure on President Abraham Lincoln to end the war.
The invasion also had international implications. The Confederacy sought recognition and support from European powers such as Britain and France. A significant victory in the North could demonstrate the South's viability as an independent nation and persuade these countries to intervene diplomatically or materially on behalf of the Confederacy.
The Confederate March North
In early June 1863, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia began its march northward from Fredericksburg, Virginia. The army, composed of approximately 75,000 men, moved stealthily through the Shenandoah Valley, using the natural cover to avoid detection by Union forces. Lee's plan was to move into Pennsylvania, threatening cities such as Harrisburg, and potentially even Philadelphia or Baltimore.
The movement of Confederate forces into Northern territory caused widespread alarm. Civilians fled their homes, and local militias were hastily organized in an attempt to defend against the impending invasion. The Union Army, under the command of Major General Joseph Hooker, initially struggled to determine Lee's intentions and movements. Hooker, who had commanded the Army of the Potomac since January 1863, was soon replaced by Major General George G. Meade, a respected and capable officer who was given command just days before the Battle of Gettysburg.
Union Response and Strategic Preparations
Meade faced the daunting task of quickly organizing and deploying his forces to counter Lee's advance. The Union Army of the Potomac, numbering around 93,000 troops, moved northward in parallel to Lee's forces, maintaining a cautious distance while seeking to protect Washington, D.C., and other key cities. Meade's orders were to engage and defeat Lee's army, preventing them from wreaking havoc in the North.
The two armies' movements converged on the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Gettysburg's location at the junction of several major roads made it a strategic target. Both armies recognized the importance of controlling this transportation hub, which could facilitate the movement of troops and supplies. The town's terrain, with its surrounding ridges and hills, would soon play a crucial role in the unfolding battle.
Initial Skirmishes and the Gathering Storm
On June 30, 1863, a Confederate brigade, led by General J. Johnston Pettigrew, approached Gettysburg, initially seeking supplies. They encountered Union cavalry under General John Buford, who recognized the strategic importance of the high ground south of the town. Buford anticipated that this ground would be key to the Union's defensive strategy and decided to hold it until reinforcements arrived.
The stage was set for a confrontation that neither side had fully planned. As Confederate forces approached from the west and north, and Union forces moved in from the south and east, the small town of Gettysburg would soon witness one of the most epic and defining battles in American history. The convergence of these massive armies, each driven by its own goals and strategies, marked the prelude to a clash that would ultimately determine the course of the Civil War.
Day One: The Engagement Begins
On the morning of July 1, 1863, the tranquil town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, found itself unexpectedly thrust into the throes of a massive military engagement. This day marked the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg, an encounter that would unfold over three days and become one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War.
The Opening Shots
The battle commenced when Confederate forces, led by General Henry Heth, part of General A.P. Hill's Corps, moved east from Cashtown toward Gettysburg. Heth's division was on a reconnaissance mission, primarily seeking supplies, and was unaware of the substantial Union presence in the area. Early that morning, Heth's troops encountered Union cavalry under the command of Brigadier General John Buford, who had established a defensive position on the ridges west of Gettysburg.
Buford, recognizing the strategic importance of the high ground south of the town, decided to delay the Confederate advance until Union infantry could arrive. His dismounted cavalrymen engaged Heth’s advancing brigades, initiating a fierce skirmish that signaled the start of the battle. Buford's men, though outnumbered, skillfully utilized their repeating carbines and the natural defensive advantages of the terrain to hold their ground.
The Arrival of Reinforcements
As the morning progressed, reinforcements began to arrive for both sides. Major General John F. Reynolds, commanding the Union I Corps, arrived with additional infantry to support Buford's cavalry. Reynolds swiftly assessed the situation and ordered his men into position to reinforce the Union line. Tragically, while directing his troops, Reynolds was struck by a bullet and killed, becoming one of the highest-ranking officers to die in the battle.
Despite the loss of Reynolds, Union forces continued to arrive and fortify their positions. The I Corps, now under the command of Major General Abner Doubleday, engaged Heth’s Confederates in intense fighting around McPherson’s Ridge. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the battle raged, with both sides committing more troops to the fray.
Shifting Fortunes
By midday, the Confederates had received reinforcements as well, with additional divisions from Hill’s Corps and elements of General Richard Ewell’s Corps arriving on the battlefield. The growing Confederate presence began to overwhelm the Union defenders, who were gradually pushed back through the town of Gettysburg.
One of the pivotal moments of the day occurred when General Jubal Early’s division of Ewell’s Corps attacked from the north, flanking the Union XI Corps under Major General Oliver O. Howard. Early's assault, combined with pressure from Hill's divisions, forced the Union troops to retreat through Gettysburg to the high ground south of the town. The Union forces regrouped on Cemetery Hill and Cemetery Ridge, forming a strong defensive position that would prove critical in the coming days.
The Evening Lull
As evening approached, the intensity of the fighting began to diminish. The Union Army, now firmly entrenched on the advantageous high ground, prepared for the inevitable Confederate assaults that would follow. General Meade, who had only recently assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, received reports of the day’s events and began directing additional units toward Gettysburg to reinforce the Union lines.
The Confederate forces, despite their successes during the day, faced significant challenges. The terrain favored the Union defenders, and the Confederates knew that dislodging them from their strong positions on Cemetery Hill and Cemetery Ridge would be formidable. General Lee, arriving on the battlefield in the late afternoon, assessed the situation and began planning his next moves, aiming to exploit the momentum gained on the first day.
Aftermath of Day One
The first day of the Battle of Gettysburg ended with the Confederates holding the town but the Union forces in control of the high ground to the south. Casualties on both sides were significant, with thousands of soldiers killed, wounded, or captured. The stage was set for a larger and more brutal confrontation as both armies prepared for the coming days of battle.
The initial engagements on July 1 demonstrated the fierce determination and resilience of both Union and Confederate forces. The Union’s strategic withdrawal to the high ground set the foundation for a robust defensive position, while the Confederates, encouraged by their gains, prepared for renewed attacks. As night fell over Gettysburg, the quiet was a mere respite before the storm of conflict that would engulf the fields and ridges of Pennsylvania in the days to come.
Day Two: The Battle Intensifies
July 2, 1863, dawned over Gettysburg with a sense of anticipation and dread. The initial clash had established the Union forces in strong defensive positions, but the Confederates were far from deterred. Both armies spent the early hours preparing for what would become one of the most ferocious and decisive days of the American Civil War.
Lee's Plan of Attack
General Robert E. Lee, confident after the gains of the first day, formulated an audacious plan to outflank and crush the Union forces. Believing that the Union left flank was vulnerable, Lee ordered Lieutenant General James Longstreet to lead a massive assault on that position. Longstreet's objective was to capture key terrain features, including the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, and Little Round Top, thereby rolling up the Union line from the south.
Simultaneously, Lee directed Lieutenant General Richard Ewell to make a coordinated attack on the Union right flank at Culp’s Hill and East Cemetery Hill. These dual attacks were intended to stretch and break the Union defensive line, allowing the Confederates to gain control of the high ground and ultimately win the battle.
The Union Left Flank: The Fight for Little Round Top
Longstreet's assault began in the late afternoon, delayed by miscommunication and the challenge of moving troops into position undetected. The attack focused initially on the Peach Orchard and the Wheatfield, where fierce and chaotic fighting erupted. Brigadier General Daniel Sickles, commanding the Union III Corps, had advanced his line to a vulnerable position in the Peach Orchard, creating a salient that was difficult to defend.
As Confederate forces under Major General Lafayette McLaws and Brigadier General John Bell Hood pressed the attack, the Union line buckled under the intense pressure. Sickles was severely wounded, and Union forces were forced to retreat through the Wheatfield and Devil’s Den, suffering heavy casualties.
Meanwhile, on the extreme left of the Union line, Little Round Top became the scene of heroic resistance. Recognizing its strategic importance, Union Colonel Strong Vincent deployed his brigade to defend the hill. Among them was the 20th Maine Regiment, commanded by Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Facing repeated assaults by Hood's Texans and Alabamians, Chamberlain's men held their ground through sheer determination and tactical ingenuity. In a desperate maneuver, Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge that surprised and repelled the exhausted Confederate attackers, securing Little Round Top and preventing a potential collapse of the Union left flank.
The Union Center and Right: Stalemate at Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill
While Longstreet's men were engaged in the south, Ewell's Corps attacked the Union right flank at Culp's Hill and East Cemetery Hill. The fighting here was no less intense. Union forces, entrenched on the rugged slopes of Culp’s Hill, repelled multiple assaults by Confederate brigades. The dense woods and rocky terrain made the combat particularly brutal and disorganized.
On East Cemetery Hill, Confederate forces under Major General Jubal Early launched a nighttime assault, achieving initial success and penetrating Union defenses. However, Union reinforcements quickly counterattacked, and the Confederates were ultimately driven back. The resilience of Union troops in these areas ensured that the defensive line remained unbroken.
The Wheatfield and the Valley of Death
As the battle raged on, the Wheatfield earned its grim moniker due to the sheer volume of bloodshed. Control of this contested area shifted multiple times throughout the afternoon and evening. Brigades from both sides surged back and forth across the fields and surrounding woods, leaving a landscape strewn with casualties.
Similarly, Devil’s Den, a rocky outcrop south of the Wheatfield, saw relentless combat. Confederate sharpshooters positioned among the boulders wreaked havoc on advancing Union troops. Despite significant Confederate gains in these areas, the Union line ultimately stabilized, aided by reinforcements and the advantageous terrain.
Aftermath of Day Two
As night fell, the fields of Gettysburg were littered with the dead and wounded from both sides. The Union Army, despite suffering significant losses and being pushed back at several points, maintained its hold on the critical high ground. Confederate forces, while achieving tactical successes, failed to deliver a decisive blow.
The second day of the Battle of Gettysburg highlighted the tenacity and bravery of both armies. Union forces, under the strategic direction of Major General George G. Meade, had managed to hold their defensive positions against overwhelming assaults. The Confederate Army, led by General Lee, demonstrated their offensive capabilities but faced the growing realization that the Union positions were formidable.
The fierce and costly engagements of July 2 set the stage for the climactic confrontations that would follow. With both sides regrouping and preparing for another day of combat, the fate of Gettysburg—and perhaps the entire Civil War—hung in the balance. The battle's intensity and the high stakes involved ensured that the struggle for supremacy at Gettysburg would continue to resonate as a defining moment in American history.
Day Three: Pickett's Charge
The morning of July 3, 1863, dawned with an uneasy quiet over the fields of Gettysburg. Both the Union and Confederate armies were weary from two days of brutal combat, but the conflict was far from over. General Robert E. Lee, determined to achieve a decisive victory, devised a bold plan that he hoped would break the Union lines and secure the high ground held by Major General George G. Meade’s Army of the Potomac. This plan culminated in what would become one of the most famous and tragic episodes of the Civil War: Pickett's Charge.
Preparations for the Assault
Lee’s strategy for the third day centered on a massive frontal assault against the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. Believing that the Union flanks had been significantly weakened by the previous days' fighting, Lee surmised that a concentrated attack on the center might succeed. He tasked Lieutenant General James Longstreet with overseeing the assault, which would involve divisions led by Major General George Pickett, Brigadier General J. Johnston Pettigrew, and Major General Isaac R. Trimble.
The attack was meticulously planned. Approximately 12,500 Confederate soldiers were to advance across nearly a mile of open ground under heavy artillery fire, then engage the Union infantry entrenched along Cemetery Ridge. To soften the Union defenses, Lee ordered an extensive artillery bombardment to precede the infantry assault, intended to weaken and demoralize the defenders.
The Artillery Barrage
Around 1:00 PM, the Confederate artillery opened fire. For nearly two hours, over 150 cannons bombarded the Union positions along Cemetery Ridge. The roar of the artillery was deafening, and the smoke from the cannons filled the air, obscuring the battlefield. However, the effectiveness of the bombardment was limited. Many of the Confederate shells overshot their targets, landing harmlessly behind the Union lines. Union artillery, under the command of Brigadier General Henry J. Hunt, responded with counter-battery fire, targeting Confederate guns and ammunition supplies.
Despite the ferocity of the bombardment, the Union defenses remained largely intact. Union soldiers took cover behind stone walls and earthworks, minimizing casualties. As the Confederate artillery fire began to wane, the Union gunners ceased their own fire to conserve ammunition for the impending infantry assault.
The Charge Begins
At approximately 3:00 PM, the Confederate infantry began their advance. The soldiers of Pickett's, Pettigrew's, and Trimble's divisions emerged from the woods and formed up in long lines, stretching nearly a mile wide. With flags flying and bayonets fixed, they began their march toward the Union lines, a spectacle both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
The open field they had to cross was a killing ground. As the Confederates advanced, Union artillery and infantry opened fire, unleashing a devastating hail of canister, shot, and musketry. Men fell by the dozens, but the assault continued, driven by duty, honor, and the determination to achieve victory.
High Water Mark of the Confederacy
The attacking columns converged on a small clump of trees on Cemetery Ridge, a point that became known as the "High Water Mark of the Confederacy." Brigadier General Lewis Armistead led the final push, reaching the Union lines and momentarily breaching them. Armistead and his men fought hand-to-hand with Union defenders, but the breakthrough was short-lived.
Union reinforcements quickly surged to the threatened sector, and the Confederates were repulsed with heavy losses. Armistead himself was mortally wounded, falling just yards from the Union lines. The tide of the assault receded, leaving the field strewn with the bodies of fallen soldiers.
The Aftermath
Pickett’s Charge was a catastrophic failure for the Confederacy. Of the approximately 12,500 men who participated, over 50% were killed, wounded, or captured. The Union defenses held firm, and the assault ended in a bloody repulse. General Lee rode out to meet the survivors, taking responsibility for the defeat and attempting to rally his shattered army.
The Union victory at Gettysburg marked a turning point in the Civil War. General Meade's Army of the Potomac had successfully defended their positions and inflicted severe casualties on Lee's forces. The Confederate Army, demoralized and depleted, began its retreat back to Virginia on the night of July 4.
The cost of the Battle of Gettysburg was immense. Combined casualties exceeded 50,000, making it one of the bloodiest battles in American history. For the Union, the victory was a crucial boost to morale and a pivotal moment in the war. For the Confederacy, the defeat marked the end of Lee's northern invasion and a shift in the momentum of the war toward the Union.
Legacy of Pickett's Charge
Pickett’s Charge remains one of the most studied and remembered episodes of the Civil War. It exemplifies the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers on both sides, as well as the strategic risks and miscalculations that can determine the outcome of a battle. The charge, often seen as the zenith of Confederate military ambition, became a symbol of both the valor and the futility of the Southern cause.
In the years following the war, the battlefield at Gettysburg became a national symbol of reconciliation and remembrance. President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered in November 1863, poignantly captured the significance of the battle and the broader struggle for national unity and freedom.
The fields where Pickett’s men made their fateful charge are now part of the Gettysburg National Military Park, preserved for future generations to reflect on the profound events that took place there. The story of Pickett’s Charge serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the complexities of a nation at war with itself.
Aftermath and Significance
The Battle of Gettysburg concluded on July 3, 1863, with the Union Army successfully repelling the Confederate assault, marking a decisive turning point in the American Civil War. The aftermath of this monumental battle had profound and far-reaching implications for both the Union and the Confederacy, shaping the course of the war and the future of the United States.
Immediate Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath of the battle, the fields of Gettysburg were strewn with the dead and wounded. The combined casualties for both sides exceeded 50,000, making it the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The Union Army, under Major General George G. Meade, had held their ground and achieved a critical victory. Confederate General Robert E. Lee, facing the grim reality of his army's losses, began a strategic retreat back to Virginia on the night of July 4, under the cover of rain.
For the residents of Gettysburg, the days following the battle were marked by immense suffering and a massive humanitarian crisis. The town, with a pre-war population of around 2,400, struggled to cope with the thousands of wounded soldiers who required immediate medical attention. Makeshift hospitals were established in homes, churches, and barns, and volunteers from surrounding areas arrived to assist with the care of the wounded and the burial of the dead.
The task of burying the fallen was daunting. Union dead were initially buried in shallow graves on the battlefield, while Confederate dead were often left where they fell or hastily buried. In the months following the battle, efforts began to properly inter the Union soldiers in what would become the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Confederate soldiers were later reburied in cemeteries in the South.
Strategic Impact
The Union victory at Gettysburg had a significant strategic impact on the Civil War. It marked the end of General Lee's second invasion of the North and dispelled any hopes the Confederacy had of winning the war through a decisive victory on Union soil. The defeat at Gettysburg, coupled with the loss of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, severely diminished Confederate morale and weakened their strategic position.
The Union Army, buoyed by their success, gained confidence and momentum. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Meade's leadership and the resilience of Union forces. It also underscored the strategic importance of holding the high ground and the value of well-coordinated defensive positions.
For the Confederacy, the loss at Gettysburg was a severe blow. The Army of Northern Virginia, once seen as nearly invincible, had suffered irreplaceable losses in men and materiel. Lee's decision to launch Pickett's Charge, despite the daunting odds, has been widely scrutinized by historians as a costly miscalculation. The Confederate retreat from Gettysburg marked a shift in the war, with the Union increasingly taking the initiative in subsequent campaigns.
Political and Social Impact
Politically, the victory at Gettysburg provided a much-needed boost to President Abraham Lincoln and the Union war effort. It bolstered Northern morale and solidified support for the war at a critical time. The victory also helped to quell anti-war sentiment in the North and strengthened the resolve of the Union government to continue fighting until the Confederacy was defeated.
The significance of the battle was further highlighted by President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. In his brief but powerful speech, Lincoln reframed the war as a struggle for the principles of liberty and equality, invoking the Declaration of Independence and the concept of a "new birth of freedom." The address not only honored the fallen but also reinforced the Union's commitment to preserving the nation and ending slavery.
Long-Term Significance
The long-term significance of the Battle of Gettysburg extends beyond its immediate military and political consequences. It has become a symbol of American courage, sacrifice, and the enduring fight for national unity and equality. The battlefield, preserved as part of the Gettysburg National Military Park, serves as a place of reflection and education, drawing millions of visitors each year who seek to understand the events and legacy of those three pivotal days.
The battle also had a lasting impact on military strategy and tactics. The lessons learned from Gettysburg influenced subsequent military thinking, particularly the importance of terrain, fortifications, and the coordination of infantry, artillery, and cavalry.
Moreover, the memory of Gettysburg has permeated American culture and identity. It represents a moment when the nation was tested to its core, and the ideals of democracy and freedom were defended at great cost. The stories of individual heroism, such as those of Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain at Little Round Top or Brigadier General Lewis Armistead at the High Water Mark, continue to inspire and resonate with Americans.
Conclusion
The Battle of Gettysburg stands as a defining moment in American history, a turning point in the Civil War that helped shape the future of the nation. Its aftermath was marked by immense suffering and sacrifice, but also by a renewed commitment to the principles upon which the United States was founded. The significance of Gettysburg endures, not only in the context of the Civil War but also as a testament to the enduring values of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of a more perfect union.