Gettysburg
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
July 1-3, 1863
Considered the turning point of the Civil War, this three day battle, culminating in the disastrous Pickett’s Charge, was a major defeat for the South. Confederate General Robert E. Lee, invading the North for a second time, had hoped that a victory would persuade Northern politicians to seek a peace agreement. Though by the end of the first day of fighting things looked promising for the South, the tide of battle quickly turned in favor of the North. On the third day of fighting Lee ordered General George Pickett and over 12,000 men to assault the Union line, a mile away over an open field. In less than an hour of fighting, Pickett’s unit had suffered a casualty rate of over 50%. Over the course of the three day battle the Confederate Army had over 23,000 causalities, a loss of men that they could ill afford. In November of 1863, President Lincoln delivered what would become one of his most memorable speeches at the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery.
Listen to a modern day recital of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Learn more about Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Visit the Gettysburg Battlefield.