George G. Meade was the leader for the Union troops at Gettysburg. Meade was born in 1815 and graduated from West Point in 1835. He was first given command of the Pennsylvania Volunteers and was later promoted to General. He did a good job at Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, and Gettysburg. He commanded the army of Potomac until the end of the war.

  (Civil War pictures.com)

In 1807, Robert E. Lee was born in Virginia. He was second in his class when he graduated from West Point in 1829. He fought I the Mexican War with the cavalry. Lee could have been the leader of the Union forces but he turned it down because he could not fight against his home state Virginia of his victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorville although he was against slavery. He later became a general in the Confederate Army. Lee had a good reputation as a general because.

 (Civil War pictures.com)

What Happened

On July1 1863, the battle of Gettysburg commenced. Encounters between Federal and Confederate forces resulted in the Union being pushed back to Culps Hill and Cemetery Ridge. A Federal General named John Reynolds was killed in battle and the Union captured a Confederate General named Archer. As more troops arrived, the fighting became more intense. General Meade formed his forces into a horseshoe on Culps Hill and Cemetery Ridge. The Confederates formed a long thin line.

Despite opposition from Lee's Generals Lee decided to attack the strong Union line. Three Confederate divisions mounted an attack on Cemetery Ridge known as Pickett's Charge. After that charge, the battle was over. Lee retreated to Virginia. The Union had won a major battle.

Facts and Figures

Union engaged, 85-88,000; killed, 3,155; wounded, 14,529; missing, 5,365; total loss, 23,049.

Confederate engaged, 70-75,000; killed, 3,903; wounded, 18,735; missing, 5,425; total loss, 28,063.

Aftermath

This battle is considered the turning point in the Civil War. This was the last time the Confederacy invaded the North. It is also one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War.

(Civil War pictures.com)

The first line of the Gettysburg Address.

Lincoln made this speech shortly after the battle of Gettysburg to help a grieving country and to restore morale.

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