First Day

The battle of Gettysburg began on July 1, 1863. The Confederate forces pushed the Union troops back through Gettysburg. The Union needed to regroup, but General Lee ordered General Ewell to attack. Ewell hesitated and gave the Federals time to get in a defensive position that was very good. But, Confederate General James Longstreet felt they needed to move east and get in a good position to attack and wait for the Union forces. General Lee did not believe this was true. Both sides decided to reinforce them and get ready for the next day.

First Day

Second day

On July 2nd General Lee knew they could win if they captured Little Round Top from the Union forces. Both sides fought each other for it very harshly. Colonel William Oates once said, "The blood stood in puddles in some places in the rocks." Their conflict was very harsh. Union forces finally forced the Confederates to pull back from Little Round Top. Confederates then tried to attack Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill. They were unsuccessful at Cemetery Hill but, at Culp's Hill they got a a few trenches. By the end of day 2 the Union had a very strong defensive position.

Second day

Third Day

General Longstreet tried to convince General Lee not to attack once again. Lee thought the Union was exhausted and about ready to quit. So, he planned to attack the center thinking that it wasn't going to be expected. But, General Meade left 5,750 soldiers to watch the center. When both sides were exchanging fire, after a while the Union held back and the Confederates assumed that they damaged their artillery. But, the Confederates actually did very little damage. In the afternoon of the third day about 15,000 men were taking place in what was called the Pickett's Charge. Later that day the Confederates were suffering severe losses due to being shot at with cannons and rifle fire. The Confederates then retreated and left 7,500 losses on the field.

Third Day