First Day at Gettysburg

The First Battle of Gettysburg took place on July 1, 1863. A Confederate raiding party went into town to get supplies but ran into General George Meade's cavalry triggering the Battle of Gettysburg. The Union took a strong defensive position while General Ewell hesitated when Lee ordered him to attack.In the end, both sides called for their main forces to reinforce them and prepare for battle the next day.

Second Day at Gettysburg

The Second Battle of Gettysburg took place on July 2 when Lee ordered an attack on the Union. General Lee knew if he took Little Round Top, his troops would be able to easily fire down on the Union Line. Union and Confederate troops fought viciously for control of the hill. Eventually, the Confederates pulled back from the hill. The Confederates then attacked Cemetery Hill and Culp's hill and the battle lasted until nightfall. The Confederates did tale a few trenches on Culp's hill but the Union still held a strong defensive position.