Battle of Gettysburg Facts
The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 – July 3, 1863), fought in Pennsylvania, was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War and is frequently cited as the war’s turning point. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s army was defeated, forcing him to retreat back to the South. The Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most famous battles in U.S. History and is accurately portrayed in a movie titled “Gettysburg.”
Fact #1 - The strength of the Union army at Gettysburg was roughly 94,000 troops. The Confederates were outnumbered, and had only 72,000.
It feels weird saying the word “only” in the above sentence. Almost 170,000 total troops in one battle is a massive number, especially in such a small town like Gettysburg.
Fact #2 - The Battle of Gettysburg had the largest number of casualties in the Civil War.
Over a 3 day span, the Union suffered 23,055 casualties and the Confederacy had 23,231 respectively.
Fact #3 - General Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate Army and General George S. Meade was the commander of the Union army during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Robert E. Lee is considered one of the most brilliant military minds of the American Civil War and well liked amongst his army. Meade was a short tempered, angry man who was not loved by his soldiers.
Fact #4 - The battle on Little Round Top was one of the most fabled events of the entire war.
Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain of the 20th Maine successfully held his line (the very far end of the left flank) against several Confederate charges. When his men ran out of ammunition, Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge. It was a bold move, but it paid off.
Fact #5 - Pickett’s Charge was a terrible failure for the Confederacy.
General Lee ordered and infantry assault by 12,500 Confederates against the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. This attack is known today as Pickett’s Charge. Lee believed that the Union would never expect an attack on the very center of their line. But it just so happens Meade predicted this attack and was ready for it.