Gettysburg
Definition: Pennsylvania site of a
tremendously important three-day battle famous for such things as
Pickett's Charge, Cemetery Ridge, and Little Round Top. The great
battle that killed more than 40,000 happened by accident. Lee had
invaded the North in hopes of forcing attention from both Northern
troops and European observers watching from afar. General George
Gordon Meade caught up with Lee at the end of June, and July 1-3 the
armies threw themselves at each other. The North held the high ground
and made the advantage stick. Although Meade allowed Lee to escape
back southward, he achieved his goal of weakening the Army of
Northern Virginia so that it would never again have the strength to
launch a major assault.
Related Resources:
The Civil War
The Civil War was one of the most devastating events in American History. Read about the causes, see the heroes, and share the horror. Start here.
Elsewhere on the Web:
The Battle of Gettysburg
Find out more about the battle itself, from troop movements to behind-the-scenes sidelights.
Eyewitness Account
These eyewitness accounts come from a schoolgirl who witnessed the horrors of Gettysburg.