The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal confrontation in the American Civil War, featuring major forces from the Union, led by General George G. Meade, and Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee. The battle lasted from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and is often regarded as a turning point in the war.

Major players included Union General George Meade, Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and key brigades such as the Iron Brigade and Pickett's Charge. The battle was fought in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

The battle resulted in significant Union victory, eventually turning the tide of the war in favor of the North. The heavy casualties sustained by both sides underscored the war's brutality and altered public perception.

The aftermath of Gettysburg left around 51,000 soldiers dead, wounded, or missing, making it one of the bloodiest battles in American history. The high casualties affected military and civilian morale across the country.

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, commemorating those who fought and died and redefining the purpose of the war. The speech became one of the most quoted in American history.

Gettysburg has since become a national park and a site of numerous commemorative events including reenactments and memorials, proving the enduring legacy of the battle.

The battle marked the first time the Union Army prevented Lee’s invasion of the North, boosting Northern morale and diminishing Confederate hopes for a swift victory.

The site of the battle, Gettysburg, was largely rural but has since evolved into a bustling town with extensive historical tourism, reflecting its lasting impact on American consciousness.

What do you think it was like for the soldiers and civilians in Gettysburg during that intense battle?