The Battle of Gettysburg, PA was fought from July 1 to July 3 in 1863. This battle was considered the most important turning point of the American Civil War. After a great victory over the Union, Confederate General Robert E. Lee marched his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania in late June 1863. When the Battle of Gettysburg began on July 1, Lee gave orders to attack Cemetery Hill to Confederate Officer Ewell. Ewell declined to order the attack because the federal defense was too strong; the failure to attack in this this battle caused difficulty for the overall Confederate battle plan and perhaps even the mortal wounding of famous Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson.  The union established strong army positions from Gulp’s Hill to Cemetery Ridge. The Union Army was led by General George Meade, who fought off the Confederate Army and sent Robert E. Lee retreating back to Northern Virginia. This was a major turning point battle that eventually led the Union Army to victory.

I think this was important battle for the north to win because it was one of the few that happened in the north.This battle of Gettysburg was called “High Water Mark of the Rebellion.” Many consider it to become the major turning point in the civil war  because the Union victory placed the Confederacy on the defensive and ended Gen. Robert E. Lee’s ambitious attempt to invade Union territory.

Watch the video below to get an idea of the geography of the Battle of Gettysburg and consider taking a field trip yourself to tour the battlefield. http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm

http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-gettysburg