Date and description of the battle: The Battle of Gettysburg
took place during the days of July 1-3. 1863 in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Objective of each side in the battle: The objective of the Union army seemed
to be, as out numbered as they were, to just get through the battle and protect their territory.
The Confederates were looking to trample
the Union army and continue moving North, claiming more territory for their army.
Leaders for each side: Gen. Robert E. Lee served as leader
for the Confederate army and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade served as leader for the Union army during this battle.
Information on the fighting forces: The Union army started this battle with 83,289
men while the Confederate army came in with 75,054.
Description of the terrain/geographical features: The Gettysburg battlefield was a grassy area with many hills protruding
from the ground. There was an unfinished railroad running through the middle
of where most of the fighting took place. Six springs and creeks were spread
out throughout the field and quite a few streets met in the center of Gettysburg field.
Results of the battle: By the time the Union army had won this battle, they had lost 23,000 out of the 83,289 men they started
the battle with. The Confederate army suffered a greater loss of 28,000 men.
Significance of the battle in the course of the Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg is remembered for being the largest battle
ever fought in North America. It is also generally thought of as the turning
point in the Civil War.
