Reference Entry
GETTYSBURG, THIRD DAY
The climactic third day, July 3rd, 1863, is best remembered for the Confederate infantry assault later called Pickett’s Charge. After an intense artillery bombardment meant to weaken Union positions on Cemetery Ridge, several Confederate divisions stepped off from the tree line on Seminary Ridge and marched across open fields under heavy fire. Union cannon and rifles tore into their ranks, yet the attackers closed to the stone wall in places, fighting hand to hand before being driven back.
Dated Historical Context
A RECORDED MOMENT IN HISTORY
Gettysburg, third day
The climactic third day, July 3rd, 1863, is best remembered for the Confederate infantry assault later called Pickett’s Charge. After an intense artillery bombardment meant to weaken Union positions on Cemetery Ridge, several Confederate divisions stepped off from the tree line on Seminary Ridge and marched across open fields under heavy fire. Union cannon and rifles tore into their ranks, yet the attackers closed to the stone wall in places, fighting hand to hand before being driven back. The assault failed, leaving thousands of casualties and ending Lee’s final attempt to win a decisive victory on Northern soil. That night and the next day, the Army of Northern Virginia began its withdrawal toward Virginia, burdened by wounded and battered morale. Gettysburg did not end the Civil War, but July 3rd, 1863 marked a turning point in the Eastern Theater, after which Confederate offensives would never again reach as far into the North.
Read the complete weekly DispatchTrackpads Source Register
