The Great Charge And Artillery Fighting At Gettysburg Pickett Charge

On July 3, 1863, history was written on the fields of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most pivotal moments of the American Civil War, saw intense fighting between the Union and Confederate forces. Among the many awe-inspiring moments of the battle was the daring Pickett Charge and the remarkable artillery duel that accompanied it.

The Prelude

The Battle of Gettysburg began on July 1, 1863, when Confederate forces clashed with Union troops in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Over the next three days, the battle would escalate into one of the deadliest conflicts in American history. On the third day of the battle, General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, planned to unleash a decisive assault on the center of the Union line.

The Pickett Charge

With about 12,500 Confederate soldiers under the command of General George Pickett, the charge began at 1:00 pm on July 3rd. The Confederate troops stepped onto the open ground and advanced towards the Union center with great determination. However, they faced a barrage of cannon fire and rifle volleys from the Union troops stationed atop Cemetery Ridge.

The Great Charge and Artillery Fighting at Gettysburg (Pickett's Charge))

by Edward Porter Alexander(Kindle Edition)

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As the Confederates approached, the Union artillery intensified its devastating barrage. The cannons thundered, sending explosive shells soaring through the air, raining destruction upon the charging Confederate soldiers. Many Confederate soldiers were torn apart by the artillery fire, their bodies strewn across the battlefield.

The High Tide of the Confederacy

Despite the relentless artillery fire, a portion of the Confederate soldiers managed to breach the Union lines and engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat. This moment became known as the "High Tide of the Confederacy." However, the Union troops held their ground and pushed the Confederates back, inflicting heavy casualties.

The Aftermath

The Pickett Charge was ultimately repelled, resulting in a decisive Union victory at Gettysburg. The Confederate casualties were staggering, with an estimated 6,000 troops killed, wounded, or missing. The Union also suffered significant losses, but their victory marked a turning point in the war and boosted morale for the Union cause.

The Legacy

The Pickett Charge at Gettysburg remains a testament to the courage and sacrifice displayed by soldiers on both sides. It symbolizes the brutality of war and the resilience of those who fought. Today, the battlefield at Gettysburg serves as a hallowed ground, a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the importance of preserving our nation's history.

The Great Charge and Artillery Fighting at Gettysburg's Pickett Charge was a pivotal moment in American history. This harrowing battle demonstrated the bravery and determination of soldiers on both sides, forever etching their names into the annals of history. The Pickett Charge serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the enduring legacy left behind.