The Battle of Gettysburg occurred in 1863, mid-way through the American Civil War, which was fought from 1861-1865.
As an official partner of Gettysburg National Military Park, Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg is committed to helping people learn about and understand what happened in Gettysburg during the three-day battle.
Below you will find some frequently asked questions that will help you understand the battle.
Where is Gettysburg?
Gettysburg is in south-central Pennsylvania, 30 miles south of Harrisburg (the state capital) and nine miles north of the Maryland border (the Mason-Dixon line, historically known as the dividing line between north and south).
When did the battle occur?
The Battle of Gettysburg occurred mid-way through the American Civil War, from July 1-3, 1863. (The Civil War was fought from 1861-1865.)
Who fought at Gettysburg?
The Civil War was fought between the northern states and the southern states. At Gettysburg, the north’s Army of the Potomac fought the south’s Army of Northern Virginia.
How many people fought at Gettysburg?
The north’s Army of the Potomac had about 95,000 soldiers, and the south’s Army of Northern Virginia had about 70,000 soldiers—for a total of approximately 165,000 soldiers.
How many people were killed at Gettysburg?
It is difficult to determine the exact number of actual deaths, but we do know that approximately 51,000 soldiers became casualties—meaning killed, wounded or captured, making Gettysburg the costliest battle of the Civil War. An estimated 3,000 men were killed in the battle.
What was Gettysburg’s population at the time of the battle?
The town of Gettysburg had approximately 2,400 citizens in July 1863, and they were quite overwhelmed as the approximately 165,000 soldiers fought in and around the town.
Who were the key army commanders at Gettysburg?
The North’s Army of the Potomac was led by Maj. Gen.George Gordon Meade, who had taken command of the army only three days before the battle. The South’s Army of Northern Virginia was led by Gen. Robert E. Lee.
What are the military terms used to describe different units within an army and what do they mean?
Armies from both the North and the South were divided into different units. The largest unit within an army was the corps. Each corps was divided into divisions; each division was divided into brigades; each brigade was divided into regiments, and regiments were divided into companies.
What were the three main branches of an army at Gettysburg?
The infantry are commonly known as “foot soldiers.” The cavalry was distinguished by its use of horses, and the artillery handled cannons.
How did the armies meet at Gettysburg?
Neither army knew that it would be fighting at Gettysburg. The South’s Army of Northern Virginia had moved north of the Mason Dixon line in an attempt to take the war away from the South and into the North. The North’s Army of the Potomac followed. On June 30, a group of Southern soldiers approached Gettysburg from the west (at Cashtown) in search of supplies, but noticed Northern cavalry soldiers in and around the town. On July 1, a larger group of Southerners approached Gettysburg, and this time shots were fired—thus starting the battle of Gettysburg.
What ridges were key battle positions?
The primary northern (Union) battle line was on Cemetery Ridge; the primary southern (Confederate) battle line was on Seminary Ridge.
What was the Gettysburg Address?
After the battle, a plan was devised to bury Northern soldiers who had been killed during the battle. President Abraham Lincoln attended the cemetery’s dedication on November 19, 1863, and gave, “a few appropriate remarks.” Those remarks became known as the Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in American history.
When was the Gettysburg Address?
November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.
How can I help preserve the battlefield at Gettysburg for future generations?
Friends of Gettysburg is committed—on behalf of all generations of Americans—to honoring, supporting, protecting and enhancing the resources associated with the Gettysburg National Military Park, the Battle of Gettysburg and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Find out how you can help the Friends fulfill their mission and ensure that the sacred ground at Gettysburg is preserved.
How can I visit the battlefield at Gettysburg?
Visit our Travel to Gettysburg pages to help you plan your visit.
Where can I find more information about the battle?
For more detailed information about the battle, please visit www.nps.gov/gett.