The Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania had the highest number of casualties in the war, with over 50,000 soldiers killed during the three day fight on July 1-3, 1863. Most historians regard it as the turning point of the Civil War. The Brooklyn 13th and Brooklyn 14th Regiments, the New York 45th Regiment, and many others fought at the Battle of Gettysburg.

This illustration depicts the most famous assault in the war, Pickett's Charge. On the third day, General Lee ordered his troops to smash through the Union lines. General Pickett led the charge across a wide open field, his troops stretched out nearly a mile wide. Once in range, the Union forces opened fire with cannons, rifles, and muskets. Thousands fell on the battlefield, and the attack failed. The survivors retreated, and the next day Lee's Army of Northern Virginia headed south, escaping across the Potomac River.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported on the battle in these articles: "The Battle of Gettysburg" (July 3, 1863) and "The Battle Field at Gettysburg" (July 15, 1863).

Four months later, at a ceremony dedicating a national cemetery at Gettysburg, President Lincoln gave a speech that became one of the most famous in history. For more about President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, see Document 58.

Other suggested Web sites:

45th Regiment Monument at Gettysburg
(http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/45thInf/45thInfMonument.htm)

84th Regiment Monument at Gettysburg (http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/84thInf/84thInfMonument.htm)

Citation - Document 54
Print files: Civil War
July 3, 1863
Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/civilwar