The second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place on July 2, 1863, witnessed intense and bloody combat as Confederate and Union forces clashed in various sectors of the battlefield. Here is a description of the combat actions on that day:
General Overview:
On July 2nd, both the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army of the Potomac, led by General George G. Meade, were fully engaged and positioned for a major confrontation.
Devil’s Den and Little Round Top:
One significant engagement occurred in the southern part of the battlefield, where Confederate forces sought to dislodge Union troops from the rocky terrain of Devil’s Den and nearby Little Round Top. Confederate General John Bell Hood’s division launched a fierce assault against the Union forces, which included the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment commanded by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain.
The fighting was intense, with Confederate soldiers attempting to seize control of the strategic high ground. Union troops, including the 20th Maine, valiantly defended their positions. Chamberlain’s men, running low on ammunition, executed a daring bayonet charge down the slope of Little Round Top, repelling the Confederates and securing their position. This action is often cited as a critical turning point in the battle.
The Wheatfield and Peach Orchard:
In the center of the battlefield, Confederate General James Longstreet’s corps initiated a massive assault against the Union’s III Corps under General Daniel Sickles. The Wheatfield and the Peach Orchard were key focal points of the fighting.
Intense fighting ensued in the Wheatfield as Confederates clashed with Union troops. The Wheatfield changed hands multiple times throughout the day, resulting in high casualties for both sides. The fighting in this area was marked by ferocious combat and hand-to-hand fighting.
Similarly, the Peach Orchard became a scene of fierce contention. Confederate forces attacked Union positions, initially gaining ground and forcing the Union forces to withdraw. However, counterattacks by Union troops, supported by artillery fire, led to a dramatic reversal, driving the Confederates back.
Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill:
In the northern part of the battlefield, Confederate forces, under the command of General Richard Ewell, launched attacks against Union positions on Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill. The Confederates sought to break the Union lines and exploit any weaknesses.
Heavy fighting took place throughout the day, with Union forces successfully repelling Confederate assaults. The Union defenders held firm, despite sustained pressure from Confederate troops. Ultimately, the Confederates failed to break through the Union lines in this sector.
Overall, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg witnessed intense combat across multiple areas of the battlefield. The fighting was characterized by desperate charges, determined resistance, and high casualties on both sides. The Confederate assaults on Devil’s Den and Little Round Top were repulsed, the fighting in the Wheatfield and the Peach Orchard was brutal and ever-changing, and the Union defenses on Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill held firm against Confederate attacks. These actions set the stage for the decisive and climactic third day of the battle.
DAVE DOES HISTORY 
Leave a comment