The World Can Never Forget

On the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place on July 3, 1863, the Confederates launched a major assault known as “Pickett’s Charge” against the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. The attack was led by General Robert E. Lee and was intended to break the Union defenses and achieve a decisive victory.

The Confederate assault began with a massive artillery bombardment aimed at weakening the Union positions. More than 150 Confederate cannons unleashed a barrage of shells on the Union lines for about two hours. The Union forces, under the command of General George G. Meade, responded with their own artillery fire.

Once the artillery barrage subsided, around 12,000 Confederate soldiers, under the command of General George Pickett, advanced across an open field towards the Union positions. The Confederates faced heavy artillery and musket fire from the well-entrenched Union forces on Cemetery Ridge.

Despite the courage and determination of the Confederate soldiers, Pickett’s Charge was ultimately repulsed by the Union defenders. The Confederates suffered heavy casualties as they were subjected to devastating artillery fire and a hail of bullets. Many Confederate soldiers reached the Union lines but were overwhelmed and forced to retreat.

The failure of Pickett’s Charge marked a significant turning point in the Battle of Gettysburg. The Confederate army was unable to break the Union line, and their hopes for a decisive victory faded. The battle continued for one more day on July 4, but the Confederates were ultimately defeated and forced to retreat. The Battle of Gettysburg is often considered a major turning point in the American Civil War and a significant victory for the Union.

Pickett’s Charge was a critical part of the Battle of Gettysburg that took place on July 3, 1863. It was a massive Confederate assault led by General George Pickett against the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. Here’s a description of the events of Pickett’s Charge:

1. Artillery Barrage: Before the infantry assault, the Confederates launched a concentrated artillery bombardment on the Union positions. Over 150 Confederate cannons unleashed a barrage of shells for about two hours, hoping to weaken the Union defenses and create gaps for their infantry to exploit.

2. Infantry Advance: After the artillery bombardment, around 12,000 Confederate soldiers from General Pickett’s division, supported by troops under Generals Pettigrew and Trimble, began their advance across an open field towards Cemetery Ridge. The Confederates moved in a long line, known as a “battle line,” stretching over a mile wide.

3. Union Defensive Fire: As the Confederates advanced, they faced a devastating response from the Union defenders. Union artillery batteries and infantry positioned on Cemetery Ridge and other nearby positions unleashed a withering fire upon the approaching Confederates. Cannons and muskets combined to create a deadly wall of lead and iron.

4. High Casualties: Pickett’s Charge subjected the Confederate soldiers to immense casualties. As they marched across the open field, they were exposed to artillery shells and a continuous hail of bullets. The Confederate soldiers suffered heavy losses as they pressed forward, with entire units being decimated.

5. Reaching the Union Lines: Despite the heavy casualties, some Confederate soldiers managed to breach the Union lines and engage in close-quarters combat with Union defenders. There were instances where Confederate troops temporarily captured Union artillery positions, but they were quickly overwhelmed and pushed back by Union counterattacks.

6. Repulse and Retreat: As the Confederates reached the high-water mark of their advance, known as “The Angle” or “Bloody Angle,” they encountered fierce Union resistance. The Union forces launched counterattacks from both flanks, including troops led by Generals Winfield Scott Hancock and Alexander S. Webb. The Confederates were overwhelmed, and their lines began to crumble. Eventually, they were forced to retreat back across the open field under heavy fire.

7. Confederate Defeat: Pickett’s Charge failed to break the Union line and secure a decisive victory for the Confederacy. The Confederate assault resulted in massive casualties and proved to be a turning point in the Battle of Gettysburg. The failed charge marked a significant setback for General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and diminished their hopes for a Confederate victory.

Pickett’s Charge is remembered as a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt by the Confederates to achieve a breakthrough at Gettysburg. It stands as one of the most iconic and tragic episodes of the American Civil War.