, Pennsylvania, USA
1863 - July 1–3 – American Civil War: Battle of Gettysburg – Union forces under George G. Meade turn back a Confederate invasion by Robert E. Lee in the largest battle of the war (28,000 Confederate casualties, 23,000 Union).

In July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg marked a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania, hoping to shift the war's momentum away from Southern territory. Union forces, under the command of General George G. Meade, intercepted Lee near the small town of Gettysburg. What ensued over three days was a fierce and bloody conflict, ultimately becoming the largest battle of the war.

The battle began on July 1st with intense fighting as Confederate forces pushed Union troops back through the town and onto high ground south of Gettysburg. The second day saw heavy fighting on both flanks, particularly at places like Little Round Top and the Peach Orchard, where Union soldiers fought desperately to hold their positions against Confederate assaults. On July 3rd, Lee ordered a massive frontal assault known as Pickett's Charge against the center of the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge, resulting in devastating losses for the Confederates. By the end of the battle, Lee's invasion had been decisively repelled, with staggering casualties on both sides—around 28,000 Confederate and 23,000 Union soldiers killed, wounded, or missing.

The Union victory at Gettysburg proved crucial, halting Lee's northern advance and boosting Northern morale. It also marked a turning point in the war, leading to eventual Union successes in the West and the gradual erosion of the Confederate war effort.

July 3, 1863

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