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A Gettysburg Battlefield Tour by the Association of Battlefield Guides
Manuscript Prepared By Guide: Don Walters
When considering a tour of the National Military Park at Gettysburg, it is best to
begin with a bit of background to the battle. Putting the epic event within context will
bring even greater meaning to the trip.
The Gettysburg battle is fought over the course of July 1, 2, 3, 1863. This places
the fight almost dead center in the middle of the American Civi War. As 1863 begins, the
Confederates can look back on many battlefield successes. However, the Confederate
Government views the future with alarm. The Yankee Navy has blockaded southern
seaports, denying the south the ability to trade with Europe. The war has been fought
largely in southern territory, resulting in destruction of southern farmland and crops. The
Yankees are about to seize control of the Mississippi River, effectively cutting the
Confederacy in half. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The Confederate army of about 75,000 is led to Pennsylvania by General Robert E.
Lee. Before taking command of this Arny of Northern Virginia, Lee had been Confederate
President Jefferson Davis' military advisor, and he is very aware of the political situation.
Lee decides upon an invasion of the north as offering the south the best opportunity to
improve her situation He will list a number of possible gains to be realized by this move.
The goal that most interests us is as follows: Lee hopes the campaign may "Supply a fair
opportunity to strike a decisive blow."
As Lee enters Pennsylvania, the Yankee army is not far behind. Commanding the
Union Anny of the Potomac at the battle will be General George Gordon Meade. Just as
Lee, Meade is a graduate of the United States Military Academy. Just as Lee, Meade has
become a career military professional. Following Meade are about 85,000 men about to
fight for the first time north of the Mason Dixon line.
Late in June, Lee orders his forces to concentrate in the vicinity of Gettysburg. A
look at a road map of the area of south central Pennsylvania and north central Maryland
shows that many roads lead to Gettysburg. Comparing these roads to the spokes of a
wagon wheel, the hub they converge upon is the little crossroads town of Gettysburg.
As the sun sets June 30, the soldiers of both armies know the critical moment is
near. Lee has 4 of his 9 infantry divisions within 10 miles of town Meade has 5 of 7
infantry corps within 12 miles of the road hub. The bulk of a cavalry division is in the town
itself. The stage is set.
Over the next three days a defining event in history will take place, with 160,000
Americans largely deciding the future course the American Nation will follow.