Gettysburg Campaign of the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the **Gettysburg Campaign** unfolded as a pivotal military endeavor, marked by the Confederate army’s invasion of Pennsylvania in the summer of 1863. Under the command of General Robert E. Lee, the Army of Northern Virginia ventured north, setting the stage for a series of engagements that would ultimately culminate in one of the conflict’s most decisive battles.
Following his triumph over the Union Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia, General Robert E. Lee sought to capitalize on his momentum through a second incursion into the North. His strategic objectives were multifaceted. Lee aimed to disrupt the Union’s summer campaign plans, offer relief to the beleaguered Confederate garrison at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and replenish his army’s supplies from the abundant resources of Northern farms. Simultaneously, this maneuver would grant war-torn Virginia a respite from the ravages of conflict. Furthermore, Lee envisioned the potential to intimidate major Northern cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., thereby bolstering the burgeoning peace movement within the Union. The underlying strategy of this **Gettysburg Campaign** bore a striking resemblance to Lee’s earlier Maryland Campaign.
On June 3, 1863, Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia commenced its march from Fredericksburg, Virginia, towards Pennsylvania. Major General Joseph Hooker, then commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, initiated a pursuit. However, as both armies advanced northward, President Abraham Lincoln relieved Hooker of his command, replacing him with General George Meade.
Driven by the ambition to seize Harrisburg or Philadelphia, Confederate forces engaged in a series of battles en route to Pennsylvania. These included clashes at Brandy Station, Winchester, Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville, all within the state of Virginia. These battles leading up to the main event are key to understanding the full scope of the **Gettysburg Campaign**.
In response to the looming threat, the Governor of Pennsylvania urgently mobilized volunteer militia regiments to defend against the Confederate invasion. This period, known as the Emergency of 1863, witnessed a mass exodus of civilians from Pennsylvania and Maryland seeking refuge further north and east, away from the advancing Confederate forces.
Upon receiving intelligence from his scouts indicating Major General George Meade’s intention to establish a defensive line at Pipe Creek, Maryland, Lee resolved to engage him preemptively. The convergence of both armies at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 1863, marked the commencement of what would become the bloodiest battle in Civil War history, resulting in an estimated 51,000 casualties. Ultimately, the Confederates were repelled, and by the night of July 4, Lee and his forces initiated their retreat southward.
The **Gettysburg Campaign** would prove to be a turning point. Both Lee and Meade faced scrutiny for their conduct during the campaign. Lee was criticized for his reliance on inexperienced commanders and his authorization of Pickett’s Charge, while Meade was faulted for his failure to launch a counterattack and pursue the retreating enemy. Nevertheless, the campaign marked the zenith of Confederate activity during the war, after which the South’s fortunes steadily declined.
The **Gettysburg Campaign** stands as Robert E. Lee’s last major offensive in the Civil War. From that point onward, the Army of Northern Virginia’s combat operations became reactive, responding to Union initiatives. The estimated total casualties for the campaign amounted to 32,043 Union soldiers and between 27,000 and 32,000 Confederate soldiers.
The **Gettysburg Campaign** was a complex series of maneuvers and battles that ultimately determined the course of the war.
Battles:
Brandy Station (June 9, 1863, Virginia)
Winchester II (June 13-15, 1863, Virginia)
Aldie (June 17, 1863, Virginia)
Middleburg (June 17-19, 1863, Virginia)
Upperville (June 21, 1863, Virginia)
Hanover (June 30, 1863, Pennsylvania)
Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863, Pennsylvania)
Williamsport (July 6-16, 1863, Maryland)
Boonsboro (July 8, 1863, Maryland)
Manassas Gap (July 23, 1863, Virginia)
Battle Summaries:
Brandy Station (June 9, 1863, Virginia) – Also known as the Battle of Fleetwood Hill, this engagement marked the opening of the **Gettysburg Campaign**. Taking place in Culpeper County, Virginia, the Union cavalry corps, under the leadership of Major General Alfred Pleasonton, launched a surprise dawn assault on Major General James Ewell Brown “J.E.B.” Stuart’s cavalry at Brandy Station. The ensuing all-day battle witnessed fluctuating fortunes for both sides, ultimately concluding with the Federals withdrawing without uncovering Lee’s infantry encampment near Culpeper. Brandy Station holds the distinction of being the largest cavalry battle ever fought on the North American Continent, involving approximately 22,000 soldiers, with around 17,000 belonging to the mounted branch. The inconclusive outcome resulted in estimated Union casualties of 907 and Confederate casualties of 523.
Winchester II (June 13-15, 1863, Virginia) – The Second Battle of Winchester, also referred to as the Frederick County or Winchester Battle, unfolded in Frederick County, Virginia. Following the Battle of Brandy Station, General Robert E. Lee instructed the II Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, under Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell, to clear the lower Shenandoah Valley of Union opposition. Ewell’s columns converged on Winchester’s garrison, commanded by Brigadier General Robert Milroy. After skirmishes on the afternoon of June 13 and the capture of West Fort by the Louisiana Brigade on June 14, Milroy abandoned his entrenchments after nightfall to reach Charles Town. General Edward “Allegheny” Johnson’s division executed a night flanking maneuver and, before dawn on the 15th, intercepted Milroy’s retreat just north of Winchester at Stephenson’s Depot. Over 2,400 Federals surrendered, securing a Confederate victory that cleared the Valley of Union troops and paved the way for Lee’s second invasion of the North. Out of the 19,500 troops involved, the total loss amounted to 4,709, with 4,443 Union casualties and only 266 Confederate casualties.
Aldie (June 17, 1863, Virginia) – In Loudoun County, Virginia, Major General James Ewell Brown “J.E.B.” Stuart’s cavalry served as a screen for the Confederate infantry as it marched north behind the protective Blue Ridge Mountains. Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s brigade, leading Brigadier General David M. Gregg’s division, encountered Confederate Colonel Thomas Munford’s troopers near the village of Aldie. The resulting four-hour engagement saw both sides launching mounted assaults by regiments and squadrons. Kilpatrick received reinforcements in the afternoon, prompting Munford to withdraw toward Middleburg. Approximately 250 men perished in this skirmish, a prelude to the larger battles of the **Gettysburg Campaign**.
Middleburg (June 17-19, 1863, Virginia) – Concurrent with the Battle of Aldie, another engagement transpired in Loudoun County in Middleburg. Major General James Ewell Brown “J.E.B.” Stuart, responsible for screening Robert E. Lee’s invasion route, sparred with Major General Alfred Pleasonton’s Union cavalry. On June 17, Colonel Alfred Duffie’s isolated 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment was attacked by the brigades of Confederate Colonels Thomas Munford and Beverly Robertson, resulting in the regiment’s rout and approximately 250 casualties. On June 19, Colonel J. Irvin Gregg’s brigade advanced, pushing Stuart’s cavalry one mile beyond the town. Both sides received reinforcements, leading to continued skirmishing, both mounted and dismounted. Stuart was gradually forced out of his position but retreated to a second ridge, maintaining coverage of the Blue Ridge gap approaches. Approximately 390 soldiers lost their lives during the battle. This was all part of the larger **Gettysburg Campaign**.
Upperville (June 21, 1863, Virginia) – Two days later, yet another battle unfolded in Loudoun County, Virginia. In the Battle of Upperville, the Union cavalry made a concerted effort to penetrate Major General J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry screen. Stuart had been engaged in a series of delaying actions in the Loudoun Valley, aiming to prevent Union General Alfred Pleasonton’s cavalry from discovering the location of the main body of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, much of which was situated in the Shenandoah Valley, just west of Upperville. Reinforced by Brigadier General Wade Hampton’s and Colonel Beverly Robertson’s brigades, Stuart made a stand at Goose Creek, west of Middleburg, and repelled Colonel J. Irvin Gregg’s division.
Union Cavalry Officer John Buford’s column detoured to attack the Confederate left flank near Upperville but encountered Confederate Brigadier Generals William E. “Grumble” Jones’s and John R. Chambliss’s brigades, while J. Irvin Gregg’s and Judson Kilpatrick’s brigades advanced on Upperville along the Little River Turnpike from the east. After intense mounted fighting, Stuart withdrew to assume a strong defensive position in Ashby Gap, even as Confederate infantry crossed the Potomac into Maryland. As cavalry skirmishing subsided, Stuart made the crucial decision to strike east and circumnavigate the Union army as it marched towards Gettysburg. The battle resulted in the loss of 400 soldiers. These smaller skirmishes were critical preludes to the Battle of Gettysburg, and therefore important parts of the **Gettysburg Campaign**.
Hanover (June 30, 1863, Pennsylvania) – Having finally crossed over into York County, Pennsylvania, Major General J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry, riding north to circumvent the Union army, attacked a Union cavalry regiment, driving it through the streets of Hanover. Brigadier General Farnsworth’s brigade arrived and counterattacked, routing the Confederate vanguard and nearly capturing Stuart himself. Stuart continued to engage, but a stalemate ensued when Farnsworth was reinforced by Brigadier General George A. Custer’s brigade. Stuart was compelled to continue north and east to bypass the Union cavalry, further delaying his attempt to rejoin Lee’s army, which was concentrating at Cashtown Gap, west of Gettysburg. The battle claimed the lives of approximately 330 men. This battle was one of the last before the armies converged at Gettysburg during the **Gettysburg Campaign**.
Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863, Pennsylvania) – As Lee’s troops advanced into Pennsylvania, Major General George G. Meade led his Union Army forces north from Washington. Critically, Lee’s Cavalry Commander, Major General James Ewell Brown “J.E.B.” Stuart, instead of relaying Union movements to Lee, had embarked on a raid deep into the Union rear. Consequently, Lee was “blind” to the Union’s position, and it wasn’t until a scout reported their imminent approach that he became aware of the close proximity of the Union forces. Ordering his men to converge west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the two armies made initial contact on July 1, 1863.
General Robert E. Lee concentrated his full strength against the Union Troops converging on Gettysburg from the west and north, driving Union defenders back through the streets to Cemetery Hill. During the night, reinforcements arrived for both sides, and by the morning of July 2, almost 160,000 men had been assembled.
Lee attempted to envelop the Federals, first striking the Union left flank at the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, and Little Round Top with Longstreet’s and Hill’s divisions and then attacking the Union right at Culp’s and East Cemetery Hills with Ewell’s divisions. Though the Union defenders suffered significant losses, they held their lines.
During the morning of July 3, the fighting resumed on Culp’s Hill, and the Confederates were driven back. After a preliminary artillery bombardment in the afternoon, Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge with some 12,500 soldiers. The Pickett-Pettigrew assault (more popularly, Pickett’s Charge) momentarily pierced the Union line but was driven back with severe casualties. Stuart’s cavalry attempted to gain the Union rear but was repulsed. On July 4, Lee began withdrawing his army toward Williamsport on the Potomac River. His train of wounded stretched more than fourteen miles.
The battle was the bloodiest in the Civil War and is often cited as the war’s turning point. Between 51,000 soldiers lost their lives in the three-day battle, of which 23,000 were Union and 28,000 Confederate.
That November, President Lincoln used the Gettysburg National Cemetery’s dedication ceremony to honor the Union dead and redefine the purpose of the war in his historic Gettysburg Address.
Williamsport (July 6-16, 1863, Maryland) – Also referred to as the Battle of Hagerstown or Falling Waters, this skirmish occurred in Washington County, Maryland. During the night of July 4-5, Lee’s battered army commenced its retreat from Gettysburg, moving southwest on the Fairfield Road toward Hagerstown and Williamsport, screened by Stuart’s cavalry. The Union infantry followed the next day cautiously, converging on Middletown, Maryland. On July 7, Confederate Brigadier General John D. Imboden prevented John Buford’s Union cavalry from occupying Williamsport and destroying Confederate trains. Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s cavalry division drove two Confederate cavalry brigades through Hagerstown before being forced to retire by the arrival of the rest of Stuart’s command. Lee’s infantry reached the rain-swollen Potomac River but could not cross, as a cavalry raid had destroyed the pontoon bridge.
On July 11, Lee entrenched a line, protecting the river crossings at Williamsport, and waited for Meade’s army to advance. On July 12, Meade reached the vicinity and probed the Confederate line. The next day, skirmishing was heavy along the lines as Meade positioned his forces for an attack. In the meantime, the river fell enough to construct a new bridge, and Lee’s army began crossing the river after dark on the 13th.
On the morning of the 14th, Kilpatrick’s and Buford’s cavalry divisions attacked Henry Heth’s rearguard division on the north bank, taking over 500 prisoners. Confederate Brigadier General James Pettigrew was mortally wounded in the fight. On July 16, David Gregg’s cavalry approached Shepherdstown, where Fitzhugh Lee’s and J.R. Chambliss’s brigades, supported by M.J. Ferguson’s, held the Potomac River fords against the Union infantry. Fitzhugh Lee and Chambliss attacked Gregg, who held out against several attacks and sorties, fighting sporadically until nightfall when he withdrew. In the end, 1,730 soldiers lay dead. This was the final major engagement of the **Gettysburg Campaign**.
Boonsboro (July 8, 1863, Maryland) – Amid the Williamsport Battle, another took place in Washington County, Maryland, at Boonsboro. On July 8, the Confederate cavalry, holding the South Mountain passes, fought a rearguard action against the Union 1st and 3rd Cavalry Divisions and infantry elements. This action was one of a series of cavalry combats fought around Boonsboro, Hagerstown, and Williamsport. The battle took the lives of 100 soldiers.
Manassas Gap (July 23, 1863, Virginia) – As the Confederate forces returned south, the Manassas Gap Battle took place in Warren County, Virginia. Sometimes referred to as the Battle of Wapping Heights, the skirmish occurred after Lee’s army had re-crossed the Potomac River into the Shenandoah Valley. Major General George G. Meade crossed the Potomac River east of the Blue Ridge and followed Lee into Virginia. On July 23, Meade ordered the III Corps under Major General William. H. French to cut off the retreating Confederate columns at Front Royal by forcing a passage through Manassas Gap. At first light, the French began slowly pushing Major General Richard Anderson’s division of Walker’s Confederate brigade back into the gap. At about 4:30 pm, a strong Union attack drove Walker’s men until Rodes’s division and artillery reinforced them. By dusk, the poorly coordinated Union attacks were abandoned. During the night, Confederate forces withdrew into the Luray Valley. On July 24, the Union army occupied Front Royal, but Lee’s army was safely beyond pursuit. The battle had claimed 440 lives. This marked the end of the **Gettysburg Campaign**.
Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander, updated February 2024.
Also See:
Sources:
Battlefields.org
National Park Service Battle Descriptions (no longer available online)
National Park Service Civil War
Wikipedia
