The Battle of Gettysburg took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA. The community of Gettysburg was originally founded around 1786 by tavern owner, James Gettys. It is located along the southwestern corner of the state and is a small borough. Gettysburg's economy is tourism based, due to the historical nature of the Battle of Gettysburg that was fought on its soil. The Civil War Battlefield is maintained by the National Parks Service.
Northern General George G. Meade led some 90,000 of the Union army to victory against the South in the Battle of Gettysburg. General Robert E. Lee was the leader of the Confederate army, and led about 75,000 men. The Union troops took a defensive position by settling in the south end of town. At the end of the battle each side lost about 23,000 men.
The Battle of Gettysburg took place over a three day period in 1863. The first day was July 1. On that day, both sides maneuvered for position. On the second day, Southern General Robert E. Lee led a successful attack from the enemy's left but was unable to hold the position. On the last day, July 3, Southern General George E Pickett led a full attack on the North, yet was dramatically unsuccessful. It was later referred to as "Pickett's Charge." Lee withdrew the Southern army and fled to Virginia.
Until the Battle of Gettysburg, the Confederate army had been experiencing a string of victories, despite being outnumbered. Even the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg was considered a victory for the South, in spite of the fact they were unable to hold their position. General Robert E. Lee had achieved a number of strategic victories and his army was surging with growing confidence. The last day of the battle was a devastating setback for the South, one they were not able to overcome.
One day after the Battle of Gettysburg ended, the Confederates suffered another significance loss when the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi surrendered. This meant the Northern army had regained control of the Mississippi River. Twenty-one months after the Battle of Gettysburg, Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, bringing an end to the Civil War.