The Battle of Gettysburg

151 years ago today the Battle of Gettysburg ended.  It was three days of battle that became the bloodiest battle in the Civil War.

Here are just a few things I learned about the battle while we lived in Gettysburg:

- The casualties were staggering.  According to Wikipedia, the Union suffered 23,055 casualties and the South had 23,231.  The casualty numbers include those killed, wounded, and missing.  The numbers, particularly on the Southern side, are actually an estimate.  A good friend who worked for the park service mentioned that we don't have the actual casualty numbers from the South because Lee did not want it known how badly the battle turned out for them.

- In the Civil War (and I imagine other wars of the time) the "loser" of the battle was the side who left the field of battle first.  At Gettysburg, Lee retreated, giving the North the win despite pretty much equal losses.

- The first day of the battle began July 1.  It mainly occurred to the north and west of Gettysburg.  If you've ever been to Gettysburg you know that to the west are the Appalachian mountains.  The whole area is full of rolling hills.  On the first day it was important for one of the armies to get the high ground.  Due to inaction on the southern side, the Union took and held the high ground, giving them the advantage.

- Many of the generals on both sides were friends from West Point and other military assignments prior to the Civil War.

- One civilian was killed during the battle: twenty-year-old Jennie Wade.  She was killed while baking bread for Union soldiers in her sister's home.  A Confederate sharpshooter was trying to sight-in his gun using the doorknob of her home.  The bullet hit her, killing her instantly.

- Fun fact:  The locals pronounce Gettysburg as "Gettisburg."  :)

And now, enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July tomorrow.  This country was desperately fought for multiple times.