Battlefield Highlights: The Peach Orchard – Where The Battle Converged

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, remains one of the most significant engagements of the American Civil War.

In the many long years since that famous battle, countless modern-day visitors to the southern part of the preserved battleground have been drawn to Devil’s Den and Little Round Top — the rocky hill is a must-stop for its panoramic views, and kids love the Den’s immense boulders. As the park evolved, these sites have received a lion’s share of attention, whether through preservation efforts, interpretation, or tourism. But throughout the actual battle itself, another nearby location known as The Peach Orchard would prove to be just as important (if not more so) to the outcome of the battle than many of those other, more famous locations.

The Peach Orchard at Gettysburg ultimately proved to be a vitally important battlefield location, despite being barely mentioned or even completely overlooked in many modern tour guidebooks.

The Peach Orchard’s Pivotal Role During the Battle of Gettysburg

Included among the numerous sites of fierce fighting on the Gettysburg Battlefield is a seemingly innocuous piece of land called The Peach Orchard. This small, rectangular tract of land proved to be a critical location during the battle, offering strategic advantages and posing significant challenges for both the Union and Confederate forces. To truly understand the events of that savage day and its aftermath, one must appreciate the significance of the Peach Orchard during the Battle of Gettysburg, its central role, and its abiding impact throughout the bloody three days of that historic conflict.

Setting the Scene

Located on the southern part of the Gettysburg battlefield, the Peach Orchard was a roughly rectangular low field of cultivated peach trees owned and maintained by local farmer Joseph Sherfy. The Orchard was strategically placed at a junction where the Emmitsburg Road met the Wheatfield Road, creating a salient that jutted out into the Confederate lines. Its elevated position offered commanding views of the surrounding area, making it a valuable vantage point for artillery placement.

On July 2, the second day of the battle, Union Major General Daniel Sickles made the controversial decision to advance his III Corps from a more defensible position along Cemetery Ridge to higher ground at The Peach Orchard. His decision, made without orders from his superior, Major General George G. Meade, was driven by the belief that the elevated ground would provide a formidable defensive line and prevent Confederate forces from shelling the Union positions on Cemetery Ridge.

The Strategic Importance of The Peach Orchard

Sickles’ decision to occupy The Peach Orchard was not without merit. The elevated terrain allowed Union artillery to cover a wide expanse of the battlefield, including the fields leading down to the Confederate lines. By holding this position, the Union army could disrupt Confederate movements and potentially thwart any attempted assaults on the more critical high ground of Cemetery Ridge.

Additionally, the location of The Peach Orchard at a road junction increased its significance as a point for communication and movement of troops. Control of this intersection would allow forces to quickly maneuver reinforcements and supplies, a crucial factor in the chaos of battle.

Fierce Fighting at The Peach Orchard

On the afternoon of July 2, the Confederates under Lieutenant General James Longstreet launched a massive assault aimed at driving the Union forces from The Peach Orchard and exploiting the salient created by Sickles’ advanced position. The attack was spearheaded by Major General Lafayette McLaws’ division, with support from Major General John B. Hood’s division attacking further south.

The fighting at The Peach Orchard was intense and brutal. Union artillery batteries, positioned to take advantage of the high ground, rained down fire on the advancing Confederates. However, the Union infantry, stretched thin to cover the extended line, faced overwhelming Confederate pressure.

Despite a valiant defense, the Union forces at The Peach Orchard were eventually overwhelmed by the Confederate assault. The salient proved difficult to defend, as the Union soldiers were attacked on multiple sides. By late afternoon, Sickles’ III Corps had been driven back, and The Peach Orchard fell into Confederate hands, albeit at a high cost in casualties for both sides.

The Aftermath and Impact on the Battle

The fall of The Peach Orchard marked a significant moment in the Battle of Gettysburg. While the Confederates succeeded in capturing the position, they were unable to capitalize on the victory. The delay in launching the assault and the fierce resistance encountered meant that the Confederate momentum was slowed, allowing Union forces to reinforce other critical areas of the battlefield, such as Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge.

The loss of the Peach Orchard also exposed the Union line to further attacks, and Sickles’ corps suffered heavy casualties as they were forced to retreat back to the main Union defenses. However, the stubborn defense put up by the Union troops allowed them to buy precious time for reinforcements to shore up the defenses on Cemetery Ridge.

Ultimately, the Confederate failure to break through the Union lines at Gettysburg, despite capturing strategic positions like The Peach Orchard, contributed to their defeat. The stubborn defense of such key locations, combined with timely reinforcements, allowed the Union army to maintain a cohesive line and eventually secure victory.

The Outcome

By battle’s end, Longstreet had captured Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, and the Wheatfield, but none of these areas were key ground. Meanwhile, Hancock and Sykes were successful in retaining Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge. Of the 22,000 Confederates in three divisions that participated in the attack against the Union left on July 2, 7,000 were casualties. The butcher’s bill for the Union III Corps amounted to 4,323 casualties from the 10,750 that went into battle that day.

The long fight at The Peach Orchard during the Battle of Gettysburg serves as a testament to the bravery, resilience, and strategic prowess of those who fought there, whose suffering and sacrifice left an indelible mark on the history of the American Civil War.

Visiting the Site

Visiting The Peach Orchard on the Battlefield of Gettysburg offers visitors a powerful opportunity to personally engage with and connect with the historically significant events that happened there. By personally experiencing a visit to this hallowed field of the fallen, one forges a direct connection to the brave combatants who valiantly fought and fell on that sacred ground.

The many battlefield monuments scattered over the otherwise pastoral landscape of this location bear grim witness to the deeds of valor performed here. A visit here can provide a truly unique and intimate perspective, allowing individuals to personally grasp the significance of the profound cost and sacrifices endured during the tumultuous era of the Civil War.

Location of The Peach Orchard

Plan your next excursion with us! Our bus tours of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield are active and ready to show you the sites of the historical battleground. Reservations can be made by calling our toll-free number at 877-680-8687. You can also purchase bus tour tickets online.  Tours depart from the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 778 Baltimore St., Gettysburg.