More Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About the Battle of Gettysburg
January 14, 2025At Gettysburg Battlefield Tours, we pride ourselves on our deep knowledge of the Battle of Gettysburg and its enduring legacy. But even those familiar with this pivotal event in American history may not know just how extensive its impact truly was, or be aware of its fascinating facts.
Today, we’re sharing ten more of those fascinating facts—both well-known and lesser-known—about the Battle of Gettysburg. From the battlefield’s unique scale to its lasting influence, these stories highlight just how monumental those three days in July 1863 were.
The Largest Battle in North America
Gettysburg was the largest battle not just of the Civil War, but in all of North American history. With over 165,000 soldiers engaged across sprawling terrain, the sheer scale of the conflict is difficult to fathom. The battlefield extended over farms, hills, forests, and the bustling town of Gettysburg itself—testing both military strategy and logistics. Imagine coordinating troops and artillery the size of entire cities at the time! This unprecedented scale challenged generals on both sides and left an indelible mark on the land and the people who called it home.
An Accidental Encounter Sparked the Fight
The Battle of Gettysburg began by sheer chance. On July 1, 1863, Confederate troops under General A.P. Hill neared Gettysburg on a foraging expedition in search of essential supplies, approaching the town due to the geography of the road system (of which Gettysburg city was a local nexus). Meanwhile, Union cavalry under General John Buford scouted the area and quickly recognized its strategic importance. When the two forces met, what began as a mere skirmish escalated into the most famous battle of the Civil War.
The Bloodiest Day Took Place on Day Two
The second day of the battle, July 2, was particularly brutal and saw intense fighting at iconic locations such as Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, and the Peach Orchard. Over 100,000 soldiers clashed across these sites, resulting in more than 20,000 casualties in just 24 hours. The chaos and cost of this single day rank it among the bloodiest in U.S. military history, leaving a haunting legacy on the fields that can still be felt today.
Cemetery Hill and Little Round Top Were Key Defensive Positions
Two locations became vital to the Union’s defense. Cemetery Hill anchored the Union’s famous “fishhook” formation, allowing reinforcements to move swiftly along their lines as needed. Meanwhile, Little Round Top played host to one of the battle’s most dramatic moments. On July 2, Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment led a desperate bayonet charge to drive back Confederate forces that nearly overwhelmed his flank. This act of bravery secured the southern edge of the Union line and became legend.
Female Soldiers Fought on Both Sides
The Battle of Gettysburg wasn’t just fought by men. Women disguised as men joined the fight, long before women were granted the right to serve in the military. Nine verified female soldiers lost their lives on Civil War battlefields, including one at Gettysburg. Motivated by a variety of reasons—loyalty to their cause, financial independence, or sheer adventure—they played an unsung role in this defining conflict.
Pickett’s Charge Was a Bold but Tragic Mistake
The grand finale of the battle, Pickett’s Charge, was a Confederate assault that aimed to break through Union lines at Cemetery Ridge. General Robert E. Lee believed this bold move could bring victory. However, Union artillery decimated the advancing Confederate soldiers, followed by withering musket fire, leaving only a handful to reach the Union line before being repelled. This disastrous attack marked a turning point in the war, and Pickett reportedly attributed the failure to Lee’s miscalculation.
High Casualty Numbers Shocked the Nation
Gettysburg’s aftermath revealed staggering numbers of dead and wounded—over 50,000 casualties in total. Makeshift hospitals filled with injured soldiers sprang up throughout the town, with surgeries often performed without anesthesia. Burial teams worked tirelessly to inter the dead, including prominent generals like Union General John Reynolds and Confederate General Lewis Armistead. The overwhelming human cost resonated deeply, bringing the war’s toll into sharp focus for both armies and the civilians caught in its wake.
A Missed Opportunity Doomed the Confederacy
General J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry was meant to act as the Confederates’ eyes and ears, but his decision to lead his forces on a long raid in Pennsylvania left Lee blind to Union movements. Without critical reconnaissance, Lee underestimated the Union’s strength and made flawed decisions. This breakdown in communication proved costly, and many historians believe it was a key factor in the Confederate defeat.
The Gettysburg Address Redefined the Nation
Just four months after the battle, President Abraham Lincoln stood on the hallowed ground of Gettysburg to deliver one of the most iconic speeches in American history. The Gettysburg Address reframed the Civil War as a fight not only to preserve the Union but to uphold the ideals of liberty and equality enshrined in the nation’s founding principles. Lincoln’s words continue to echo through history, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the enduring struggle for freedom.
The Civilian Cost Was Immense
The residents of Gettysburg endured unimaginable hardship during and after the battle. Homes were riddled with bullet holes, fields were destroyed, and livestock seized. Civilians like Elizabeth Thorn, the pregnant caretaker of Evergreen Cemetery, buried over 100 bodies in the days that followed. The economic devastation and emotional toll lingered long after the last soldier left, shaping the town’s legacy for decades.
Gettysburg remains more than a battlefield—it’s a living monument to courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Gettysburg National Military Park preserves over 1,300 monuments and markers, making it one of the most memorialized landscapes in the world. Whether you’re drawn to its history, its stories, or its enduring lessons, there’s always more to learn and experience.
Want to walk these hallowed grounds and discover even more untold stories? Join us on a Gettysburg Battlefield Tour. Expert guides, immersive tales, and unforgettable moments await.
Tour the Historic Attractions of Gettysburg by Bus!
Our award-winning bus tours of the Gettysburg Battlefield and other notable historic local attractions are running to help visitors enjoy their visit to beautiful Gettysburg PA. 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 777 Baltimore St., Suite 100.