Places

Gettysburg National Military Park extends over an area of 5,700 acres, much of it planted in fields and crops, extending between two low ridges: Seminary Ridge, held by Confederates during the battle, and Cemetery Ridge, held by Federals. The central part of the battle terrain is usually described as shaped like a fishhook: Cemetery Ridge forms the long shank of it. Curving back on the hook, just southeast of town, is Culp’s Hill, and at the southern end is a series of hills called the Round Tops. The battlefield encompasses a mostly open agricultural area of rolling hills, scattered woodlots, and groupings of farmsteads that are remnants the south-central Pennsylvania farming community that existed in the 1800s.

 

Explore Places by Location

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  July 1

  First Day's Battlefield

  Explore the places where United States and Confederate forces clashed outside the town of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.

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  July 2 & 3

  United States Line

  The United States line at Gettysburg is often described as a fishhook. Federal forces successfully defended this line on July 2 & 3, 1863.

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  July 2 & 3

  Confederate Line

  The Confederate Army set up a line and coordinated a series of assaults against the Federal position at Gettysburg on July 2 & 3, 1864.

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  East Cavalry Field

  Here the afternoon of July 3, 1863, US cavalry stopped the Confederates from turning the Federal flank.

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  Town

  In July 1863, the citizens of Gettysburg found their quiet town consumed by war.

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  Gettysburg National Cemetery

  The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 United States soldiers and veterans.