United States
On July 1, 1863, Union and Confederate forces first clashed near the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. What began as a meeting engagement soon grew as more units arrived on both sides. Confederate forces pushed Union troops through the town to defensive positions on the high ground south of Gettysburg. The opening day set the stage for one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Casualties were heavy, and local civilians suddenly found themselves in a war zone. The battle would continue for two more days and become a turning point in the conflict.
