July 1
Shortly after discovering on June 30 that Gettysburg was occupied by Brigadier General John Buford's division of Federal cavalry, the Confederates sent two divisions down to Chambersburg Road to drive Buford away and occupy Gettysburg.
The battle began at 5.30 a.m., when shots were exchanged over Marsh Creek. Though Buford was outnumbered, he gave up ground slowly and stopped at a point about two miles from Gettysburg. Here, at 10 a.m., Buford determines to hold this line until reinforcements arrive. Reynolds, commanding the First Corps, arrived on the field at this point, and determined to engage the Confederates. Meanwhile, Howard's XI Corps to march to Gettysburg.
Soon after 10.30 a.m., Reynold's I Corps arrived and engaged Heth along McPherson's Ridge. Unfortunately for the Union troops, Reynolds was killed, and field command was moved to Howard. Both sides brought in reinforcements, and as the Union line slowly retreated, Buford's cavalry covered their flanks. Buford's tactic was to delay the Confederates long enough to enable the rest of the Federal army to concentrate.
Lee arrived just after noon, but didn't want to engage without performing reconnaissance. Then, Ewell's Corps arrived on Oak Hill and attacked the right of I Corps. By 4 p.m., both Federal corps were in retreat to Gettysburg and Cemetery Hill. Federal losses were 9,000, as compared to the 6,000 of Lee's army.
The day's action had resulted in a minor Confederate victory, but Federal forces held onto the high ground south of Gettysburg, where their position was soon strengthened by reinforcements.
The battle began at 5.30 a.m., when shots were exchanged over Marsh Creek. Though Buford was outnumbered, he gave up ground slowly and stopped at a point about two miles from Gettysburg. Here, at 10 a.m., Buford determines to hold this line until reinforcements arrive. Reynolds, commanding the First Corps, arrived on the field at this point, and determined to engage the Confederates. Meanwhile, Howard's XI Corps to march to Gettysburg.
Soon after 10.30 a.m., Reynold's I Corps arrived and engaged Heth along McPherson's Ridge. Unfortunately for the Union troops, Reynolds was killed, and field command was moved to Howard. Both sides brought in reinforcements, and as the Union line slowly retreated, Buford's cavalry covered their flanks. Buford's tactic was to delay the Confederates long enough to enable the rest of the Federal army to concentrate.
Lee arrived just after noon, but didn't want to engage without performing reconnaissance. Then, Ewell's Corps arrived on Oak Hill and attacked the right of I Corps. By 4 p.m., both Federal corps were in retreat to Gettysburg and Cemetery Hill. Federal losses were 9,000, as compared to the 6,000 of Lee's army.
The day's action had resulted in a minor Confederate victory, but Federal forces held onto the high ground south of Gettysburg, where their position was soon strengthened by reinforcements.