Decision 3 of 4

Result: Minor Confederate Defeat

Longstreet's I Corps marches and countermarches to avoid Union observation until finally, the attack begins in the afternoon. Union General Sickles' III Corps is shattered in the Peach Orchard. Seeing the deteriorating situation, General Warren of the Union V Corps moves his men into position to defend the high ground of the Round Tops.

Rebel troops assault both hilltops ferociously and swing some troops even further south along the Taneytown road. After intense fighting among the rocks and trees throughout the day and evening, the Confederates make some solid tactical gains, but no breakthrough occurs in the south. (Continued below map)

In the vicinity of Cemetery Hill, Confederate forces attempt to attack south to break the Union center. After initial, small gains, Union reserves and heavy artillery counterattack and bring the lines back to where they were in the morning.

Both sides have suffered enormous casualties. The flanks and center of the Union army have held, but just barely, and its flanks remain exposed to renewed attack. As night falls, the final reinforcements of both armies continue to stream into the battlefield for the final, decisive day.

Continue