Prolonged Artillery Barrage:
During the afternoon of July 1, Union and Confederate forces engaged in an intense two-hour-long artillery bombardment, one of the largest sustained artillery exchanges in American history.
Pickett's Charge:
Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered a massive infantry assault known as Pickett's Charge on July 3. Around 15,000 Confederate soldiers under the command of General George Pickett advanced across 1 mile of open ground into heavy Union artillery and rifle fire. It is often remembered as one of the boldest yet disastrous operations in the battle.
Hand-to-Hand Combat:
Many areas saw intense hand-to-hand combat between opposing forces, particularly around rocky outcrops and tree lines. The fighting was so close that soldiers used bayonets, clubbed rifles, and even rocks to engage in fierce, close-quarters encounters.
Civilians' Contribution:
Due to Gettysburg's small size at the time, many residents found themselves directly involved in the conflict. They offered assistance during and after the battle by providing food, shelter, and medical care to soldiers on both sides.
Death of Generals:
The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officers on both sides. Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart and Union Generals John Reynolds and John F. Reynolds were among the notable casualties.
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
Four and a half months after the battle, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his iconic Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. This powerful speech emphasized the ideals of national unity, freedom, and equality.
Technological Advancements:
The Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg, witnessed the utilization of newer war technologies. These included advanced artillery pieces, repeating rifles, and the early implementation of field telegraph systems for improved communication on the battlefield.
Long-Lasting Aftermath:
Despite being a Union victory, the Battle of Gettysburg did not immediately end the war and brought forth significant political, societal, and emotional shifts within the United States. It would take nearly two more years for the Civil War to finally conclude.
These unusual aspects contribute to the Battle of Gettysburg's legacy and complexity as a defining moment in American history.