Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Devil’s Den & Wheat Field)

Lee reasoned that his plans to invade Pennsylvania would keep the war in the north and allow his army to feed off the rich northern farmlands. He further hoped another victory could influence Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy, …

1863-07-02

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Lee reasoned that his plans to invade Pennsylvania would keep the war in the north and allow his army to feed off the rich northern farmlands. He further hoped another victory could influence Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy, and provide further “ammunition” to the Washington Peace Democrats and their cause. In early June, Lee started his army northwest to the Shenandoah Valley, then north across the Potomac and toward the Cumberland Valley. The Army of the Potomac, under its new commander, George Meade, marched swiftly north in pursuit. On July 1, the two armies made contact. What began as a skirmish quickly escalated as both sides fed in reinforcements. On July 2, Lee launched a series of attacks against the Union line. Longstreet began the attack around 4 p.m. The fighting was often at close range, with federal troops bitterly contesting key points such as Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and the Wheat Field. The second day, however, ended with the Union army still deployed in its defensive positions.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Devils Den is a boulder-strewn hill on the south end of Houck's Ridge at Gettysburg Battlefield, once used by artillery and infantry on the second day of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. A tourist attraction since the memorial association era, several boulders are worn from foot traffic and the site includes numerous cannon, memorials, and walkways, including a bridge spanning two boulders.

Wikipedia: Devil's Den

the Confederacy

the Union