03/15/2026
July 3, 1863:
After a communication breakdown in earlier orders, General Robert E. Lee hastily adjusted course and sent Major General George Pickett and his outfit directly into the center of Union line at Gettysburg. The first 2 days of battle were considered to be successes by the CSA and Lee believed he would deal a decisive blow and break the Union’s spirits. The assault across the mile-wide open field had disastrous consequences—approximately 55% casualties of the 12-13,000 troops—and resulted in his decision to retreat and regroup on July 4, 1863.
This monument is situated merely a few feet from where Pickett’s charge began.