The battle is considered to be one of the most important and decisive battles in American history, and it marked a turning point in the war. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee, invaded Pennsylvania in an attempt to draw the Union Army of the Potomac, led by General George G. Meade, into battle and defeat it.
The two armies clashed in and around the town of Gettysburg, and the fighting was fierce and bloody. Over the course of three days, more than 50,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing, making it the deadliest battle ever fought in North America.
The Union Army emerged victorious, and the Confederate Army was forced to retreat back into Virginia. The Battle of Gettysburg is often credited with saving the Union and paving the way for its ultimate victory in the Civil War.
Today, Gettysburg is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the Gettysburg National Military Park, which preserves the battlefield and includes a museum, monuments, and walking trails.