9781422278949

The Battle of Gettysburg – The Turning Point in the Civil War

under Beauregard and the second under Joseph E. Johnston, committed 9,713 and 8,340 men respectively. The Union force advanced, hoping to catch the Confederates unawares, but met determined opposition instead. The Confederates gave ground until they met the Virginians under Jackson. It was at Bull Run that Thomas Jackson earned his nickname “Stonewall.” He adamantly refused to budge and the OPPOSITE: The Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 7, 1862. ABOVE: Sheet music for the Pea Ridge March, dedicated to Major General Franz Sigel, composed by Chr. Bach. Lithograph by Kurz and Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin . RIGHT: The First Battle of Bull Run, a sketch showing the position of Captain F.B. Schaeffer’s command along the Bull Run, 600 yards from the Lewis house on July 21, 1861.

rest of the wavering Confederate army rallied to his left and right. It was at this point that McDowell made the error that cost him the battle. He ordered up artillery to bombard the stubborn Confederates, but faced strong batteries of Confederate artillery and got the worst of the exchange.

Suddenly, the Confederate 33rd Virginia, dressed in blue, were

mistaken for Union reserves and cut down the Union artillery crews. The 33rd then charged and routed several Union regiments, while Colonel J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry seized the abandoned Union artillery. Eventually the guns were recovered and McDowell began

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