| Summary |
This study examines the role that North Carolina played in the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. Gettysburg was one of the most crucial battles in the conflict and North Carolina's participation was important. General Robert E. Lee won an important victory at Chancellorsville, Virginia in May, 1863. He alone with President Jefferson Davis decided that this victory should be taken advantage of by an invasion of the North. A successful invasion could force the North into a negotiated peace which would undoubtedly recognize the importance of the Confederacy. It had other possible advantages such as obtaining needed supplies and recruits, and even convincing European powers into intervening in the conflict. Early in June Lee's troops crossed the Potomac with Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as the immediate objective. There were several clashes and skirmishes in which North Carolina troops participated as Lee's men passed through Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. North Carolina units participating in the battle included the brigades commanded by James Johnston Pettigrew, Stephen Dodson Ramseur, Junius Daniel, Alfred Iverson, Robert F. Hoke (commanded by Colonel Isaac E. Avery), A. M. Scales, and James K. Lane. Other North Carolina units involved included the 1st and 3rd North Carolina regiments, Robertson's Cavalry brigade, two cavalry regiments and four artillery batteries. Finally, one of Lee's division commanders, Dorsey Pender, was a North Carolinian. North Carolina's casualties at Gettysburg numbered 770 killed, the greatest number of any southern state. |
