By Christopher Miskimon
The Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most pivotal and important battles in the American Civil War and in American military history. The third day of the battle, July 3, 1863, proved the most decisive and important. The day saw hard fighting at Culp’s Hill, where many historians argue the battle was decided. It also saw actions at East and South Cavalry Fields, as they are known today. Pickett’s Charge is the best-known fight of the day, preceded by a lengthy artillery duel involving hundreds of cannon and concluded with over 60 percent losses to the Confederate force. After that attack was broken, a Union counterattack ended the battle.
This new book completes the author’s trilogy on Gettysburg in a concise but detailed and well-illustrated account. Numerous primary statements from private soldiers reveal how hard the battle was on them and their determination to stand their ground. The book also includes summaries of the cost of the campaign in human lives and suffering, along with the strategic consequences.
The Battle of Gettysburg 1863 (3): The Third Day (Timothy J. Orr, Osprey Publishing, Oxford UK, 2024, 96 pp., maps, photographs, bibliography, index, $25, softcover)
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