---
title: Map of Battle of Gettysburg, 1–3 July 1863: Lee’s Invasion and the Civil War’s Turning Point
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21310/map-of-battle-of-gettysburg-1-3-july-1863/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-08-04
---
# Map of Battle of Gettysburg, 1–3 July 1863: Lee’s Invasion and the Civil War’s Turning Point
_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21310.png)
## Image Caption
The [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Gettysburg (1–3 July 1863) was the bloodiest engagement of the [American Civil War](https://www.worldhistory.org/American_Civil_War/) (1861–1865) and the decisive battle of Confederate General [Robert E. Lee](https://www.worldhistory.org/Robert_E._Lee/)’s second invasion of the North. After victory at Chancellorsville, Lee advanced into Pennsylvania to gather supplies, relieve pressure on Virginia, weaken Northern morale, and seek a politically decisive victory. His Army of Northern Virginia encountered Major General George G. Meade’s Union Army of the Potomac near Gettysburg, where an unplanned clash developed into three days of intense combat. Union forces established a strong defensive line from Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill to Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top, resisting repeated Confederate attacks.
On 3 July, Lee ordered the major assault known as Pickett’s Charge against the Union centre, but it was repulsed with severe losses. Lee’s retreat ended the Pennsylvania campaign and marked a major strategic reversal for the Confederacy. Gettysburg, together with the Union capture of Vicksburg on 4 July 1863, shifted the momentum of the [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) toward the Union. Around 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or missing. In the Gettysburg Address (19 November 1863), President [Abraham](https://www.worldhistory.org/Abraham,_the_Patriarch/) Lincoln (presidency 1861–1865) presented the war as a struggle for national unity, equality, and democratic government.
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, August 04). Map of Battle of Gettysburg, 1–3 July 1863: Lee’s Invasion and the Civil War’s Turning Point. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Battle of Gettysburg, 1–3 July 1863: Lee’s Invasion and the Civil War’s Turning Point." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 04, 2026. .
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Battle of Gettysburg, 1–3 July 1863: Lee’s Invasion and the Civil War’s Turning Point." *World History Encyclopedia*, 04 Aug 2026, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 04 August 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.