Picketts Charge

On this day in 1863 the Battle of Gettysburg was drawing to a close; stopping General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. During this battle Confederate forces launched an attack aimed at the center of Union lines. Led by Brigadier General George Edward Pickett 12,000 Confederate troops charged the Union lines. As the Confederates advanced they came under heavy fire from infantry units of the 71st and 69th PA along with Cowan's 1st artillery, suffering heavy losses. Despite the heavy fire the Confederates overran the 69th and 71st PA at an area of the Union lines called the Angle; which was behind a wall that formed a 90 degree angle.This led to General Alexander Webb calling in the 72 PA to reinforce them. With their arrival, the 72nd PA halted the Confederate advance causing them to  retreat behind the western side of the wall, while in the angle the men had resorted to hand to hand fighting. The Angle was eventually overrun by  the 19th MA and the 42 NY. Forcing any Confederates approaching to retreat and capturing or killing any left inside the Angle. In the end Lee retreated back to Virginia, losing the battle. The aftermath showed that both sides had  51,000 casualties from both sides collectively. Four months later Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg address during the dedication of Gettysburg's Soldier National Cemetery.

Sources:
http://www.civilwarhome.com/pickettbio.htm

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/gettysburg/getty32.aspx

http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/gettysburg.html?tab=facts