Rebel Breakthrough: Gettysburg, Day 1 | Barlow Knoll, Oak Ridge, Seminary Ridge | Early, Pender

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July 1, 1863. The first day of the Battle of Gettysburg had gone for the Union through the early afternoon. However, by 3pm, a renewed rebel front threatens.

Heth and Pender hit against Meredith's Iron Brigade at Herbst Woods. Ramseur strikes Paul on Oak Ridge. Jubal Early and Doles hit Barlow Knoll on the Union right. Doles and Gordon's brigades turn the tide in favor of the Confederates

Barlow Knoll falls. Barlow is wounded and replaced by Ames. Ames division is now in retreat to Gettysburg. Schimmelfennig's division is now alone on the Union right.

In the Union center, Paul is hit by Ramseur. Daniel's brigade has advanced onto Oak Ridge. Paul is wounded, and Oak Ridge will likewise fall.

On the Union left, Meredith's Iron Brigade is driven back to McPherson's Ridge. Stone's Pennsylvania Bucktails at McPherson's Barn are overpowered by Daniel's and Brockenbrough.

Doubleday's Corps is now being driven from McPherson's Ridge. Schimmelfennig's division is now in retreat. Schurz's Corps is in retreat to Gettysburg. Coster's brigade tries to slow Early's advance, but they too are thrown back.

Doubleday will make a last stand at the Lutheran Seminary. Biddle, Meredith, Cutler, and Dana form here. Pender's fresh division attacks, and Doubleday retreats.

There is now a foot traffic jam in Gettysburg with both Doubleday and Schurz's corps in retreat through town. Hancock has arrived and assumed command over Howard.

A film by Jeffrey Meyer