 This day in Army history. July 1st, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began. General Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia collided with Major General Meade's U.S. Army of the Potomac, west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Fighting lasted most of the day until federal forces withdrew to a strong defensive position along Cemetery Ridge. On July 2nd, Lee attacked Meade's left, which was anchored on Little Round Top. And despite some initial success, the Confederates failed to dislodge the 20th Maine. That evening, they assaulted U.S. forces on Culp's and Cemetery Hills, but were driven back. On the afternoon of July 3rd, Lee attacked the Union Center with a grand assault known as Pickett's Charge, but was also repulsed. On July 4th, the defeated Confederates began a long retreat to Virginia. For more information about the Army's proud history, go to history.army.mil.