M.A. Kleen

By 2pm on July 1, 1863, three corps from the Union Army of the Potomac had established a defensive position north of Gettysburg along McPherson’s Ridge and what became known as Barlow’s Knoll. That morning’s fighting had taken a toll on both sides, but more Confederate units were arriving on the field. Two divisions of Ewell’s Second Corps, Rodes and Early, descended on the Union right flank. Late in the afternoon, Ambrose Powell Hill’s Corps broke through the Union line on McPherson’s Ridge, and Brig. Gen. Francis C. Barlow gave up his knoll. The disorganized Union troops retreated through the streets of Gettysburg and sought shelter among the artillery that had been placed on Cemetery Hill for just such an occasion. The Confederates paid dearly for their success, however, and Ewell declined to continue his advance as the sun set. It would prove to be a fatal mistake. That night, Union reinforcements poured in, and Cemetery Hill became a fortress bristling with artillery. Tomorrow would bring more carnage.