Both armies converged on Gettysburg the intersection of many roads. The Union traveled through the center of Maryland arriving at Gettysburg from the South and East. The Confederate army now organized into three corps came to Gettysburg from the West and North. Ewell's corps was farthest North having approached Harrisburg (Pennsylvania's capital) before being ordered back to unite at Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg begins north of town on July 1, 1863. The Illinois 8th Cavalry part of Gen Buford's Cavalry Division fired the first shot at Gettysburg as Buford fought a battle of skirmishes delaying the advancing Confederate infantry of A.P. Hill's corps. This is all Illinois had to contribute to the battle until Lincoln came to deliver those few appropriate remarks.
Actor Sam Elliot protrayed Gen. Buford in the movie Gettysburg
Overall numbers at Gettysburg for the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac were roughly equal, but units were continually arriving during the first two days of the battle. Often these newly arrived units formed battle lines and entered the fight immediately. General Lee had not had contact with his famed cavalry leader J.E.B. Stuart. Stuart had decided to circle around the east of the advancing Federal columns on June 17th. Gen. Stuart arrived at Gettysburg on the afternoon of the second day, July 2nd. General Lee had relied on information Stuart's cavalry had provided in past campaigns. As he ordered a convergence he had little knowledge of the positions of the Union corps' approaching Gettysburg.
Cyclorama display at Gettysburg Museum
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