General Meade's knowledge of what was happening at Gettysburg was little better. General John Reynolds in command of the west wing of the army was killed soon after deploying the 1st corps. Meade sent Hancock to take field command when he learned of Reynolds death. Meade did not arrive on the field until the evening of the first day to hear first hand reports from his commanders.
On July 1 Gen. Buford delayed and held north of town until the arrival of General Reynolds with infantry. This gave the Union an advantage in the late morning against Hill's corps. General Oliver Howard, 11th corps, ordered defenses prepared on Cemetery Ridge south of town as the rest of his corp deployed on the Union right. Winfield Hancock when he reached Gettysburg determined this was the place to fortify and hold. The Confederate corps of Richard Ewell reached the battle in the afternoon. Giving Lee an advantage of forces on the Union right flank (11th Corps). This advantage broke the Union lines north of Gettysburg.The left flank of the Union fell back in good order to Cemetery Ridge; the right flank ran in route through Gettysburg. As the first day ended the Union was entrenching, adding the arriving troops to reinforce and extend this position. The Union defensive posture is always described as a fish hook. The fall back position begun by Hancock and Howard was defended by the Union and assaulted by the Confederate army over the next two days.
Cemetery Ridge photo taken from tower on Seminary Ridge
Looking down from Little Round Top SW
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