How many soldiers were killed at gettysburg?

How Many Soldiers Were Killed at Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. It was the bloodiest battle of the war, with over 50,000 casualties (killed, wounded, missing, or captured) from both the Union and Confederate armies. But how many soldiers were killed at Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was a three-day battle fought in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia had launched an invasion of the North, hoping to defeat the Union Army and gain a strategic advantage. The Union Army, led by General George Meade, positioned itself to block Lee’s advance.

Casualties at Gettysburg

The casualties at Gettysburg were staggering. According to official records, the Union Army suffered:

• 23,049 casualties (killed, wounded, missing, or captured)

  • 3,155 killed
  • 14,531 wounded
  • 5,363 missing or captured

The Confederate Army suffered:

• 28,063 casualties (killed, wounded, missing, or captured)

  • 3,903 killed
  • 18,735 wounded
  • 5,425 missing or captured

Breakdown of Casualties by Day

Here is a breakdown of the casualties by day:

Notable Statistics

• The average daily casualty rate at Gettysburg was approximately 10,000 per day.
• The Confederate Army suffered a higher casualty rate than the Union Army, with 28% of their troops killed, wounded, missing, or captured.
• The Battle of Gettysburg was the deadliest battle of the Civil War, accounting for nearly 20% of all casualties during the entire war.

Aftermath

The Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point in the war. Lee’s army was forced to retreat, and the Confederacy never fully recovered from the defeat. The Union Army gained momentum and went on to win the war. Gettysburg also became a symbol of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides, and it is considered one of the most pivotal battles in American history.

Conclusion

The exact number of soldiers killed at Gettysburg is difficult to determine, but it is estimated that around 7,800 soldiers were killed or mortally wounded during the three-day battle. Additionally, thousands more were wounded, missing, or captured. The Battle of Gettysburg was a brutal and bloody conflict that had a profound impact on the outcome of the American Civil War.

Key Statistics

Note: The numbers above are based on official records and may vary slightly depending on the source.