The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, marked a major turning point in the American Civil War. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, over 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing. The Union Army's victory under General George Meade halted Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North. Following Gettysburg, the Confederacy lost momentum, and the Union gained a strategic advantage leading to subsequent victories. The battle is often regarded as the "High Water Mark" for the Confederacy and played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war.