The first infantry actions of the Gettysburg Campaign involved Georgia troops. Brigadier General John B. Gordon’s brigade crossed the Potomac River on June 22, 1863, and was the first Confederate infantry to march into the town of Gettysburg on June 26. They also flew their flag over a one-time seat of the Continental Congress in York, Pennsylvania and engaged in early action during an attempt to capture the bridge over the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.

Most discussion about Gettysburg focuses on the third day, obscuring the first two days in which Robert E. Lee’ s troops were far more successful, in fact on the first day, they dominated. Thirteen thousand Georgia troops played a significant role in the three-day battle.

Along with a comprehensive battle history of the Georgia troops at Gettysburg, this book contains a large collection of the personal recollections of the Georgia soldiers who fought at Gettysburg. This gives a peek into the experience from the perspective of the soldiers in all branches and all ranks. Newspaper articles, letters, and photographs allow the reader to relive history through the eyes of those who lived it.