The Battle of Gettysburg was a significant battle fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War. It took place in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and involved the Union forces led by General George G. Meade against the Confederate army commanded by General Robert E. Lee. This battle marked a turning point in the war, as it ended Lee's invasion of the North. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Union, with heavy casualties on both sides. Approximately 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, making it one of the bloodiest battles in American history. The Union's success at Gettysburg, along with the fall of Vicksburg shortly after, boosted Northern morale and is often seen as a crucial moment in the fight to preserve the United States.