George Meade was a Union general during the American Civil War, best known for his leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Born on December 31, 1815, in Cadiz, Spain, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1835. Meade played a crucial role in the Union's victory, which marked a turning point in the war. After Gettysburg, Meade continued to command the Army of the Potomac but faced challenges in pursuing the Confederate army led by Robert E. Lee. He served in various capacities until the war's end in 1865 and was promoted to major general. Meade passed away on November 6, 1872.