Rodes Attacks

Confederate General Robert Rodes arrived here around noon with 8,000 men and, seeing the Union First Corps' position to his immediate front, attacked. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Carter's artillery on Oak Hill thundered into action, hitting Union troops on Oak Ridge about 1/3-mile ahead. Colonel Edward O'Neal and General Alfred Iverson's Confederate brigades advanced uncoordinatedly, and the attack became a bloodbath. About 4:00 pm, Rodes reorganized and launched subsequent assaults. Despite heavy losses, the Confederates took the field and pushed Union soldiers back through the streets of Gettysburg. After wheeling into position, cannoneers unlimbered and sighted their guns to bombard the Union line. Rodes ordered the brigades of O'Neal, Iverson, and Daniel to advance, but poor timing and leadership brought disaster. He later pressed the attack with Daniel and then Ramseur.

Pennsylvania · United States