Stuart Strikes the Rear

On this high ground three miles east of Gettysburg, 6,300 Confederate cavalrymen under Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart took position on the afternoon of July 3 with the objective of exploiting the anticipated success of the Confederate infantry assault on Cemetery Ridge. Most of his troopers were concealed in the woods along Cress Ridge, while some were posted on foot in and around the Rummel Farm buildings. About 2:00 p.m., Union cavalry under Brig. Gen. David M. Gregg approached and came under fire from Confederate cavalry near the Rummel barn. Union troopers of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry dismounted with their carbines, and a hot engagement began. Confederate horsemen charged the Union position, but Federal reinforcements held them at bay. As the struggle for the Rummel farm evolved into a stalemate, Stuart determined to launch a major cavalry charge against Gregg's key position near the Hanover Road.

Pennsylvania · United States