The First Corps struggles to keep the rebs away from Cemetary Hill.

The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the civil war. This was Gen. Lee's great invasion of Pennsylvania with the goal of destroying the Army of the Potomac and forcing the Union to sue for peace.

On the 1st of July the Army of Northern Virgina and the Army of the Potomac found each other east of a town called Gettysburg. At first it was a small engagement, between the Union cavalry brigade of Gen. Buford and Gen. Heth's division. As the day wore on more and more brigades were dragged into the fighting.

This represents the first day of The Battle of Gettysburg. For the rebs to win they must destroy the Union 1st Corps and occupy Cemetary Hill, a piece of terrain which would dominate the three day battle. The Union player must stop the rebs.

TIPS

The union player can win this game, if they are cool headed and truly understand they are outnumbered by quite a large margin. Their overall goal is not to win the battle on this day but to gain a good defensive position for the rest of the Army of the Potomac.

It is not necessary to constantly push against the Confederates to win this. Instead the Union player must try to occupy as much terrain forward and then withdraw back towards Cemetary Hill.

If the cavalry under Buford can delay the enemy long enough, a good place to defend is over the crest of Seminary Ridge. If you defend forward of that the Confederates can bring all their firepower to bear and shoot holes in you. Best to be the other side, ready to fire canister (artillery at a range of one hex).

One thing you must also be careful of. Moving through the town is difficult. So as the rebs push east you must step to the south and not be caught up against the town. Otherwise your brigades will not be able to get away.

The Confederates must sweep Buford away as quickly as possible, and then press on. However, if the Union gets a good defensive position set up on the ridge, don't worry. Wait for Rhodes' division to come down the other side and flank them.

A good tip; don't go into the town unless you know the roads are clear and you can race through it using march columns. Otherwise you'll be too slow. Best if Rhodes goes to the west, and Early goes to the west.

Then drive like mad for the hill. But you have a balancing act; go too slowly and you won't get there in time, go too fast and you will take too many casualties.

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