What if the Confederates took Little Round Top?

The story goes like this: 150 years ago today, Little Round Top was the key to the Union position at the battle of Gettysburg. If the Confederates had taken the hill, they would have won the battle. If the Confederates had won the battle, they would have won the war.

Why was Little Round Top such an important terrain feature during the Battle of Gettysburg?

Strategically, Little Round Top held the key to the developing battle. If the Southern troops could take and hold the hill, they could theoretically roll up the entire Union line. On the morning of July 2, Little Round Top proper held perhaps just a handful of Federal soldiers.

Was Little Round Top important?

The geographic importance of Little Round Top is obvious: whoever controlled that ground could dominate the countryside to the west for miles. And, with most of the Union Army arranged to the north of the hill, the hill represented the extreme left flank of the Union lines. Losing that position would be disastrous.

How often was Joshua Chamberlain wounded?

six times
Throughout the war, Chamberlain was wounded six times, most grievously at Petersburg in June 1864. Believing this wound to be mortal, Congress promoted Chamberlain to the rank of Brigadier General.

Why was Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s defense of Little Round Top significance?

On July 2, 1863, Colonel Strong Vincent looked to Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine regiment to defend Little Round Top “at every hazard”. It was vital for the Union army to not lose this hilltop position to prevent the Confederates from breaking through their lines.

How many men attacked Little Round Top?

Of the 2,996 Union troops engaged at Little Round Top, there were 565 casualties (134 killed, 402 wounded, 29 missing); Confederate losses of 4,864 engaged were 1,185 (279 killed, 868 wounded, 219 missing).

What rank was Joshua Chamberlain?

Throughout the war, Chamberlain was wounded six times, most grievously at Petersburg in June 1864. Believing this wound to be mortal, Congress promoted Chamberlain to the rank of Brigadier General.