It was 5:30 a.m. when the first shots rang at the Battle of Gettysburg. The turning point of the American Civil War was now underway. The Federals and the Rebels were battling it out for their countries. It all began when Federal troops under Major General Howard battled Major General Henry Heth of the Confederates near McPherson's Ridge around 10:30 a.m. Heth was then forced back into Herr Ridge. During the battle General John F. …showed first 75 words of 936 total…

…showed last 75 words of 936 total…retreat. Meade did not pursue the Rebels. Lincoln was quite upset by this news, and soon Meade was taken out of head of command of the Army of the Potomac. The casualties were great in the three day bloodbath. Federal casualties ranged anywhere from 20,000 men to 23,000 men. The Confederate losses were great and much more substantial. They lost anywhere from 20,000 men to 28,000 men. This battle truly was the turning point of the American Civil War.