Little Round Top
Introduction
Little Round Top is a notable geographical feature located within the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, United States. It played a crucial role during the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal engagement in the American Civil War. This rocky hill, standing approximately 650 feet above sea level, became a strategic point of defense for the Union Army on July 2, 1863, the second day of the battle. The successful defense of Little Round Top by Union forces is often credited with helping to turn the tide of the battle in favor of the Union.
Geographical and Geological Features
Little Round Top is part of a pair of hills, with its companion being the larger Big Round Top, located to the south. The hill is characterized by its rugged terrain, with large boulders and a steep incline, making it a formidable natural fortress. The underlying geology consists primarily of diabase, a type of igneous rock that contributes to the hill's rocky surface. The vegetation is typical of the northeastern United States, with a mix of deciduous trees and underbrush providing some cover.
Historical Context
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and is often considered the turning point of the American Civil War. The Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General George G. Meade, faced the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee. The battle was part of Lee's second invasion of the North, with the aim of influencing Northern politicians to negotiate peace.
Little Round Top's strategic importance lay in its elevation and location on the Union Army's left flank. Control of the hill would provide a commanding view of the surrounding area, allowing artillery to dominate the battlefield.
The Battle for Little Round Top
On July 2, 1863, Confederate forces, under the command of Major General John Bell Hood, launched an assault on Little Round Top. The Union defense was led by Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Chamberlain's regiment was positioned at the extreme left of the Union line, tasked with holding the hill at all costs.
The fighting on Little Round Top was intense and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Chamberlain's men executed a daring bayonet charge that successfully repelled the Confederate assault, securing the hill for the Union. This action is often cited as a key moment in the battle, preventing the Confederates from flanking the Union position.
Tactical and Strategic Analysis
The defense of Little Round Top is studied extensively in military academies for its tactical brilliance. Chamberlain's decision to conduct a bayonet charge, despite being low on ammunition, is considered a textbook example of using terrain and surprise to overcome numerical disadvantage. The Union's ability to hold Little Round Top denied the Confederates a strategic vantage point, contributing significantly to the overall Union victory at Gettysburg.
The hill's natural fortifications, combined with the Union's effective use of artillery and infantry, created a formidable defensive position. The Confederates' failure to capture Little Round Top forced them to attack the Union center at Cemetery Ridge, leading to the disastrous Pickett's Charge on July 3.
Legacy and Commemoration
Little Round Top remains a symbol of Union resilience and tactical ingenuity. It is a popular site for visitors to the Gettysburg National Military Park, with numerous monuments and markers commemorating the soldiers who fought there. The 20th Maine's monument is particularly notable, honoring Chamberlain and his men for their valiant defense.
The hill has been preserved as part of the national park, allowing visitors to explore the terrain and gain a deeper understanding of the battle's dynamics. The story of Little Round Top has been popularized in various forms of media, including books, films, and documentaries, highlighting its enduring significance in American history.