East Cemetery Hill

Stop on Gettysburg Battlefield Historic Tour, a free self-guided tour.

This commanding height overlooks the town of Gettysburg and became a crucial Union strongpoint. Union forces retreating through town on the afternoon of July 1st rallied here, and throughout the night, reinforcements arrived and fortified the position. Major General Winfield Scott Hancock helped organize the defense, riding along the lines and inspiring confidence in the troops. On the evening of July 2nd, Confederate forces launched a twilight assault on East Cemetery Hill that briefly penetrated the Union defenses. In desperate hand-to-hand fighting around Union artillery positions, Confederate troops actually captured several cannons before being driven back by Union reinforcements. The hill's artillery played a crucial role throughout the battle, bombarding Confederate positions and breaking up attacks. Cemetery Hill connects to Cemetery Ridge, forming the backbone of the Union defensive position. The Soldier's National Monument stands prominently here, and the views from the height show why both armies recognized its importance. You can see the town spread below, Seminary Ridge to the west where Confederates massed, and the sweep of Union defenses extending south. The hill's name proved grimly appropriate as thousands would soon be buried in the adjacent Soldiers' National Cemetery.