Approximately 7,058 soldiers tragically lost their lives directly during the Battle of Gettysburg. This figure represents the combined number of Union and Confederate soldiers who were killed in action over the three days of fighting from July 1 to July 3, 1863.
The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the deadliest engagements of the American Civil War, resulting in immense casualties for both sides. While the total number of killed is a critical measure of the battle's human cost, it's important to understand the broader scope of casualties, which also included those wounded, missing, or captured.
Casualty Breakdown at Gettysburg
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the casualties suffered by both the Union and Confederate armies during the battle:
| Characteristic | Union States | Confederacy States | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killed | 3,155 | 3,903 | 7,058 |
| Wounded | 14,529 | 18,735 | 33,264 |
| Missing or Captured | 5,365 | 5,425 | 10,790 |
| Total Casualties | 23,049 | 28,063 | 51,112 |
This data highlights that while 7,058 soldiers were killed, the overall human impact was far greater, with over 51,000 soldiers becoming casualties in total. The high number of wounded meant that many others suffered long-term disabilities or succumbed to their injuries days or weeks after the battle. The missing or captured often faced uncertain fates, including imprisonment, illness, or unknown deaths.
The sheer scale of these losses underscores the ferocity and strategic importance of the Battle of Gettysburg in shaping the course of the American Civil War.
