Union General Francis Barlow positioned his 11th Corps division of 2,000 men on this knoll to defend against Confederate threats from the north and northeast. Around 3 pm over 3,000 Confederates under General John B. Gordon and George P. Doles attacked Barlow's position. Gordon reported that his regiments were met with an "obstinate resistance" until, at "less than 50 paces" the Federal "line was broken and driven back..." Forced off the knoll, Barlow's troops fell back in disorder. Officers desperately rallied their wavering regiments, despite the continuous assault. Confederates ultimately drove the survivors from these fields and back through Gettysburg.
Driven Back
Union General Francis Barlow positioned his 11th Corps division of 2,000 men on this knoll to defend against Confederate threats from the north and northeast. Around 3 pm over 3,000 Confederates under General John B. Gordon and George P. Doles attacked Barlow's position. Gordon reported that his regiments were met with an "obstinate resistance" until, at "less than 50 paces" the Federal "line was broken and driven back..." Forced off the knoll, Barlow's troops fell back in disorder. Officers desperately rallied their wavering regiments, despite the continuous assault. Confederates ultimately drove the survivors from these fields and back through Gettysburg.