The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1-3, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania between Union forces led by General George Meade and Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee. Over three days of intense fighting, the Union was able to force the retreat of Confederate forces, marking a turning point in the Civil War toward eventual victory for the Union. The battle resulted in over 50,000 casualties and was one of the bloodiest battles of the entire war. On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony for the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg to honor those who fought and died there.