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Confederate General Robert E. Lee had the intention of crossing the Potomac River and marching to the capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg. News of his coming sent Harrisburg's citizens evacuating the city via train or wagon as fast as they could. As Lee continued his march, the Army of the Potomac was close behind. Lee had no intention of engaging in battle at Gettysburg, a small farming town. He had little choice however with the new General Meade leading the Army of the Potomac, having replaced Joseph Hooker. The opposing armies, for all practical purposes met by choice near each other on June 30, 1863.The unforeseen battle at this location had not been planned by either Lee or Meade.

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8y ago
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15y ago

Confederate Gen. Heth bumped into fought Union Gen. Buford there and thus decided the location for Lee.

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13y ago

To win a battle on Northern soil, and alarm Lincoln into recalling Grant from the West to confront Lee.

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Q: Why did General Lee want to attack Gettysburg Pennsylvania in 1863?
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