McPherson's Ridge Battleground America: The First Battle for the High Ground July 1, 1863

Gunfire broke the morning silence on 1 July 1863, as Confederate General Henry Heth pushed his division down Chambersburg Pike toward Gettysburg. In the Civil War's most important battle, the early contest for McPherson's Ridge just outside of Gettysburg is considered by many to be the battle's most crucial stage.