United States Line (July 2 & 3)

The United States line during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2 & 3 is often described as a fishook. Most of this US line followed Cemetery Ridge, a mostly open and exposed ridgeline that extends south from Gettysburg. The ridgeline is just under two miles and diminishes in height as it approaches Little and Big Round Top. Closer to Gettysburg, the US line curved around Cemetery Hill and reached Culps Hill, creating the fishhook.

On the evening of July 1, the first day of the battle, Federal forces began to establish this defensive line after retreating from the northern side of town. Federal troops defended the high ground on July 2 and July 3.