July 1, 1863 - Began simply as an engagement between the Union and Confederate Armies. This engagement quickly turned into the beginning of what is known today as the "Battle of Gettysburg." Day 1 was just the beginning of the blood shed and dead bodies that Gettysburg would bear witness to as the battle itself would continue on for 2 more days.
The Commanding General of the Confederate Army or otherwise known as the Army of Northern Virginia was General Robert E. Lee himself and the Commanding General of the Union Army or the Army of the Potomac was Major General George Meade.
Neither of these two gentlemen knew where this battle would lead or that it would turn into a turning point for the entire Civil War! Up to this point General Lee had a sweeping number of victories along the east coast and Gettysburg was looking to be his next victory leading him even further northward and even further closer to total victory.
The Confederate forces attempted to surround Union forces and eventually take the "high ground" in the hopes to end this battle quite quickly. But, after the first day of battle it was evident that this feat would take a little more force and fighting to accomplish.
The Union Army Continued its assault in order to hold of Confederate forces and keep them from taking the high ground at Gettysburg which would surely ensure Confederate victory once again which is something that the Union Army could not afford to have happen again. Though it was seeming as if the Confederate Army was winning the battle at the day's end.
The Union Army of the Potomac needed to win this battle in order to keep the enemy from advancing northward. Both sides were beginning to start suffering from a lack of ammo and energy and much death and devastation to have to deal with. Though in the night stories have been told of soldiers meeting up at wells located at Gettysburg and enemy conversing with enemy in a friendly verbal exchange.