Seminary Ridge
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Seminary Ridge is a geographic feature immediately to the west of the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Its name derives from the Lutheran Theological Seminary on its crest. It is the first in a series of low, north-south parallel ridges that stretches to the west in the direction of Cashtown, Pennsylvania, and eventually South Mountain.
Seminary Ridge was the site of fierce fighting during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, during the American Civil War. It was also the line behind which the Confederate army under General Robert E. Lee launched its attacks on Union forces defending Cemetery Ridge, another low ridge approximately one mile to the east, on the second and third days. It was the starting point for Pickett's Charge and the defensive position to which the Confederates retreated after the charge was repulsed, preparing for a Union countertattack that never came.
West Confederate Avenue, a road built after the battle for tourism along the crest of Seminary Ridge, is maintained by the National Park Service.
