The initial reaction of the Union Army upon arriving in Gettysburg as they prepared to defend the town.

As Union forces under General John Reynolds arrived in Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, they swiftly understood the strategic significance of the elevated terrain surrounding the town. With Confederate troops already on the move, the Union soldiers quickly organized to secure defensive positions. Their objective was to maintain control of vital areas like Cemetery Hill and Cemetery Ridge, which would play a crucial role in the upcoming battle and lay the groundwork for their defensive tactics.