Battle of Gettysburg: The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was a turning point in the American Civil War as it marked the furthest advance of Confederate General Robert E. Lee into Northern territory. The Union victory effectively halted Lee's invasion and bolstered Northern morale, leading to a shift in momentum towards the Union. The battle also resulted in the largest number of casualties in a single battle during the war, with over 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Notable moments included Pickett's Charge, where thousands of Confederate troops advanced across open fields, resulting in devastating losses.
Siege of Vicksburg: The Siege of Vicksburg, which occurred from May 18 to July 4, 1863, was a critical Union victory that gave the North control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two. General Ulysses S. Grant's successful campaign against the city, which included encircling and besieging the Confederate forces, culminated in the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863. This victory not only boosted the Union's strategic positioning but also significantly demoralized the South. The fall of Vicksburg, coinciding with Gettysburg, is often regarded as a turning point in the war, leading to increased support for the Union and a decline in morale within Confederate ranks.