High-water mark of the Confederacy

The High-Water Mark monument stands on Cemetery Ridge at the exact location where Confederate forces reached their northernmost advance during the assault. Stone markers throughout the area indicate the positions of both Union and Confederate troops at this critical moment.

The site marks the Confederate Army's northernmost limit during their assault on July 3, 1863, when thousands of soldiers advanced across open ground. After this failed attack, the course of the war turned decisively in the Union's favor.

The monument represents a turning point in American history and stands as a symbol of national unity after the Civil War. Visitors can understand how this location became central to the country's healing process.

The memorial is accessible via Hancock Avenue within Gettysburg National Military Park with several pathways for exploration. Guided tours from the Gettysburg Tour Center help visitors understand the layout and significance of the positions.

Stone walls and fortifications built by both armies during the battle remain visible on the ground today. These physical structures allow visitors to trace the actual battle lines and grasp the tactical challenges soldiers faced.