In an attempt to end the war, General Robert E. Lee leads his Army of Northern Virginia in an invasion of the North. If he can inflict a major defeat on union forces on northern territory, Lincoln may be forced to sue for peace. Lee’s opponent, General “Fighting Joe” Hooker, shadows Lee’s army with the union army. Just days before the battle, Hooker resigns, turning over command to General George Meade. The two armies meet at the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the third day of fighting Lee calls for and all out attack and Pickett's Charge on Cemetary Ridge occurs on the third day as well. On July 4, 1863 General Lee retreated, his plan for invading the North had failed. Gettysburg is known as the turning point of the war. This was a Union victory.