What ridge was the main Union defensive position on July 2 and 3?

Cemetery Ridge was the main Union defensive position on July 2 and 3 at Gettysburg. It formed the central, nearly two-mile-long section of the Union Army’s famous fishhook-shaped line south of town.

The ridge connected Cemetery Hill at its northern end with lower ground toward Little Round Top in the south. Although it rises only about 40 feet above the surrounding terrain, its elevation and central location gave Union infantry and artillery a strong defensive position. The Union II Corps occupied much of the ridge, including the area around the Angle.

Confederate forces attacked the Union position repeatedly. On July 2, Ambrose Wright’s brigade briefly reached the Angle before being driven back. On July 3, the ridge became the target of the artillery bombardment and infantry assault known as Pickett’s Charge, which the Union army repelled.

Cemetery Ridge is often confused with Seminary Ridge, the principal Confederate position west of Gettysburg. Culp’s Hill was another important Union strongpoint, but it anchored the right flank rather than forming the main central defensive position.