What was the name of the Confederate line of defense at Gettysburg?

The Confederate line of defense at Gettysburg was Seminary Ridge. The ridge formed the Army of Northern Virginia’s principal position west of Gettysburg during the second and third days of the battle, July 2–3, 1863.

Its name came from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, whose cupola served as an observation point. Confederate headquarters under Robert E. Lee stood nearby, and artillery placed along the ridge fired on Union positions around Cemetery Ridge, Culp’s Hill, and Cemetery Hill.

Seminary Ridge is often confused with Cemetery Ridge because both were major battlefield positions. Cemetery Ridge was the stronger Union defensive line south of town, while Seminary Ridge was the main Confederate-held ridge to the west. Pickett’s Charge began from the Confederate line near Seminary Ridge on July 3, ending in a costly assault across open ground toward the Union center.