Which road near Culp's Hill was vital for supplying the Union army?

Baltimore Pike was vital for supplying the Union army near Culp's Hill. The road ran south from Gettysburg toward Baltimore and served as a major route for moving troops, ammunition, food, medical supplies, and communications.

Culp's Hill formed the strong right flank of the Union defensive position at Gettysburg. Its elevated ground helped protect both Cemetery Hill and Baltimore Pike. Confederate control of the hill could therefore have threatened the Union army's main line of communication and opened a route toward Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The road was especially important during the fighting on July 2 and 3, 1863. Union troops defended breastworks on Culp's Hill while Confederate forces attacked from the direction of Rock Creek. Although the fighting was concentrated on the wooded slopes, the larger strategic issue was whether the Union could retain its defensive anchor and keep the Baltimore Pike open.

Taneytown Road was also an important Gettysburg route, but it was not the specific supply road identified with Culp's Hill. Chambersburg Pike and Emmitsburg Road were associated more directly with Confederate approaches and the western and southern parts of the battlefield.