The 20th Maine's Left Flank

On July 2, 1863, over 350 men of the 20th Maine Infantry were positioned to help hold the southern end of the Army of the Potomac's line on the slopes of Little Round Top. For over an hour, lines of Alabamians advanced up the wooded hillsides but were held back each time. With his men's ammunition running low and exhaustion levels reaching a fever pitch, Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge that helped to drive the Southerners back for good. This action, combined with other gallant stands and defenses, helped to secure this Union left flank throughout the rest of the battle.