The
high-water mark of the Confederacy refers to an area on
Cemetery Ridge near
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, marking the farthest point reached by
Confederate forces during
Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863. Similar to a
high water mark of water, the term is a reference to arguably the Confederate Army's best chance of achieving victory in the war. The line of advance was east of "
The Angle" stone wall at various distances, e.g., the Virginians pushed the Union line back.