Gettysburg Campaign. Invasion and Retreat. After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through the Shenandoah Valley and western Maryland as his cavalry, led by Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, harassed Union supply lines to the east. Union Gen. Joseph Hooker, replaced on June 28 by Gen. George G. Meade, led the Army of the Potomac from the Washington defenses in pursuit. The Federals collided with Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 1, starting a battle neither side had intended to fight there. Three days later, the defeated Confederates began retreating through Maryland, retracing their steps to the Potomac River and crossing into Virginia on July 14. , To follow in their footsteps and to discover their stories, stop by any Welcome Center or local Visitor Center to pick up a Gettysburg: Invasion and Retreat Civil War Trail map-guide. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the history and beauty of Maryland Civil War Trails.
After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through the Shenandoah Valley and western Maryland as his cavalry, led by Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, harassed Union supply lines to the east. Union Gen. Joseph Hooker, replaced on June 28 by Gen. George G. Meade, led the Army of the Potomac from the Washington defenses in pursuit. The Federals collided with Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 1, starting a battle neither side had intended to fight there. Three days later, the defeated Confederates began retreating through Maryland, retracing their steps to the Potomac River and crossing into Virginia on July 14.
To follow in their footsteps and to discover their stories, stop by any Welcome Center or local Visitor Center to pick up a Gettysburg: Invasion & Retreat Civil War Trail map-guide. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the history and beauty of Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1863.
Location. 39°
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39.182′ N, 77° 34.691′ W. Marker is in Smithsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from West Water Street (Maryland Route 66), on the left when traveling east. Marker is on the left side of the Veterans Park entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Smithsburg MD 21783, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This is one of the standard Gettysburg Campaign markers used throughout Maryland and Virginia, and is duplicated at other locations. The marker features a map depicting unit movements during the campaign and other Civil War Trails locations. The map has portraits of Gens. Robert E. Lee and George G. Meade. A painting depicts a scene
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 28, 2007
2. Location of the Civil War Trails Markers in Veterans Park
from the campaign with the caption, “Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his staff approach Mercerburg.”
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 28, 2007
3. Veterans Memorials
Nearby are memorials to Smithsburg veterans of all wars, in particular a listing of veterans of World War I.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,495 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
