Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Major General George Gordon Meade
of the Army of the Potomac
Under orders from
President Lincoln
Seven hundred feet
North of this marker
June 28, 1863
He pursued the Confederates
and at Gettysburg July 1,2,3
Fought the decisive battle
of the Civil War
Marked by
The Pennsylvania Historical Commission
1930
(Right Side):
was taken from a point
near Devil's Den
on the Battlefield
of Gettysburg
(Left Side):
Major General George Gordon Meade
on June 28, 1963
The 100th anniversary of the change of command of the
Army of the Potomac from General Hooker to General Meade
This monument was re-dedicated
under auspices of the
Frederick County Civil War Centennial, Inc.
C. Lease Bussard, President
John W. Morgan, Vice President | Charles F. Bowers, Vice President
Guy W. Nusz, Treasurer | Richard D. Hammond, Secretary
Edward S. Delaplaine, Program Chairman
Erected 1930 by Pennsylvania Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1884.
Location. 39° 24.227′ N, 77° 26.329′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on Himes Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frederick MD 21701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Meade Takes Command (here, next to this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); SGT David James Smith USMC (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); PFC James Moore Jr (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named PFC James Moore Jr (approx. 0.4 miles away); Battle of Frederick (approx. 0.8 miles away); Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock (approx. 0.9 miles away); Frederick County World War II Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Also see . . . "The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade: Major-general United States Army, Volume 2". Internet Archive website entry (Submitted on March 17, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Meade's Order Assuming Command
GENERAL ORDER—No. 66.
HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 28, 1863.
By direction of the President of the United States, I hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac. As a soldier, in obeying this order, an order totally unexpected and unsolicited, I have no promises or pledges to make. The country looks to this army to relieve it from the devastation and disgrace of a hostile invasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may be called upon to undergo, let use have in view constantly the magnitude of the interests involved, and let each man determine to do his duty, leaving to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the contest. It is with just diffidence that I relieve in the command of this army an eminent and accomplished soldier, whose name must ever appear conspicuous in the history of its achievements; but I rely upon the hearty support of my companions in arms to assist me in the discharge of the duties of the important trust which has been confided to me.
GEORGE G. MEADE,
Major-General Commanding.
S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant-General.
— Submitted October 5, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,201 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 5, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.