Poolesville in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Edward’s Ferry

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 7, 2007

1. Edward’s Ferry Marker

Inscription. A major crossing of the Potomac River guarded by Union troops throughout the Civil War. In Oct. 1861 a Union unit crossed during the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, but did not participate. From Dec. 1861 to March 1862 the base of balloon operations of Thaddeus Lowe was located here. In June 1863 the Union Army crossed here over twin pontoon bridges on the way to Gettysburg. Rebel raiders crossed here in Aug. 1863, July 1864, and Feb. 1865, damaging the canal and Union equipment.

Erected 2001 by the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Historical Trust series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.

Location. 39° 6.282′ N, 77° 28.293′ W. Marker is in Poolesville, Maryland, in Montgomery County. It is at the intersection of Edwards Ferry Road and River Road on Edwards Ferry Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Poolesville MD 20837, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: At the Junction of War and Peace: Lockhouse 25 and Edwards Ferry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Edwards Ferry

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(about 700 feet away); Potomac Connections (approx. 1.2 miles away in Virginia); Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park (approx. 1.2 miles away in Virginia); a different marker also named Edwards Ferry (approx. 1.3 miles away in Virginia); Ice House (approx. 2.1 miles away in Virginia); Carriage House (approx. 2.1 miles away in Virginia); Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park (approx. 2.1 miles away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Poolesville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. An Ideal Crossing (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Lock 25 Edward’s Ferry. C&O Canal Trust entry (Submitted on January 7, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 7, 2007

2. Edward’s Ferry Marker

The C&O Canal’s Lock 25 and Edward’s Ferry, now just a boat ramp, is directly behind the photographer.

Looking Across the Potomac at Goose Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 7, 2007

3. Looking Across the Potomac at Goose Creek

The Loudoun County Virginia terminus of Edward's Ferry was close to the mouth of Goose Creek (inlet at center). Goose Creek was also the subject of a canal project, aimed at creating navigable path into the Loudoun County farmland. A river lock in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was built to allow passage of canal boats across the Potomac, between the canals.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,786 times since then and 405 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 7, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.