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. Click to hear the 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 by the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, US Civil. 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. Marker 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.

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: (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also

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named Edwards Ferry (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.

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 January 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,570 times since then and 143 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.