Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Wagon Train of the Wounded and Williamsport
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
1. The Wagon Train of the Wounded and Williamsport Marker
Following the Battle of Gettysburg, the Confederate wounded, numbering between 8,000 and 10,000, were gathered to retreat to Virginia. A wagon train of 1,200 wagons, ambulances, buckboards and carriages, led by Brigadier General John D. Imboden, began departing on July 4, 1863 in the midst of a violent rainstorm.
Along the 42-mile route to Light's Ford at Williamsport, the wounded suffered, the rain poured, and the train was attacked at Greencastle PA and Cunningham's Crossroads (Cearfoss). When they arrived in Williamsport on July 5, the bedraggled troops found the Potomac River was impassable.
Imboden wrote, "We took possession of the town and turned it into one great hospital for the thousands of wounded."
"It was an awful place," one Confederate soldier wrote, the dead horses and offal of the great number of beeves (cows), etc., killed for the army... made it very unpleasant... the green flies were everywhere."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1863.
Location. 39° 36.018′ N, 77° 49.102′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Park Road south of East Potomac Street (U.S. 11), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Band Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); Williamsport (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boy Scout Troop 17, 100 Years Old (about 400 feet away); Confederate Hospitals in Williamsport (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Williamsport (about 700 feet away); The Boys of Williamsport (approx. 0.2 miles away); Murder of Dewitt Clinton Rench (Rentch) (approx. 0.2 miles away); The John Brown Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
2. The Wagon Train of the Wounded and Williamsport Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
