Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Confederate Hospitals in Williamsport
Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 19, 2017
1. Confederate Hospitals in Williamsport Marker
On the afternoon of July 5, 1863, Williamsport was inundated with the arrival of 7,000
wounded Confederate soldiers retreating from the Battle of Gettysburg. The ambulance
train, under the command of Brigadier General John Imboden, arrived to find the
Potomac River swollen with rain, and the temporary pontoon bridge destroyed.Trapped in Williamsport, the Confederates turned the town into a medical center. Private homes and public buildings, especially churches, became makeshift hospitals. Imboden ordered the citizens of Williamsport to feed the hungry men.
Confederate surgeons treated the wounded, most of who had received no medical care since being wounded days earlier. Dr. John M. Gaines of the 18th Virginia Infantry served as Surgeon in Charge at Williamsport. Most of the wounded were evacuated by July 14, but Dr. Gaines remained behind to care for the over 200 patients left behind, becoming a prisoner under Union occupation.
(Caption) The Retreat from Gettysburg by Allen C. Redwood of the 55th Virginia
Erected by Maryland Heritage Area and Hagerstown
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, US Civil.
Location. 39° 36.022′ N, 77° 49.198′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on East Potomac Street (U.S. 11) west of North Artizan Street. Located in front of St. Augustine Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 East Potomac Street, Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Boys of Williamsport (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Wagon Train of the Wounded and Williamsport (about 400 feet away); Murder of Dewitt Clinton Rench (Rentch) (about 600 feet away); Band Stand (about 700 feet away); Williamsport (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boy Scout Troop 17, 100 Years Old (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph Lewis Lemen, Jr. (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 Bradley Owen, October 19, 2017
2. St. Augustine Church
This church was used as a hospital after the Battle of Gettysburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the entire marker. • A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
