Boonsboro in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
1. Gettysburg Campaign - Invasion & Retreat Marker
After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through the Shenandoah Valley and western Maryland as his cavalry, led by Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, harassed Union supply lines to the east. Union Gen. Joseph Hooker, replaced on June 28 by Gen. George G. Meade, led the Army of the Potomac from the Washington defenses in pursuit. The Federals collided with Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 1, starting a battle neither side had intended to fight there. Three days later, the defeated Confederates began retreating through Maryland, retracing their steps to the Potomac River and crossing into Virginia on July 14.
To follow in their footsteps and to discover their stories, stop by any Welcome Center or local Visitor Center to pick up a Gettysburg: Invasion & Retreat Civil War Trail map-guide. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the history and beauty of Maryland Civil War Trails.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1863.
Location. 39° 30.582′ N, 77° 39.237′ W. Marker is in Boonsboro, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Old National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) and Orchard Drive / Shafer Park Road, on the right when traveling east on Old National Pike. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boonsboro MD 21713, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The National Road (here, next to this marker); Boonsboro (here, next to this marker); Cannon of Revolutionary War (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gravesite of William Boone (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Boys from Boonsboro District (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Town of Boonsboro (approx. 0.4 miles away); Korean War Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boonsboro.
More about this marker. This is one of the standard Gettysburg Campaign markers used throughout Maryland and Virginia, and is duplicated at other locations. The maker features a map of depicting unit movements during the campaign and other Civil War Trails locations. The map has portraits of Gens. Robert E. Lee and George G. Meade. A painting depicts a scene from the campaign with the caption, “Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his staff approach Mercerburg.”
Also see . . . Gettysburg Campaign. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on December 30, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
2. Three Markers in Downtown Boonsboro
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2007
3. Boonsboro Museum of History
Located at 113 North Main Street/Old National Pike (Alt. US 40), the museum features many relics from the Civil War relating to the Battles of Antietam and Boonsboro. The later was part of the Gettysburg Campaign and is featured on another marker to the west.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,910 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
