Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Last Confederate Incursion North of the Potomac River

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

1. The Last Confederate Incursion North of the Potomac River Marker

Inscription. On July 29, 1864, elements of Cole's Maryland Cavalry (Union) battled Brigadier General John C. Vaughn's cavalry brigade of Early's command for three hours in the streets of Hagerstown. By late afternoon, the Marylanders retreated north to Greencastle. That evening, the Confederates struck the Franklin Railroad Yards in Hagerstown's West End, broke into the shops, looted and burned the warehouses and captured and destroyed a train filled with supplies intended for the Union forces.

These actions on July 29th were diversionary movements directed by Early to cover General John McCausland's raid on Chambersburg. Confederate diversions continued for the next week. On August 5, 1864, elements of General Early's command occupied Washington County and Hagerstown in what was the last substantial Confederate incursion north of the Potomac River.

Erected by Maryland Heritage Area.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1941.

Location. 39° 38.486′ N, 77° 43.238′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on South Potomac Street (State Highway 65), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. 200 Years of the Arts and Humanities (within shouting distance of this marker); First Hose Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagerstonians in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagerstown Commercial Core Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hagerstown Ransomed (about 300 feet away); A City Divided (about 300 feet away); The Ransom of Hagerstown (about 400 feet away); Hagerstown (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

More about this marker. The marker displays a portrait of Colonel Henry Cole, 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry, on the right. To the left are portraits of Confederate Gens. Early and Vaughn.

Also see . . . Crossroads of the Civil War. More information about the Civil War activities in Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland. (Submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

2. The Last Confederate Incursion North of the Potomac River Marker

Marker in the Alleyway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

3. Marker in the Alleyway

The marker is on the wall of the alleyway, just off South Potomac Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,083 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.