Emmitsburg in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
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-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 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 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.
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
this page online
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° 42.5′ N, 77° 18.846′ W. Marker is in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in Frederick County. It can be reached from Catoctin Mountain Highway south of North Seton Avenue (Business U.S. 15), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17300 Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Emmitsburg MD 21727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. 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 and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Monsignor Hugh J. Phillips (a few steps from this marker); The Town of Emmitsburg, Maryland
Other markers no longer nearby. Emmitsburg (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Emmitsburg (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 370 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
