Downtown in Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
1862 Antietam Campaign
Lee Invades Maryland
Fresh from victory at the Second Battle of Manassas, Gen. Robert E. Lee of Northern Virginia crossed the Potomac River on September 4-6, 1862, to bring the Civil War to Northern soil and to recruit sympathetic Marylanders. Union Gen. George B. McClellan's Army of the Potomac pursued Lee, who had detached Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's force to capture the Union garrison at Harper's Ferry. After the Federals pushed the remaining Confederates out of the South Mountain gaps, Lee awaited Jackson's return near Sharpsburg and Antietam Creek.
On September 17, at the Battle of Antietam, the two armies clashed in the bloodiest single day in American history and suffered some 23,000 casualties. Lee soon retreated across the Potomac, ending his first invasion of the north.
Follow in the footsteps of Gens. Lee and McClellan along the Maryland Civil War Trails' Antietam Campaign: Lee Invades Maryland, a 90 mile tour route that allows you to explore the stories of triumph and tragedy at more than 60 Civil War sites. Please travel carefully as you enjoy the beauty and travel along the trail.
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition,
this page online
Location. 39° 24.837′ N, 77° 24.563′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is in Downtown. It is on East Patrick Street (Maryland Route 144) just west of Maxwell Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 40 E Patrick St, Frederick MD 21701, 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: Hospitals in Frederick (here, next to this marker); The Rotary Club of Frederick (here, next to this marker); One Vast Hospital (a few steps from this marker); Frederick (a few steps from this marker); Market & Patrick Streets (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Diehl Memorial Fountain (about 400 feet away); Civil War Hospital Center (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named A Crossroads of American History (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Other markers no longer nearby. 1862 Antietam Campaign (has been replaced with this marker); a different marker also named Hospitals in Frederick (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Frederick
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker. There are differences in inscription.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
