Near Clear Spring in Washington 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 E. 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.
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° 39.494′ N, 77° 52.162′ W. Marker is near Clear Spring, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on National Pike (U.S. 40) east of Spickler Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14506 National Pike, Clear Spring MD 21722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Miller's Tavern & Spickler's Buggy Factory (here, next to this marker); The Bank Road (approx. 0.9 miles away); Wilsons Store (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Gettysburg Campaign (approx. one mile away); Wilson Bridge (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Wilson Bridge (approx. 1.2 miles away); Capt. Samuel G. Prather (approx. 2.6 miles away); Vital Crossroads (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clear Spring.
Other markers no longer nearby. Miller's Tavern & Spickler's Buggy Factory (was about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Gettysburg Campaign (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
