Jefferson in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Raid on Jefferson
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
1. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
In June and July of 1863, about 7500 Confederate and Union soldiers passed through Jefferson, taking horses, livestock, supplies, and food from local residents. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's rebel troops occupied the town on June 30. Plundered by both North and South, like many nearby towns, the citizens of Jefferson keenly felt the effects of the Civil War off the battlefield but on the armies' line of march. Within days troops converged on Gettysburg.
Erected 2009 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Gettysburg Campaign, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1863.
Location. 39° 49.028′ N, 76° 50.492′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, in York County. It is at the intersection of Berlin Street (Pennsylvania Route 516) and Hanover Street ( Route 3041), in the median on Berlin Street. Located in the Public Square in the center of town. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spring Grove PA 17362, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, in the Susquehanna Valley, and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also 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: Honor Roll (here, next to this marker); Jefferson Public Square (a
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Confederate Calamity: Dinner in Jefferson. Cannonball blog entry (Submitted on March 10, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Civil War cannon struck in alleged hit-and-run in York County. An apparent hit & run smashed & damaged the M1857 12-pound Napoleon cannon located right next to this marker. The cannon was thrown from its display area, with the cannon's wooden carriage rolled onto its side and the historic wrought-iron cannon tube tossed into the grass. [Source - York Daily Record] (Submitted on March 9, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
2. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
3. Approach of Stuart's Confederates
On June 30, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry entered Jefferson after fighting at nearby Hanover. Entering on what is today Hanover Street, the rebels paused in Jefferson. After resting, acquiring horses and goods, and refitting, the Confederates continued their march to the northeast, along what is today York Street.
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
4. 12-pdr Wrought Iron Napoleon
Near the marker, and pointing out over Hanover Street, is this one of a kind 12-pdr Wrought Iron Napoleon. Produced by Phoenix Iron Works in 1863 using the same construction techniques as the more familiar 3-inch Ordnance Rifle. However this gun fired 12-pdr smoothbore ammunition like that used in bronze 12-pdr Napoleons. Likely this weapon was an experimental type.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,744 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 7, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
