Near Big Pool in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 25, 2010
1. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
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 and 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 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.
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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° 36.807′ N, 78° 0.398′ W. Marker is near Big Pool, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Fort Frederick Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in the parking lot for Fort Frederick State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Pool MD 21711, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The National Road (here, next to this marker); “...to protect, preserve...and provide access thereto for the public.” (within shouting distance of this marker); "Old Fort Frederick" (within shouting distance of this marker); “...a place of Arms...would be absolutely neccessary” (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Frederick (approx. ¼ mile away); Nathan Williams (approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Frederick Officers’ Quarters (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Fort Frederick (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Pool.
More about this marker. This is one of the standard Gettysburg Campaign markers used throughout Maryland and Virginia, and is duplicated at other locations. The maker features a map of depicting unit movements during the campaign and other Civil War Trails locations. The map has portraits of Gens. Robert E. Lee and George G. Meade. A painting depicts a scene from the campaign with the caption, “Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his staff approach Mercerburg.”
Also see . . . Gettysburg Campaign. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on December 30, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 25, 2010
2. Markers at the Entrance to Fort Frederick
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 25, 2010
3. 12-pdr Confederate Napoleon
On display at the Fort Frederick visitor center. The cannon was cast in 1864 for use by the Confederate army. This cannon is registry number 52 from the Columbus Arsenal, produced in Georgia.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,016 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
