Near Keedysville in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Early's Washington Raid
Diverting Federal Forces, July 1864
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2012
1. Early's Washington Raid Marker
In mid-June 1864, Confederate Gen. Jubal A. Early's corps drove Union Gen. David Hunter's army into West Virginia after the Battle of Lynchburg. On June 23 Early launched an incursion through Maryland against Washington, D.C., to draw Union troops from Richmond and Petersburg and then to release Confederate prisoners held at Point Lookout. After crossing the Potomac River on July 6, Early detached Gen. Bradley T. Johnson's cavalry brigade to raid eastward along with Maj. Harry Gilmor and his cavalry company, which fought several engagements near Baltimore. Several towns including Hagerstown were ransomed. Union Gen. Lew Wallace delayed Early at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9 as Federal reinforcements sent from Petersburg strengthened the capital's defenses. Early probed the lines there briefly on July 11-12, then withdrew to the Shenandoah Valley, where he stopped the Federals at Cool Spring on July 17-18. Despite failing to take Washington, Early's invasion succeeded in diverting Federal resources.
You can follow in the steps of Early and Gilmor through Maryland to Baltimore and Washington and back to Virginia while visiting numerous sites related to the Washington Raid. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the beauty and history along the trails.
(Sidebar): The Newcomer House is the Exhibit and Visitor Center
this page online
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
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 year for this entry is 1864.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 27.875′ N, 77° 43.643′ W. Marker was near Keedysville, Maryland, in Washington County. It was on Shepherdstown Pike (State Highway 34), on the right when traveling west. Located in front of the Newcomer House. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 18422 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville MD 21756, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Antietam National Battlefield (here, next to this marker); Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (here, next to this marker); History or Memory? (a few steps from this marker); Explore Maryland Civil War Trails
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 13, 2013
2. Marker at the Newcomer Farm House
The marker is located in front of the Newcomer House, seen in the background.
Other markers no longer nearby. Gettysburg Campaign (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1862 Antietam Campaign (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); The Newcomer House (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Heart of the Civil War (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Middle Bridge (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2012
3. Wartime Photo of the Middle Bridge
Antietam Creek Middle Bridge; Newcomer barn on left and house on right.
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2012
4. Tour Map
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2012
5. Portraits
On the left side of the marker are portraits of some officers mentioned in the text.
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2012
6. Civil War Trails markers at Newcomer House
The markers cover the three routes within the Maryland Civil War Trails system - Antietam, Gettysburg, and Early's Raid.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 991 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 3, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 15, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 3, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
