Conococheague in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Gettysburg Campaign

Invasion & Retreat

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008

1. Gettysburg Campaign Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Topics and series. This historical marker

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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° 39.397′ N, 77° 51.076′ W. Marker is in Conococheague, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Rufus Wilson Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clear Spring MD 21722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wilson’s Store (a few steps from this marker); Wilson Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Wilson Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); “The Bank Road” (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 0.8 miles away); Miller's Tavern & Spickler's Buggy Factory (approx. 0.8 miles away); Shielding the Army (approx. 2.7 miles away); Capt. Samuel G. Prather (approx. 3½ miles away).

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

Wilson's Store with Gettysburg and Wilson's Store markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck

2. Wilson's Store with Gettysburg and Wilson's Store markers

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.”

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,364 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.