Near Keedysville in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 13, 2013
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 Lees 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, it
this page online
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 27.875′ N, 77° 43.644′ W. Marker was near Keedysville, Maryland, in Washington County. It was on Boonesboro Pike (Maryland Route 34), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the Antietam Battlefield, 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. Touch for directions.
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); Explore Maryland Civil War Trails (a few steps from this marker); History or Memory? (a few steps from this marker); 4th and 12th U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Indiana Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel James H. Childs (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keedysville.
Other markers no longer nearby. Early's Washington Raid (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 13, 2013
2. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
Marker is located in front of the Newcomer farmhouse, seen in the background.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a map showing the locations of Civil War Trails markers pertaining to the Gettysburg Invasion & Retreat Campaign. Also present on the marker are portraits of the commanders of the opposing armies during the Battle of Antietam: Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Union Gen. George G. Meade. A picture at the lower right of the marker depicts a U.S. Signal Corps officer observing Confederate retreat near Williamsport, July 12, 1863. Courtesy Library of Congress.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 13, 2013
3. Markers on the Antietam Battlefield
Several markers can be found at this location. The Gettysburg Campaign marker is the center marker seen here.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
