Sharpsburg 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 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° 27.875′ N, 77° 43.644′ W. Marker is in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is 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 is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early's Washington Raid (here, next to this marker); 1862 Antietam Campaign (here, next to this marker); Antietam National Battlefield (here, next to this marker); The Newcomer House (a few steps from this marker); Heart of the Civil War (a few steps from this marker); 4th and 12th U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); History or Memory? (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Indiana Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
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.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 13, 2013
2. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
Marker is located in front of the Newcomer farmhouse, seen in the background.
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 June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
