Near Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
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
this page online
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° 42.94′ N, 78° 16.86′ W. Marker is near Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on the eastbound Sideling Hill Rest Area (Interstate 68 at milepost 75), 1½ miles east of Exit 74, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Interstate 68 Maryland Vietnam Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 0.2 miles away); The National Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Challenge of Sideling Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sideling Hill Cut South Bench (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.
More about this marker. There is a duplicate of this marker at the westbound rest area here on Sideling Hill.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006
3. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
This is a previous iteration of the marker. The text is the same with different photo placements.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,853 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 26, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 14, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
