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 as you enjoy the history and beauty of 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 month for this entry is May 1863.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Thomas Episcopal Church (here, next to this marker); Hancock (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Hancock (a few steps from this marker); Hancock Station (within shouting distance of this marker); A panorama of the original Maryland-West Virginia river bridge / "The Light House" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.
Other markers no longer nearby. St. Thomas Episcopal Church (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The National Road (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Regarding Gettysburg Campaign. Maryland is just two miles wide here at Hancock. West Virginia is just across the Potomac River to the south and Pennsylvania is across the Mason-Dixon Line to the north.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
3. Two Civil War Markers Face the Trail
This bridge once carried Church Street over the C&O Canal. The Potomac River is just beyond the trees.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
4. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
Previous version of the marker. The information is identical, although it has slightly different formatting.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,323 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 25, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on June 12, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on January 25, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
