Warrenton in Fauquier County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

McClellan’s Farewell

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 15, 2007

1. McClellan's Farewell Marker

Inscription.
After President Abraham Lincoln relieved Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan of command of the Army of the Potomac on 7 Nov. 1862, the general composed a farewell order. It was read to the army by divisions on 10 Nov. when the new commander, Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, held a grand review of the army about half a mile north of here. Both Burnside and McClellan attended, and the three-mile-long line of soldiers cheered McClellan heartily, many weeping. This closed McClellan’s military career. He returned home to Trenton, N.J. and ran unsuccessfully against Lincoln on the Democratic Party ticket in 1864.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number C-9.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 7, 1862.

Location. 38° 44.302′ N, 77° 45.963′ W. Marker is in Warrenton, Virginia, in Fauquier County. Marker is at the intersection of Lee Highway (U.S. 29) and Colonial Road / Dumfries Road, on the right when traveling south on Lee Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Warrenton VA 20188, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. Fredericksburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); Colonial Road (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rosenwald Schools in Fauquier (approx. 2.1 miles away); Brentmoor (approx. 2.2 miles away); Brentmoor: The Spilman-Mosby House (approx. 2.3 miles away); John Marshall (approx. 2.3 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 2.3 miles away); Warrenton (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Warrenton.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. McClellan's Farewell traced by markers.

Also see . . .
1. “McClellan Relived From Command ” Marker. (Submitted on June 17, 2007.)
2. “Rectortown - McClellan’s Demise” Marker. (Submitted on June 17, 2007.)
3. “The Warren Green” Marker. (Submitted on June 17, 2007.)

Additional commentary.
1. Tracing McClellan’s Exit
Because Gen. McClellan was essentially the “father” of the Army of the Potomac, reliving him of duty was not a simple affair. He stayed on several days with the Army before finally heading home. One can trace the activities through the markers in Fauquier County. Gen. Buckingham, who carried Lincoln’s order of relief, traveled

McClellan's Farewell and Fredericksburg Campaign Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 15, 2007

2. McClellan's Farewell and Fredericksburg Campaign Markers

partly by train to Marshall, VA on the night of Nov. 7, 1862 (Link 1, above). There he first sought out Gen. Burnside, who was to replace McClellan. Then both traveled the 3 to 4 miles to McClellan’s headquarters at Rectortown to officially post the change (Link 2). Burnside, McClellan’s friend to the end, asked the outgoing general to stay around a few days. On Nov. 10 Burnside and McClellan held a grand review just north of the intersection of modern US 29 and Dumfries Road, where McClellan officially said farewell to the rank and file (this marker). Finally, the next day McClellan spoke to the staff and senior officers of the army at the Warren Green Hotel, Warrenton, closing with, “Stand by General Burnside as you have stood by me, and all will be well” (Link 3).

— Submitted June 17, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.

Wood carving of George B. McClellan image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 16, 2015

3. Wood carving of George B. McClellan

This wood carving of George B. McClellan hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

“This wood carving was reputedly removed from the stern of a ship built in Thomaston, Maine.” — National Portrait Gallery

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,891 times since then and 89 times this year. Last updated on September 18, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 1, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.