Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Retreat from Gettysburg
Zion Reformed Church was a stronghold for the Confederates on their retreat from Gettysburg on July 6, 1863. General Robert E. Lee passed through Hagerstown during the Confederate occupation following the Battle of Gettysburg. General George Armstrong Custer observed Confederate movements from the church's bell tower on July 12th, after his Michigan cavalry brigade forced the occupying Confederates to the western edge of town. A Confederate sniper fired at Custer in the bell tower, but missed him and hit one of the tower's bells.
Erected by Maryland Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1808.
Location. 39° 38.682′ N, 77° 43.098′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of North Potomac Street (State Highway 65) and Church Street, on the right when traveling south on North Potomac Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jonathan Hager (a few steps from this marker); Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Ransom of Hagerstown (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fighting House to House, Yard to Yard (about 800 feet away); The Harmon Hotel (about 800 feet away); Washington County Jail (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Washington County Jail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Battle of Hagerstown (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.
More about this marker. On the lower left is a drawing of Zion Church as it appeared during the Civil War. In the lower center is a photo of One of Zion's Church Bells. On the right is a photo of Brigadier General George A. Custer.
Also see . . .
1. Zion Evangelical and Reform Church. Some history of the church and buildings. (Submitted on July 12, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Zion Reformed United Church of Christ. Church website homepage (Submitted on February 28, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,294 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 12, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.