Clear Spring in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
1. Gettysburg Campaign - Invasion & Retreat 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.
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
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Road Nurtures A Vision (here, next to this marker); Vital Crossroads (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Vital Crossroads (a few steps from this marker); Clear Spring (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Frederick (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clear Spring.
Also see . . . Gettysburg Campaign. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 21, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
2. Two Markers in Front of Phone Company Building
October 13, 2019
3. Gettysburg Campaign Marker
The current installation of this marker has substituted Edwin Forbes' Signal officers, in attic of farm house, watching the army of General Lee near Williamsport, Maryland for Ron Lesser's Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his staff approach Mercersburg.
4. U.S. Signal officer observing Confederate retreat near Williamsport, July 12, 1863
Library of Congress, October 9, 2011
5. General Robert E. Lee
by Julian Vannerson
by Julian Vannerson
Library of Congress
6. Maj. Gen. George G. Meade
Brady National Photographic Art Gallery (Washington, D.C.).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,897 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 14, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 15, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
