Emmitsburg in Frederick 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-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 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 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.
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it
this page online
Location. 39° 42.5′ N, 77° 18.846′ W. Marker is in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from Catoctin Mountain Highway south of North Seton Avenue (Business U.S. 15), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17300 Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Emmitsburg MD 21727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Monsignor Hugh J. Phillips (a few steps from this marker); The Town of Emmitsburg, Maryland (a few steps from this marker); Emmitsburg (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Emmitsburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Thurmont (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Thurmont (within shouting distance of this marker); Emmitsburg Longrifles (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emmitsburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
