Gettysburg Campaign
Invasion & Retreat
After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war north to Pennsylvania. After more than three weeks of marching through the Shenandoah Valley and western Maryland, the Army of Northern Virginia reached Adams County and briefly occupied Gettysburg on June 26. Union Gen. George G. Meade led the Army of the Potomac in pursuit and approached this area from the south. As Lee concentrated his scattered forces near Gettysburg, they collided with the Federals on July 1 and started a battle neither side had intended to fight here. Three days later, the defeated Confederates began retreating to Virginia with the Army of the Potomac following. Lee's troops reached the Potomac River and crossed back into Virginia on July 14.
To follow in their footsteps and to discover their stories, stop by the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center or any local Welcome Center to pick up a Gettysburg: Invasion and Retreat Civil War Trail map-guide. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the history and beauty of the Civil War Trails.
Marker can be reached from Emmitsburg Road (Business U.S. 15) 0.2 miles south of South Confederate Avenue.
Courtesy hmdb.org
