Leading elements of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia reach the Potomac River at Williamsport, Maryland, but they soon find the bridges destroyed and the river too high to ford. And the Federal Army of the Potomac is in pursuit.
Category: Maryland
Lee’s Invincibility is Broken
Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia begins retreating from Gettysburg, but the swelling Potomac River threatens to trap Lee in hostile territory.
Panic Spreads in Pennsylvania
Most of the Federal Army of the Potomac enters Maryland, Joseph Hooker asks to take command of the garrisons in the Shenandoah, and the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania spreads panic.
The War Leaves Virginia
The last troops of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia cross the Potomac River into Maryland, while the first troops of the Federal Army of the Potomac begin crossing as well.
Confederates Invade Pennsylvania
Citizens panic as Confederates start entering Pennsylvania. Robert E. Lee issues stern orders against looting civilian property, Joseph Hooker develops a secret strategy for dealing with the Confederate invasion, and the Confederate cavalry prepares to ride around the Federal army.
McClellan Finally Moves
George B. McClellan’s Federal Army of the Potomac crosses from Maryland to Virginia, nearly 40 days after the Battle of Antietam.