Frederick – Meade Takes Command
The Gettysburg Campaign wayside marker is on the southwest side of Frederick, Maryland next to the Meade Takes Command monument and wayside marker. This is one of several identical wayside markers along the route of the campaign in Virginia and Maryland.
From the wayside marker:
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 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.
From the caption to the drawing in the lower right:
Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his staff approach Mercerburg.
Location
The monument and markers are on the southwest side of Frederick on the north side of Himes Avenue at the intersection with Mansion Drive. Although next to where all the major freeways come together they can be tricky to get to. The best access from the freeways seems to be taking exit 11 of southbound US 15, whose exit ramp turns into Himes Avenue.