Poolesville: Strategic Union Encampment

History: During the Civil War, more soldiers from both armies passed through Poolesville than any other Montgomery County town. Union forces occupied this village throughout most of the war, and Confederate cavalry sporadically raided the Federal cavalry units posted here. When the Army of the Potomac crossed the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry on June 24-25, 1863, and marched to Frederick and then Gettysburg, Poolesville became temporary Union headquarters.

More to Explore: Golf courses and local parks surround Poolesville. Picked fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables at Homestead Farm, which has been owned by the Allnut family since 1763, when James Allnutt purchased 746 acres by the Potomac River. Today the farm consists of 230 acres of James’ original purchase.

Photo Credits:

1. "Map of Poolesville": a hand-drawn map included in a letter that shows all the individual buildings on the street and the location of the Federal Troops in Poolesville.
2. "Winter in Poolesville": Photo was taken when the 8th Minnesota held it in the winter of 1862.
3. "Poolesville Century Hotel:" the first building on this site in 1826. Photos courtesy of Montgomery County Historical Society.