Shielding the Army: Where are the Confederates?

History: The surrounding mountains provided Gen. Robert E. Lee with cover. As his army of 75,000 men and 272 pieces of artillery rumbled north through Washington County, the U.S. Army commander did not know his whereabouts, because South Mountain, to the east, shielded the Confederates from observation. Many in Lee's army were well into Pennsylvania, while the Federal army was still crossing the Potomac River. An alarmed Lincoln administration responded by calling for 100,000 militiamen from Maryland and nearby states to respond. The mountains also sheltered fearful local citizens who fled west, herding cattle and horses. African-Americans also ran for the hills, concerned they would be captured and turned southward into slavery.

More to Explore: Nearby, Hagerstown is a major crossroads, which was once dubbed the "Hub City." Drive the scenic Historic National Road and enjoy the National Pike Festival when a Conestoga Wagon train annually travels through, recalling the road's earlier era. Then celebrate railroad heritage at the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum where you can admire locomotives, railroad artifacts, railroad art, model railroads and more. Bring your favorite child or grandchild to run some of the trains.

Photo Credits:

1. "Photograph of Confederate General Robert E. Lee."
2. "Photograph of Union General Joseph Hooker" Photos courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.