Falling Waters: “Just charge it to Jeff Davis”

History: The Potomac River trapped Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his army during the retreat from Gettysburg. Flooded by torrential rains on July 4, 1863, the Potomac raged for more than a week, preventing Lee from crossing into present day West Virginia. Union cavalry had destroyed the pontoon bridge the day before, complicating matters further for Lee and severing his connection to the Confederacy. Finally, on July 10, the Confederates completed a pontoon bridge, but it took two days for the ambulances and the hundreds of wagons to cross. By early evening on July 13, Confederate General James Longstreet's infantry corps crossed the bridge. The next day, Confederate General A.P. Hill's corps followed, totaling 30,000 to cross the bridge. Lee's army had escaped.

More to Explore: Historic Williamsport is located on the waterfront of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, less than seven miles from Falling Waters. Visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park's Visitor Center at the Cushwa Warehouse to explore the exhibits or join guided hike with a Park Ranger. Lock 44, a lock house, a re-watered section of the canal, the Cushwa turning basin and the Conococheague Aqueduct are all located in this part of the park. One of the only Bollman Iron Truss Bridges still in existence today crosses the canal at Williamsport. Kayaks and canoes can be rented on E. Potomac Street across from St. Augustine's Church in Williamsport, for those who wish to enjoy the serenity of the C&O Canal from the water.

Photo Credits:

1. "A pontoon boat on wheels that would be used to cross the Potomac River."
2. "Pencil drawing of a gallant charge by the 6th Michigan Calvary Regiment against the Confederates, near Falling Waters."
3. “Photograph of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Prints courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.