Boteler's Ford: A Jubilant Return

History: Confederate General Stonewall Jackson's men crossed here on June 19-22, 1863, en route to Pennsylvania. The "Mighty Stonewall" had succumbed to a mortal wound six weeks earlier, leaving the men under the command of Confederate General Richard Ewell. The 25,000 veterans of the Second Corps returned triumphantly after a recent victory at the Second Battle of Winchester and successfully clearing the Shenandoah Valley of Union occupiers. They now brought war to Northern soil. The troops were initially serenaded by brass bands as they entered Maryland.

More to Explore: Across the Potomac River in Sharpsburg, Maryland is Antietam National Battlefield. Explore the site of "The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History" where 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat. Then visit the Civil War Museum, also in Sharpsburg.

Photo Credits:

1. "Trinity Episcopal Church and Main Street looking East, August 6, 1861." Courtesy of the Jefferson County Museum, Charles Town, WV. The young lady shown is Miss Betty Byers, daughter of Joseph Byers, who lived on the S. E. corner of German St. (now Main St) and Duke St.
2. "German Street ca. 1865-1875." Courtesy of Historic Shepherdstown Museum.