HistoricSiteMarkers
Civil War

Gettysburg Campaign

Mount Joy Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

Gen. George G. Meade, who had replaced Hooker as Union commander, June 28, 1863, traveled this road from Taneytown to Gettysburg the night of July 1. He made his headquarters just south of Gettysburg.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

Only days before the battle, President Lincoln handed command of the Army of the Potomac to George G. Meade, replacing Joseph Hooker on June 28, 1863. Racing to meet Lee's invasion, Meade rode this road from Taneytown to Gettysburg on the night of July 1 and set up headquarters just south of town. From that modest farmhouse he would direct the defense that broke the Confederate assault.

Why it matters

A commander barely three days in the job steadied the Union army and won the battle that turned the tide of the war.

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Related people

  • · George G. Meade
  • · Joseph Hooker

Related events

  • · Gettysburg Campaign
  • · Battle of Gettysburg

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Civil WarLandmark

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