Gettysburg Campaign
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
On June 28, 1863, General Richard Ewell received orders from Robert E. Lee to move Ewell's southern troops out of Carlisle and on to Gettysburg. By June 29th two divisions of Ewell's troops marched over this road through Mt. Holly Springs, York Springs, and Heidlersburg towards Gettysburg.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
By late June 1863, Confederate General Richard Ewell's corps had pushed as far north as Carlisle, the high-water reach of Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania. On June 28 Ewell received Robert E. Lee's orders to concentrate the army, and over the next day his divisions marched south from Carlisle over this road through Mount Holly Springs, York Springs, and Heidlersburg toward a small crossroads town called Gettysburg. Those movements set the stage for the war's most consequential battle.
Why it matters
This quiet road carried Confederate troops to Gettysburg, making it part of the maneuvering that led to the turning point of the Civil War.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Appalachian Trail Museum12.0 mi away
- Ye Olde Sulphur Spa Historical Society12.5 mi away
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Related people
- · Richard Ewell
- · Robert E. Lee
Related events
- · Gettysburg Campaign
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Gettysburg Campaign
Carlisle, PA · est. 1947
On June 27, 1863, Gen. Ewell's Confederate corps marched along this road into Carlisle as part of Lee's bold invasion aimed at Harrisburg, sending Jenkins' cavalry ahead to scout the way. Two days later, Lee recalled Ewell to concentrate the army near Cashtown, drawing the Confederates back toward the ground where the Battle of Gettysburg would unfold. This road traced the high-water line of the Southern thrust into Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg Campaign
South Middleton Township, PA · est. 1947
On July 1, 1863, Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry rode into the Carlisle area by way of Dover and Dillsburg, only to find that Gen. Ewell's troops had already moved on the day before. Stuart put the U.S. Cavalry Barracks to the torch and then turned toward Gettysburg, where the battle that would decide the campaign had just begun. The moment captures the confusion and hard riding that shaped the Gettysburg Campaign's opening.
Farthest North of Confederates - PLAQUE
Middlesex Township, PA · est. 1929
On the morning of June 28, 1863, Confederate cavalry probing the Cumberland Valley reached this farm — the farthest north any organized body of Robert E. Lee's army would advance. Learning that Union troops held nearby Sterrett's Gap, the outpost turned back toward the main force at Carlisle. Within days Lee concentrated his army eastward, and the campaign turned toward the fields of Gettysburg.
Gettysburg Campaign
Hampden Township, PA · est. 2001
In the last days of June 1863, as Lee's army pushed deep into Pennsylvania, Confederate cavalry commander Brig. Gen. Albert G. Jenkins made his headquarters in this 1787 Rupp family house. His brigade, attached to Ewell's Corps, had ridden through Mechanicsburg to scout the approaches to the state capital at Harrisburg, with an attack planned for June 30. That assault never came—the troops were recalled south to concentrate at Gettysburg, and the war's greatest battle opened instead.