Throughout history, rivers have exerted profound influences on military campaigns. Military historian Gregg Clemmer investigates six strategic Potomac crossings by both Union and Confederate forces.
Visit pristine Rowser's Ford, used by Col. John Mosby and Gen. JEB Stuart's cavalry in June 1863; scenic Edwards Ferry, crossed by Gen. Joe Hooker's Army of the Potomac on the way to Gettysburg; and the lesser-known Young's Island Ford, where Gen. Julius Stahel's Union cavalry entered Maryland the same day.
Stop at Conrad’s Ferry (known today as White’s Ferry), often used by such cavalry commanders as Mosby, Lt. Col. Elijah “Lige” White and his Comanches, and Gen. John McCausland. Nearby, see the approach to Harrison’s Island, accessed by federal forces in the tragic battle at Ball’s Bluff.
The highlight of the day is a round-trip crossing of the Potomac at historic White's Ford that retraces the path of Lee's entry into Maryland in advance of Antietam and Jubal Early’s retreat after his July 1864 raid on Washington. As a bonus, visit the site of a Civil War-era gold discovery.
A box lunch is provided after the crossing.
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C St., S.W. (corner of 6th and C Sts., S.W.)
Bring a towel, shorts, and change of shoes; boots or tennis shoes are fine.
