Stories in the Maryland Campaign

Picture of items a Civil War soldier would be likely to carry with them
Items that help tell the story of a Civil War Soldier

National Park Service

By the summer of 1862 there were few Americans whose lives had not been impacted by the Civil War. Union morale was low and Confederate hope was high. Seeking to capitalize on his successful defeat of two union armies earlier in the summer, Robert E. Lee hoped to move quickly and seize the opportunity to resupply his army and move the fighting onto Northern soil.

"The army is not properly equipped for an invasion. It lacks much of the material of war, is feeble in transportation, the animals much reduced, and the men are poorly provided with clothes, and in the thousands of instances are destitute of shoes."
~Robert E. Lee to President Jefferson Davis, Sept. 1862

When a copy of Lee's plans came into the hands of George McClellan the Confederates faced disaster.

"I have all the plans of the rebels and will catch them in their own trap."
~George B. McClellan to President Abraham Lincoln, Sept. 1862

These are the stories of that summer…

Showing results 11-15 of 16

  • Antietam National Battlefield

    The Bravest of the Brave - The Medal of Honor

    Painting of the fighting around the Dunker Church, by Captain John Hope

    The Medal of Honor, the nation's highest recognition for military gallantry over and above the call of duty, was one of the Civil War's many innovations, first awarded to sailors in 1861 and soldiers in 1862. Read more

  • The Burden of Beasts

    Photograph of Lt. George A. Custer with his dog

    Though the battles were fought by men, Animals played important roles in the Civil War in a variety of capacities. Many units adopted mascots, key roles were conducted on horseback, and horses, mules, and oxen pulled everything from supply wagons to ambulances and artillery pieces. Read more

  • The Fall of Harpers Ferry

    Photograph of men of the 22nd New York State Militia near by Harper's Ferry

    Description of the battle at Harpers Ferry Read more

  • Monocacy National Battlefield

    The Lost Orders

    Photograph of Robert E. Lee

    On September 9, 1862 Robert E. Lee distributed Special Orders 191, which laid out his plans for splitting the army and the movements for the next three days. As the confederates moved to execute the plan, a lost copy of the order was left behind in a field near Frederick, MD wrapped in an envelope with two cigars, waiting for the Union Army to find it... Read more

  • Antietam National Battlefield

    The Stonewall Regiment

    Print of the Battle of South Mountain

    How one regiment made a difference, the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, at the battle of South Mountain Read more

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