This page lists the various blog entries I’ve made regarding the Edwards Ferry crossing by the Army of the Potomac in June 1863.
Crossing Timeline
Part 1 – June 16-22, 1863
Part 2 – June 23-24, 1863
Part 3 – June 25, 1863
Part 4 – June 26-28, 1863
Maps of the Crossing based on the time line:
Background of the Bridging Operations:
Daylight hours and Illumination Factors
Unit Movements:
Cavalry Corps Crossings (Part 1: Stahel’s Division) (Part 2: Buford’s and Gregg’s Divisions)
Headquarters and Artillery Reserve Crossings
Crawford’s Pennsylvania Reserves
Stannard’s Second Vermont Brigade
Miscellaneous:
Photos of Pontoon Bridges over the Potomac
Conclusions
Bridge Placement – Maryland and Virginia shores
Some tentative conclusions about the crossing and its importance to the Gettysburg Campaign
Tour of the Site on Gettysburg Daily: Video clips, maps, and photos of the Edwards Ferry crossing site.
My Great Great Grandfather, Benj. R. Poole was running the store at Edwards Ferry just before the war but was put out of business by the time of Ball’s Bluff. I have been researching the area and have come across several claims made by Geo. W. Spates who had a farm at the ferry for damages made by the Federal Army. One item of note was the taking of all his lumber he had just received to build a new barn. The army used it to build a road to get up the brume to the tow path. I have an 1861 – 62 photo of the ferry taken from the high hill on Wm. D. Poole’s farm.
I’m glad to see you put the telegraph office outside of Poolesville at Camp Heinzeltelman. I have a drawing made by the operator Mr. Douglas.
Jim, I would be interested in seeing the photo. I’ll email you off line if you don’t mind.
Craig.
Feel free.
Craig, I haven’t heard from you yet. I’m still interested in sharing what I have.
I happened upon your site and was delighted to see “Edward’s Ferry” so prominent. I have a historical fiction, “Billy Boy, The Sunday Soldier of the 17th Maine,” and as part of the true event, Private Billy Laird, who was believed to be mentally challenged, deserts Livingston’s Battery, 17th Maine, at Edward’s Ferry. I went in search of Edward’s Ferry while researching my novel, and was surprised to find it. Standing on the banks of the Potomac where this young man made the decision to return to Maine was very powerful. His journey home is fictionalized, but when he lands in Maine, the rest of the story is a matter of historical record.
Jean, I am glad the Edwards Ferry information was useful for you. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to get the information out on the web.
Craig.
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