Lee Crosses Potomac: Confederate Army Invades the North
Robert E. Lee led 55,000 Confederate soldiers across the Potomac River at White's Ford on September 4-7, 1862, carrying the war onto Northern soil for the first time. His goals were ambitious: win a decisive victory on Union territory, encourage European recognition of the Confederacy, and undermine Northern morale before the November elections. Lee issued Special Order 191 dividing his army into four parts to capture Harpers Ferry. A copy of the order was found wrapped around three cigars by a Union soldier and delivered to General McClellan, who learned Lee's entire plan. Despite this extraordinary intelligence windfall, McClellan moved so cautiously that Lee had time to reunite most of his forces before the Battle of Antietam on September 17.
September 4, 1862
164 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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