HCWHA US 250th GeoTour
Smithsburg Heritage Walk
Party like it’s 1776 with the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area’s 250th GeoTour! Designed for beginner and veteran geocachers, participants will travel through time, solving puzzles and following clues to learn more about mid-Maryland’s rich history. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, our 250th GeoTour will take you throughout Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties to sites of historical significance, including battlefields, houses of worship, museums, parks, and more!
Our tour is an opportunity to learn more about the people, places, and events that laid the foundation for our country. While supplies last, those who collect 15 or more will earn this Geotour’s limited edition geocoin commemorating the 250th. Happy hunting!
JEB Stuart Crashes a Picnic
In the aftermath of the Battle at Gettysburg (July 2-4, 1863), General Lee’s wounded army retreated back through the passes of South Mountain toward the Potomac River. Union cavalry stunted that movement with raids in Monterey, capturing large stores of rolling stock.
On July 5th, Union General Judson Kilpatrick along with newly minted General, George Armstong Custer and their cavalry, arrived in Smithsburg, Md. The town must have held Union sympathies, for a massive picnic ensued – complete with meats on the barbie, fresh fruit and veggies, pastries and pies – all laid out on plank tables on Water Street.
Kilpatrick knew that rebel cavalry under General JEB Stuart were lurking in the mountains above Raven Rock. Sure enough! The victuals were quickly abandoned as skirmishers clashed northeast of town and an artillery exchange lasted till nightfall.
Kilpatrick and Company retreated to Boonsboro while Stuart and Company occupied the town and ate the leftovers.
Thanks to the following members of the Maryland Geocaching Society in placing the hides for this Geotrail: deepdish23, hunterKat, GR8Caches, Snurt, Phos4s, JediTrashPanda and AL's Guide.