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This July, Thunder and Mud will recreate a portion of the Army of Northern Virginia’s retreat from Gettysburg to the Potomac River known as the Battle of Monterey Pass! Marchers will traverse over 8 miles of the historic route from Fairfield to Monterey, following the same Old Mariah Furnace Road used by Lee’s wagon train. Marchers will portray the 1st North Carolina Sharpshooter Battalion as they act as rear guard to protect the Army of Northern Virginia’s vulnerable supply train headed toward South Mountain and the safety of the Old Dominion.
Historically, Lee’s wagon train, under the command of Major Harman, stretched nearly 20 miles. It contained wagons and thousands of livestock. General Ewell would direct Major Harman, who was in charge of the wagon train, “Get that train safely across the Potomac,” or he “wanted to see his face no more.” Early on the morning of July 4th, the wagon train would start rolling out of Fairfield towards South Mountain and then 45 miles onward in the direction of the Potomac River crossings at Williamsport and Falling Waters. The route chosen would take them south through Monterey Pass.
We will be recreating approximately 8 miles of the first leg of this movement from Fairfield through Monterey Pass by way of Iron Springs Road, Gum Springs Road, Iron Furnace Road, and finally, the Old Mariah Furnace Road.
PLEASE NOTE: This route is through a mountain pass and is therefore predominantly uphill. Please prepare accordingly.
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