The cavalry of both armies played important, but largely overlooked roles during all phases of the Maryland, but especially during the period leading up to the Battle of Antietam. The better organized cavalry division of Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and the less-effectively organized division of Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton spent considerable time in the saddle, actively engaged in scouting and screening. The two forces clashed on several occasions and Stuart’s cavalry were directly involved in the early fighting at Crampton’s Gap. The effectiveness of both leaders and their actions will also be compared. Join us on Monday, July 1st to hear historian, Dr. Brad Gottfried discusses “At the Forefront of the Armies: The Role of the Cavalry During the Maryland Campaign”

Dr. Brad Gottfried received his Ph.D. in Zoology and worked at seven colleges over a span of 40 years. He retired in 2017 as the President of the College of Southern Maryland. Brad became an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide in 2019. He is the author of 18 books, including his most recent, The Maps of the Spotsylvania Through Cold Harbor Campaigns.

Come join leading historians and scholars as they discuss intriguing topics about their latest works and research on the Maryland Campaign and the Civil War during our Civil War Summer Lecture Series.

These indoors programs are sponsored by the Jacob Rohrbach Inn and will be held in McKinley Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.  The church is located at 209W Main Street with a small parking area off the alley. More parking is available on Main and Hall Streets. These lectures free and open to the public. Each week we hold a drawing in which the proceeds support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Be sure to check our Facebook page for updates and changes to the schedule.