Stuart's delay at Hanover prevented him from rejoining Lee before the Battle of Gettysburg, affecting Confederate coordination in the campaign.
Key Facts
- Date
- June 30, 1863
- Location
- Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania
- Campaign
- Gettysburg Campaign, American Civil War
- Confederate commander
- Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart
- Union commanders
- Brig. Gen. Elon Farnsworth, Brig. Gen. George A. Custer
- Outcome
- Stalemate; Stuart forced to detour north and east
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Gettysburg Campaign, Confederate cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart attempted to ride north around the Union Army of the Potomac to rejoin Robert E. Lee's army, which was concentrating at Cashtown Gap west of Gettysburg. This movement brought Stuart's column through the town of Hanover in southwestern York County, Pennsylvania, on June 30, 1863.
Stuart's cavalry attacked a Federal cavalry regiment, driving it through Hanover's streets. Brig. Gen. Elon Farnsworth's brigade counterattacked, routing the Confederate vanguard and nearly capturing Stuart. Stuart counterattacked in turn, but reinforced by George A. Custer's Michigan Brigade, Farnsworth held his ground, producing a stalemate that halted offensive action by either side.
The engagement forced Stuart to continue north and east to bypass the Union cavalry, further delaying his effort to rejoin Lee's army. This prolonged absence of Stuart's cavalry deprived Lee of critical reconnaissance as Confederate forces concentrated before the Battle of Gettysburg, which began the following day.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Brig. Gen. Elon Farnsworth, Brig. Gen. George A. Custer.
Side B
1 belligerent
Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart.