The Second Battle of Funkstown (more commonly simply referred to
as the Battle of Funkstown) took place near Funkstown, Maryland,
on July 10, 1863, during the Gettysburg Campaign of the American
Civil War. Union forces of the Army of the Potomac attacked the
rear guard of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during
its retreat from Pennsylvania following the Battle of
Gettysburg. A strong Confederate presence at Funkstown
threatened any Union advance against Gen. Robert E. Lee’s
position near Williamsport and the Potomac River as he retreated
to Virginia after the Battle of Gettysburg. Maj. Gen. J.E.B.
Stuart’s cavalry, posted at Funkstown, posed a serious risk to
the Federal right and rear if the Union army lunged west from
Boonsboro. Stuart, meanwhile, determined to wage a spirited
defense to ensure Lee time to complete fortifications protecting
his army and his avenue of retreat. As Brig. Gen. John Buford’s
Federal cavalry division cautiously approached Funkstown via the
National Road on Friday mornin