The Fairfield Area in the Gettysburg Campaign

Situated at the base of the South Mountain Range and near the entrance to one of its major gaps, Fairfield and the road network surrounding it were destined to play a strategic role in the Gettysburg Campaign.

​Although the mountains acted as a protective barrier, the roads that led through its gaps were vital to the movement of troops in the area.

In the summer of 1863, the area around Fairfield would be the scene of several skirmishes, clashes or actions between the Union and Confederate forces. Today the battle of Gettysburg tends ot overshadow these minor engagements, but each one played a small role in the larger story of the campaign.

• Skirmish at Monterey Pass, June 21, 1863
• Skirmish at Fountain Dale, June 28, 1863
• Skirmish at Fairfield, June 29, 1863
• Skirmish at Fairfield, June 30, 1863
• "Action of Fairfield," July 3, 1863

The "Action of Fairfield" as it is called in the Summary of Principal Events during the Gettysburg Campaign is the best known of the engagements to occur near the town. The battle was fought between the 6th United States Cavalry of Wesley Merritt’s Brigade, Buford’s Division and elements of Grumble Jones’ Brigade of Jeb Stuart’s Cavalry Division. Receiving news of the vulnerablity of a Confederate supply train in the area of Fairfield, the 6th U.S. under Major Samuel Starr had arrived from the direction of Emmitsburg and attempted to capture the wagon train. Upon learning of the forces in their rear, the Southerners rode out from the direction of Cashtown and after a short but intense battle, drove the Yankee cavalrymen back through Fairfield. The clash produced some 276 casualties, filling the farms along Tract Road and Cashtown with Confederate casualties and the town of Fairfield with wounded of the 6th U.S. Cavalry.

• Action at Monterey Gap, night of July 4-5, 1863
• Skirmish at Fairfield, July 5, 1863
• "Battle" of Iron Springs, July 6, 1863