The Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee, undertook a pivotal movement by crossing the Potomac River at White's Ford. This action occurred as part of the Maryland Campaign, where Lee sought to capitalize on earlier victories in Virginia and shift the conflict into Union territory. The crossing at White's Ford was strategically chosen, offering a relatively undisturbed passage for the large Confederate forces. It was essential for Lee to maintain the initiative against the Union forces under General George B. McClellan, who had been reorganizing his army after the setbacks faced at the Battle of Richmond. Lee's objective was not only military success but also to encourage support for the Confederate cause among the Northern states.The crossing itself involved meticulous planning and coordination, as logistical challenges existed in moving a large army across the river. The Army of Northern Virginia consisted of approximately 50,000 troops, and their entry into Maryland was intended to threaten key Union cities and disrupt Northern morale. Lee's advance prompted a swift response from McClellan, who began mobilizing his forces to counter what he perceived as an encroaching danger. The Confederate troops' presence in Maryland heightened the stakes of the Civil War and set the stage for engagements such as the Battle of Antietam, which would follow shortly thereafter and become one of the bloodiest days in American history.