Monday, June 10, 1861
A Federal expedition under Colonel Charles P. Stone began its march from the Washington area to Edwards' Ferry on the Potomac in what became known as the Rockville Expedition. During the period June 10 to July 7, 1861 there were several small skirmishes but the expedition did protect the Potomac line north and west of Wshington.

Saturday, June 15, 1861
On the Potomac Federals under C.P. Stone occupied Edwards' and Conrads' ferries.

Tuesday, June 18, 1861
Skirmishing along the Potomac, this time at Edwards' ferry

Monday, July 29, 1861
Skirmish at Edwards' Ferry

Friday, October 4, 1861
Skirmishing near Edwards' Ferry

Sunday, October 20, 1861
Since the Battle of Bull Run oir Manassas the area of the upper Potomac Valley from Washington to Harper's Ferry had been under the command of Major General Nathaniel Banks. Pickets guarded the north bank of the Potomac to ward against possible invasion of Maryland. There had been scouting and brief clashes throughout the fall, but nothing of a major nature.

Among the important ferry points on the river were Edwards' Ferry and Conrads' Ferry near Leesburg, Virginia. Confederate Brigadier General Nathan G. "Shanks" Evans was stationed by Beauregard at Leesburg to watch the Federals. Nearly opposite Leesburg was Brig Gen Charles P. Stone. On Oct 19, Gen McClellan ordered a major reconnaissance. Brig Gen George A. McCall on the 19th and 20th occupied Dranesville, Va, south of the Potomac. On the 20th, McClellan ordered Stone to keep a good lookout on Leesburg and "perhaps a slight demonstration on your part would have the effect to move them." Stone immediately crossed some troops at Conrads' Ferry-Harrison Island-Ball's Bluff but withdrew them by evening. The stage was set for the Battle of Ball's Bluff on the 21st. Federal disaster. 49 killed, 158 wounded, 714 missing Confederates: 36 killed, 117 wounded, 2 missing

Wednesday, Sept 3, 1862
Skirmish at Edwards' Ferry

Thursday, August 27, 1863
Skirmish at Edwards' Ferry