Caledonia Ironworks Burned By Confederates On Way to Gettysburg

From the June 29, 2013, York (Pa.) Daily Record by Laura Cappucccio.

On June 25, 1863, troops under Confederate General Jubal Early looted and burned the Caledonia Ironworks. They went to great lengths to achieve the destruction due to Early's intense dislike of Thaddeus Stevens from Lancaster, an outspoken advocate of abolishing slavery. Stevens owned the Caledonia Ironworks.

The day after that, General Robert E. Lee issued General Order 72, prohibiting destruction of private property.

Early had also captured as many as 50 blacks who had been born and raised in Pennsylvania as free people.

Stevens also owned the Maria Furnace near Fairfield.

The Caledonia Ironworks was also a stop on the Underground Railroad.

--Old Secesh