Sorting fact from legend – Robert E. Lee’s visit to Dover PA

Many families in York County, Pennsylvania have old stories and legends from the confederate invasion during the Civil War as part of their history. But just how true are they? Author Scott Mingus has heard many of these tales and anecdotes about legendary confederate figures in York family lore over the years and has also researched York County’s history during the Civil War. He says that several of the stories involving prominent confederate figures are untrue, or at least exaggerated. Often the stories were spread and reprinted by careless newspaper editors.

Key Takeaways:

• Some spurious accounts of famous Confederates in York County, Pennsylvania may appear in the collection of the York County History Center but that doesn’t make them true
• Even newspapers published accounts of the Civil War historical tall tales without taking the time to ensure they were accurate
• In some cases, stories of the oft-legendary Confederate invasion of York County are grounded in fact, but the facts became clouded over the years.

“So, here are the discrepancies. Jubal Early never entered Dover. His long column of Confederates marched northeasterly on Canal Road from Big Mount on Sunday, June 28, 1863.”

http://www.yorkblog.com/cannonball/2016/08/07/sorting-fact-from-legend-robert-e-lees-visit-to-dover-pa/