Civil War Central January 2016
Ever since we explored the West Virginia
Eastern Panhandle during our house-hunting trip, we realized that we were right
in the middle of many Civil War sites.
We decided that we would probably end up stopping at many of the areas
to explore and brush up on some of the history of the area. We are
following up on that thought. Included
below are some of the areas we have seen during our road trips so far, with
more to follow.
Antietam National Battlefield
“The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American
History -
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing
after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of
Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into
the North and led to Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the preliminary Emancipation
Proclamation.” The park is set up to
walk the grounds and then drive to various sites in the area that are related
to the battles. A National Cemetery is
also nearby.
“The Battle of Antietam /ænˈtiːtəm/, also known
as the Battle of Sharpsburg, particularly in the South, fought on September 17,
1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Antietam Creek as part of the Maryland
Campaign, was the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on
Union soil. It is the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with a
combined tally of dead, wounded, and missing at 22,717.
After pursuing Confederate General Robert E.
Lee into Maryland, Union Army Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan launched attacks
against Lee's army, in defensive positions behind Antietam Creek. At dawn on
September 17, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's corps mounted a powerful assault on
Lee's left flank. Attacks and counterattacks swept across Miller's Cornfield
and fighting swirled around the Dunker Church. Union assaults against the
Sunken Road eventually pierced the Confederate center, but the Federal
advantage was not followed up. In the afternoon, Union Maj. Gen. Ambrose
Burnside's corps entered the action, capturing a stone bridge over Antietam
Creek and advancing against the Confederate right. At a crucial moment,
Confederate Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's division arrived from Harpers Ferry and launched
a surprise counterattack, driving back Burnside and ending the battle. Although
outnumbered two-to-one, Lee committed his entire force, while McClellan sent in
less than three-quarters of his army, enabling Lee to fight the Federals to a
standstill. During the night, both armies consolidated their lines. In spite of
crippling casualties, Lee continued to skirmish with McClellan throughout
September 18, while removing his battered army south of the Potomac River.
Despite having superiority of numbers,
McClellan's attacks failed to achieve force concentration, allowing Lee to
counter by shifting forces and moving interior lines to meet each challenge.
Despite ample reserve forces that could have been deployed to exploit localized
successes, McClellan failed to destroy Lee's army. McClellan had halted Lee's
invasion of Maryland, but Lee was able to withdraw his army back to Virginia
without interference from the cautious McClellan. Although the battle was
tactically inconclusive, the Confederate troops had withdrawn first from the
battlefield, making it, in military terms, a Union victory. It had significance
as enough of a victory to give President Abraham Lincoln the confidence to
announce his Emancipation Proclamation, which discouraged the British and French
governments from potential plans for recognition of the Confederacy.”
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove NHP
“From Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield
-- and Beyond
The Shenandoah Valley invites you to learn
about its rich heritage, from Native Americans who first shaped the land, to
pioneers of this frontier; this fertile area became one of the most important
wheat producing regions of the entire South. The Valley also witnessed some of
the most dramatic events of the Civil War, including the Battle of Cedar Creek,
a decisive October 19,1864 Union victory.”
This park is spread out and includes government and privately owned
areas. You can stop at the visitor
center for a short presentation and to pick up a CD for the self-guided vehicle
tour. We had a great time visiting with
the ranger prior to our tour.
“The Battle of Cedar Creek, or Battle of Belle
Grove, fought October 19, 1864, was the culminating battle of the Valley
Campaigns of 1864 during the American Civil War. Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal
Early launched a surprise attack against the encamped army of Union Maj. Gen.
Philip Sheridan, across Cedar Creek, northeast of Strasburg, Virginia. During
the morning fighting, seven Union infantry divisions were forced to fall back
and lost numerous prisoners and cannons. Early failed to continue his attack
north of Middletown, and Sheridan, dramatically riding to the battlefield from
Winchester, was able to rally his troops to hold a new defensive line. A Union
counter-attack that afternoon routed Early's army.
At the conclusion of this battle, the final
Confederate invasion of the North was effectively ended. The Confederacy was
never again able to threaten Washington, D.C. through the Shenandoah Valley,
nor protect one of its key economic bases in Virginia. The stunning Union
victory aided the reelection of Abraham Lincoln and won Sheridan lasting fame.”
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP
“184.5 Miles of Adventure!
Preserving America's early transportation
history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth.
Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along
the Potomac River as coal, lumber and agricultural products floated down the
waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical,
natural and recreational treasures!”
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National
Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located in the
District of Columbia and the states of Maryland and West Virginia. The park was
established as a National Monument in 1961 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in
order to preserve the neglected remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal along
the Potomac River along with many of the original canal structures. The canal
and towpath trail extends from Georgetown, Washington, D.C. to Cumberland,
Maryland, a distance of 184.5 miles (296.9 km), and was designated as the first
section of U.S. Bicycle Route 50 on October 23, 2013.” There are many areas along the extensive
trail that are accessible from main roads of Maryland, West Virginia, and D.C.
“Construction on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
(also known as "the Grand Old Ditch" or the "C&O
Canal") began in 1828 but was not completed until 1850. Even then, the
canal fell far short of its intended destination of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Instead, the canal terminated at Cumberland for a total distance of
approximately 184.5 miles. Occasionally there was talk of continuing the canal,
e.g. in 1874, an 8.4 mile long tunnel was proposed to go through the Allegheny
Mountains, and there was a tunnel built to connect with the Pennsylvania canal.
Even though the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) beat the canal to
Cumberland, having arrived eight years earlier, the canal was not entirely
obsolete. It wasn't until the mid 1870s that through improved technology,
specifically with larger locomotives and air brakes, the railroad was able to
set rates lower than the canal, sealing its fate.”
“The C&O Canal operated from 1831 to 1924
and served primarily as a means to transport coal from the Allegheny Mountains
to Washington D.C. The canal was closed in 1924 in part due to several severe
floods that had a devastating impact on the financial condition of the canal.”
Harpers Ferry NHP
“Step Back in Time-
A visit to this quaint, historic community, at
the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the
past. Stroll the picturesque streets,
visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and battlefields. Spend a day or
a weekend. We have something for everyone,
so come and discover Harpers Ferry!” We
were fortunate to visit there when many in attendance were dressed in
period-correct clothing. We had a great time exploring the area!
“Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is
located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in and around
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The park includes land in Jefferson County, West
Virginia; Washington County, Maryland and Loudoun County, Virginia. The park is
managed by the National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the
Interior. Originally designated as a National Monument in 1944, the park was
declared a National Historical Park by the U.S. Congress in 1963. The park
includes the historic town of Harpers Ferry, notable as a center of 19th
century industry and as the scene of John Brown's abolitionist uprising.
Consisting of almost 4,000 acres (16 km2), the landmarks the site on which
Thomas Jefferson once said, "The passage of the Potomac through the Blue
Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature" after
visiting the area in 1783. Due to a mixture of historical events and ample
recreational opportunities, all within 50 miles (80 km) of Washington, D.C.,
the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15,
1966.”
“Abolitionist John Brown led an armed group in
the capture of the armory in 1859. Brown had hoped he would be able to arm the
slaves and lead them against U.S. forces in a rebellion to overthrow slavery.
After his capture in the armory by a group of Marines (led by U.S. Army Colonel
Robert E. Lee), Brown was hanged, predicting in his last words that civil war
was looming on the horizon, a prediction that came true less than two years
later. The most important building remaining from John Brown's raid is the
firehouse, now called John Brown's Fort where he resisted the Marines.”
“The American Civil War (1861–1865) found
Harpers Ferry right on the boundary between the Union and Confederate forces.
The strategic position along this border and the valuable manufacturing base
was a coveted strategic goal for both sides, but particularly the South due to
its lack of manufacturing centers. Consequently, the town exchanged hands no
less than eight times during the course of the war. Union forces abandoned the
town immediately after the state of Virginia seceded from the Union, burning
the armory and seizing 15,000 rifles. Colonel Thomas J. Jackson, who would
later become known as "Stonewall", secured the region for the
Confederates a week later and shipped most of the manufacturing implements
south. Jackson spent the next two months preparing his troops and building
fortifications, but was ordered to withdraw south and east to assist P.G.T.
Beauregard at the First Battle of Bull Run. Union troops returned in force,
occupying the town and began to rebuild parts of the armory. Stonewall Jackson,
now a major general, returned in September 1862 under orders from Robert E. Lee
to retake the arsenal and then to join Lee's army north in Maryland. Jackson's
assault on the Federal forces there, during the Battle of Harpers Ferry led to
the capitulation of 12,500 Union troops, which was the largest number of Union
prisoners taken at one time during the war. The town exchanged hands several
more times over the next two years.”
Fort Frederick State Park, MD
“American history from the colonial period to
the can be discovered at Fort Frederick State Park. Our 585 acre park features
a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the
French and Indian War. The Fort's stone wall and two barracks have been
restored to their 1758 appearance. Historic exhibits are in the Fort, barracks,
CCC Museum and Visitor Center. The park annually holds programs such as
artillery firings, junior ranger, colonial children’s day and the 18th Century
Market Fair. The park borders the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal passes through the park. The park also features a boat launch, campsites,
camp store, fishing, flat water canoeing, a hiking trail, interpretive and
educational programs, picnicking, a playground, and a shelter. For more
information on facilities, hours, and programs please contact the visitor
center.” We visited during the off-peak
time and still found plenty to enjoy.
“The stone fort built in 1756 protected
Maryland’s frontier settlers during the French and Indian War. Fort Frederick
is unique because of its strong stone wall, large size, and roomy barracks.
Fort Frederick also saw service during the American Revolution as a prison for
British soldiers. For the next 131 years, the fort and surrounding lands were
farmed. During the Civil War, Union troops were often stationed near the fort
to guard the C & O Canal. In 1922, the State of Maryland acquired the fort.
During the Great Depression of the 1930's, a company of the Civilian
Conservation Corps restored the fort and began development of the state park.
In 1975, the park reconstructed two soldier’s barracks inside the fort. These
barracks are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the
weekends in the spring and fall. During those times, staff and volunteers
dressed in 18th century clothing occupy the fort, demonstrating daily life in
the 18th century.”
“Fort Frederick State Park is a Maryland state
park surrounding the restored Fort Frederick, a star fort active in the French
and Indian War (1754–1763) and the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).[5]
The park is south of the town of Big Pool on the Potomac River; the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal runs through the park grounds. The site was designated a
National Historic Landmark in 1973.”
“Fort Frederick was sold at auction in 1791 and
lay abandoned until the American Civil War. The fort was garrisoned at the
outbreak of war and was used as a gun emplacement to protect the Chesapeake and
Ohio Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which paralleled the canal. The
1st Maryland Infantry (US) occupied the area in December 1861 and Company H
fought in a skirmish at the fort against Confederate raiders on Christmas Day,
1861. The regiment left in February 1862. In October 1862, a picket from the
12th Illinois Cavalry briefly occupied the area. The military usefulness of the
fort ended by 1862.”
Thanks for reading along to the end. Hope you learned something new along the way
and enjoyed the photos. Please feel free
to comment and share.
