The Civil War transformed the Potomac River into an international boundary, placing Washington County on a dangerous border. The valley, located at the mid-point of a natural corridor, appeared to Confederate generals as a dagger pointed at the soft underbelly of the North. Events of the Civil War shows that War through the eyes of one community in the path of some of its greatest events. Both Antietam and Lee's retreat from Gettysburg through the county are seen in the context of the War's impact on the freedom, lives, and property of local residents. This study is drawn from letters, newspapers, regimental histories, diaries, family histories, and published and unpublished archival sources. It is a model of Civil War local history research.

Events of the Civil War in Washington County Maryland

History

Keller, S. Roger

Americas

White Mane Pub

Crossroads of War brings into sharp focus a cross-section of little known happenings of both civilians and the military. Angela Kirkham Davis writes in 1862 as the events of Antietam swirled about her home; "Lutie" Kealhofer, of Hagerstown, glories in meeting Lee, Longstreet, and Pickett near her home in 1863, only days before Gettysburg; Young Leighton Parks visits General Lee and is given a ride on his horse, Traveller, and Mrs. Howard Kennedy, of Hagerstown, nurses young Oliver Wendell Holmes back to health after Antietam. Also included are the tragic stories of the 125th Pennsylvania's Color Sergeant, and the little known fate of the tiny Dunker Church at Antietam, and its stolen Bible. From the unpublished diary of Private James Dorrance, Co. A, 7th Maryland Infantry, we learn of camp life, and are saddened by the tragic loss of his best friend in battle. Here, also, is Dr. J. M. Gaines' unpublished list of wounded Confederate soldiers confined to the Hagerstown Seminary Hospital in 1863. These are eyewitness accounts of moments in Washington County history, a piece of the fabric that is altogether American History.

CROSSROADS OF WAR: Washington County, Maryland in the Civil War

General Rosser saw action from Manassas to Appomattox, including South Mountain, Antietam, Yorktown, Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign and Cedar Creek

Rosser's writings provide a rare glimpse into the general's thoughts on the war and the men who fought alongside him to the painful end.

Rosser used his imagination in battle, at times pulling off brilliant and confounding movements in the face of extreme adversity.  His raids into West Virginia have been acknowledged as textbook examples of dogged determination and outstanding leadership.  On the retreat to Appomattox and Lee's surrender he was with General Lee, but did not surrender.

He was wounded nine times during the war, and he is viewed as one of the Confederacy's most competent and brilliant officers.  Rosser describes his journey from the plans of Manassas, into the Wilderness, to Sangter's Station, up and down the Shenandoah Valley battling both General Philip Sheridan and his friend from West Point, Brigadier General George Custer.  His struggles at Spotsylvania Court House and Trevilian Station, along with his capture of 2,500 head of Federal cattle, and his surprising victory at New Creek are here in his own words.

Riding With Rosser

Biographies & Memoirs

Leaders & Notable People

Burd Street Pr

A native of Maryland and later resident of the Carolinas, Isaac Shelby fought in three wars: Lord Dunmore's, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. After leading Kentucky to statehood he served as her first governor. Along with John Sevier, Shelby led a determined collection of 900 Patriots from the "backwater" country of the western Carolinas and southern Virginia. There, Patriots battled Major Patrick Ferguson's British-trained, well-armed Tories on October 7, 1780, at King's Mountain. The Battle of King's Mountain was one of the most decisive battles of the American Revolutionary War in the South. Although the battle lasted for only 65 minutes it led to the defeat of one-third of the British Southern army. Patriot losses were minimal, but all of Ferguson's men were either killed or captured. King's Mountain was a stunning blow to the British that rallied those Americans who had been neutral to seek independence. This lopsided victory foreshadowed the end of the British efforts to keep the colonies in the hands of King George III. Isaac Shelby used his fame to hold legislative posts in two states and become the first governor of Kentucky. This book restores the reputation of a veteran of three wars and a pioneering politician of the early Republic.

Isaac Shelby a Driving Force in Americas: A Driving Force in America's Struggle for Independence

Historical

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Keller, S. Roger. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Keller, S. Roger

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Keller, S. Roger. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Events of the Civil War in Washington County Maryland

CROSSROADS OF WAR: Washington County, Maryland in the Civil War

Riding With Rosser

Isaac Shelby a Driving Force in Americas: A Driving Force in America's Struggle for Independence