Major James Breathed Marker

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Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Major James Breathed
"Hardest artillery fighter the war produced"

Major James Breathed Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008

1. Major James Breathed Marker

Inscription. Maj. James Breathed was born near present-day Berkeley Spring, W. Va., on December 15, 1838, and moved while young with his family to Washington Co., Md. He attended St. James School in Lydia, where his father John Breathed was headmaster. At age 21, he graduated from the University of Maryland Medical School. During the Civil War, he served as a lieutenant in the 1st Virginia Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart, and later as a major in Stuart's Horse Artillery.

Breathed so distinguished himself in the Battles of Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania Court House, and Yellow Tavern that Gen. Robert E. Lee regarded him as "The hardest artillery fighter the war produced." he returned to Hancock, Md., after the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House to live with his sister and practice medicine. His family was among the founders of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Breathed's brother-in-law Robert Bridges, co-owner of the Round Top Cement Mill, was the largest employer in Hancock during the war. His first cousin Dr. James Breathed Delaplane was also a physician here, and his office stood on this site. Maj. James Breathed died on February 14, 1870, and is buried in St. Thomas Episcopal Church Cemetery.

Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.

Marker series. This marker is included in the

By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008

2. Major James Breathed Marker

Maryland Civil War Trails marker series.

Location. 39° 41.928′ N, 78° 10.755′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on West Main Street (Maryland Route 144), on the left when traveling west. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hancock (here, next to this marker); Hancock Station (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); The National Road (about 400 feet away); St. Thomas Church (about 400 feet away); Gettysburg Campaign (about 400 feet away); St. Thomas Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Hancock's Orchard Industry (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Coombe (approx. 0.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Hancock.