Shepherdstown Marker

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

Shepherdstown
A Town on the Crossroads of History

Shepherdstown Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

1. Shepherdstown Marker

Inscription. History passed through the town of Shepherdstown for centuries. Native Americans cross the Potowomack River at the ford below the bluffs. German settlers crossed at Packhorse Ford as they emigrated from Pennsylvania into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, giving the name Mecklenburg to the town. In 1832, the C&O Canal arrived, providing a controlled transportation route to the west. The canal also brought businesses to town with a river lock, providing canal boats a means to cross to the Virginia town, then known as Shepherdstown.

During the Civil War the crossing, then Boteler's Ford, provided a location for frequent river and canal crossings by Confederate troops, most notably during the Antietam campaign in 1862.

Today, Shepherdstown is a college town which still has a strong feel of the past. An eclectic collection of shops and restaurants ranging from Bavarian to chic to college hang out, provide a choice for how to experience this Canal Town. Join the recreation minded residents of the town as they too bike, run, and walk between canal and town.

Towns along the C&O Canal
Since 1828 and the beginnings of the C&O Canal, towns along this waterway have both benefited from the commerce on the canal and supported those who used the canal.

Expand your canal experience with a visit into Shepherdstown and

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

2. Shepherdstown Marker

take in the hitory and services available today in this classic canal town.

Erected by Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.

Location. 39° 26.191′ N, 77° 48.008′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Canal Road, on the right when traveling south. Click for map. Located along the C&O Canal towpath, under the Rumsey Bridge, near the parking area for Lock 38. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A View into the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferry Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ferry Hill Place (approx. 0.2 miles away); River Crossing (approx. 0.2 miles away in West Virginia); The James Rumsey Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away in West Virginia); a different marker also named Shepherdstown (approx. 0.2 miles away in West Virginia); Swearingen’s Ferry and Pack Horse Ford (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Ferry Hill Place (approx. 0.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Sharpsburg.

By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

3. Canal Lock

Credits. This page originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 66 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.