General Samuel Sturgis: Hero of Antietam's Burnside Bridge
Shippensburg Civil War Trail
Samuel D. Sturgis, born in Shippensburg in 1822, was the son of hat-shop operator "Squire" James Sturgis who later constructed this elegant Greek Revival dwelling. After graduating from West Point in 1846, Samuel Sturgis served under General Zachary Taylor in the Mexican War and saw extensive service in the Civil War. At the Battle of Antietam in 1862, General Sturgis commanded the Second Division of the federal Ninth Corps under General Ambrose Burnside. During this engagement, Burnside repeatedly ordered his men to charge across a 12-foot wide bridge spanning the Antietam Creek defended by 500 Confederates. After several failed attempts to secure the bridge, it was men under Sturgis's command, the 51st New York and 51st Pennsylvania Regiments, who finally took the bridge and secured the opposing shore (after being promised to have their whiskey ration restored). Following Antietam, Sturgis held several commands in the West. He retired to Minnesota in 1886, where he died in 1889. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Did you know?
Samuel Sturgis's son, 2nd Lt James G. Sturgis, also pursued a career as a professional soldier. He served with the 7th Cavalry, Troop E, under George Armstrong Custer, and was killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876. At the time of his death, the commander of the
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[Bottom left photo caption reads] Burnside Bridge
Erected by Shippensburg- Historical Society, Borough Historical Architectural Review Board, Chamber of Commerce, University, et al.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 40° 3.019′ N, 77° 31.263′ W. Marker is in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is on West King Street (U.S. 11) west of Earl Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 West King Street, Shippensburg PA 17257, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. White-Washed in the Nick of Time: The Union (Sherman House) Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Occupation of Shippensburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Rebel Headquarters in Shippensburg, June 24-27, 1863 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lifeline of the Valley: The Cumberland Valley Railroad (within
Also see . . .
1. Samuel Davis Sturgis. American Battlefield Trust website entry (Submitted on July 11, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Shippensburg in the Civil War. Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau PDF (Submitted on February 15, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Burnside Bridge. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on July 11, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Antietam - Burnside's Bridge - September 17, 1862 (12PM–1PM) Map. American Battlefield Trust website entry (Submitted on July 11, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Officer of the Federal Army
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 732 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on July 12, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on July 11, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
