Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Toll Paid in Blood

The Battle of Antietam

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012

1. A Toll Paid in Blood Marker

Inscription. In the Maryland Campaign of September 1862, the Hagerstown Turnpike, a privately built toll road, served as a valuable route for troop movements. The Turnpike possibly was a macadam road, constructed with layers of broken-down stones. The post-and-rail fence running alongside the Turnpike proved to be a frustrating battle obstacle.

On September 17, 1862 at Antietam, Confederate Brig. Gen. William Starke’s Louisiana brigade fought on the west side of the Turnpike behind the fence. At one point, they battled against men of Wisconsin under Union Brig. Gen. John Gibbon who were behind the fence on the other side of the road. The soldiers learned rather cruelly that the fence provided little protection. Those who crossed the fence found that it was difficult and dangerous to climb in battle. In the end, the price of attempting to cross the Turnpike was high—the toll was paid in blood.

Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1862.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 40° 12.25′ N, 77° 9.572′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland

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County. It was in Middlesex Township. Marker could be reached from Soldiers Drive west of Army Heritage Drive. Located along the Army Heritage trail. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Soldier Story (within shouting distance of this marker); A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Training Centers (within shouting distance of this marker); Drummer Jarvis Hanks (within shouting distance of this marker); Obstacle Course (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carlisle Forge (within shouting distance of this marker); A New German Offender: The PAK 43/41 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Army's War Horse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.

More about this marker. Added a wide shot of the marker and locale taken in 2012 and a current one showing the former marker location.

Also see . . . Battle of Antietam. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012

2. A Toll Paid in Blood Marker

The marker is the furthest to the left.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 5, 2018

3. A Toll Paid in Blood Marker

All the markers and equipment displayed in this area have been removed.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 256 times since then and 6 times this year. Last updated on September 10, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on July 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2, 3. submitted on September 10, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.