Smithsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Smithsburg
July 5, 1863
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
1. Battle of Smithsburg Marker
Inscription.
Battle of Smithsburg. July 5, 1863. After capturing Confederate wagons and over 1300 prisoners at [unreadable] Pass. Past Union Cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick moved to Smithsburg on the morning of July 5. After burning the wagons on the outskirts of town, Kilpatrick deployed his men on the three mills commanding the approaches to the town., In the afternoon, Confederate Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart approached Smithsburg from the northeast. His objective was to place his command between Kilpatrick and General Robert E. Lee's wagon train retreating from Gettysburg. At 4:00 p.m. Union artillery opened fire and "spirited action" ensued for about an hour. After being unable to penetrate Union defenses the Confederates withdrew. That evening Kilpatrick moved to Boonsboro, and Stuart moved to Leitersburg.
After capturing Confederate wagons and over 1300 prisoners at [unreadable] Pass. Past Union Cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick moved to Smithsburg on the morning of July 5. After burning the wagons on the outskirts of town, Kilpatrick deployed his men on the three mills commanding the approaches to the town.
In the afternoon, Confederate Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart approached Smithsburg from the northeast. His objective was to place his command between Kilpatrick and General Robert E. Lee's wagon train retreating from Gettysburg. At 4:00 p.m. Union artillery opened fire and "spirited action" ensued for about an hour. After being unable to penetrate Union defenses the Confederates withdrew. That evening Kilpatrick moved to Boonsboro, and Stuart moved to Leitersburg.
Erected by Washington County Historical Advisory Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 5, 1863.
Location. 39° 39.213′ N, 77° 34.515′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Smithsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on West Water Street (Maryland Route 66) east of Barkdoll Lane, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 West Water Street, Smithsburg MD 21783, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
2. Battle of Smithsburg Marker
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019
3. Nearby police memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 693 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
