Near Middletown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
19th Century Backpacker
The Civil War Soldier
— Antietam Campaign 1862 —
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
1. 19th Century Backpacker -The Civil War Soldier Marker
An unnamed citizen of Frederick City said the following of the Confederates he had beheld marching through his hometown: “I have never seen a mass of such filthy strong-smelling men. Three in a room would make it unbearable, and when marching in column along the street the smell from them was most offensive... The filth that pervades them is most remarkable... They have no uniforms, but are all well armed and equipped, and have become so inured to hardships that they care but little for any of the comforts of civilization... They are the roughest looking set of creatures I ever saw, their features, hair and clothing matted with dirt and filth, and the scratching they kept up gave warrant of vermin in abundance.” Another observer described the Confederates simply as “a lean and hungry set of wolves.”
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 29.067′ N, 77° 37.198′ W. Marker was near Middletown, Maryland, in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named 19th Century Backpacker (here, next to this marker); Battle at South Mountain (here, next to this marker); 1862 Antietam Campaign (here, next to this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 3 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 4 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 5 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 6 (within shouting distance of this marker); John Collins (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown.
More about this marker. The marker displays three pictures of a modern day living historian wearing standard Confederate field gear
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
2. Typical Soldier - Side View
The Civil War Trails organization outfitted a Civil War Reenactor to produce the photos for this very popular marker.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Also see . . . Soldier Life. Civil War website entry (Submitted on March 30, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
3. Typical Soldier - Rear View
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
4. Details of Soldier's Pack and Field Gear
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
5. Three Maryland Civil War Trails Markers in the Inn's Parking Lot
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 24, 2009
6. Old South Moutain Inn
Markers are located in parking lot next to Old South Mountain Inn
Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,382 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 2, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on August 9, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
