Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA
Army of Northern Virginia
General Lee led his troops along this road into Sharpsburg on September 15, 1862. Outmanned 2-1 he would outmaneuver the Federals on the 17th. Although hoping for a decisive victory Lee had to settle for a military draw.
Robert E. Lee was personally against secession and slavery, but decided his duty was to fight for his home and the universal right of every people to self-determination.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 15, 1862.
Location. 39° 27.864′ N, 77° 43.693′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Shepherdstown Pike (State Highway 34), on the left when traveling east. Located at the Newcomer Farm just west of where Main Street crosses the Antietam Creek. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History or Memory? (a few steps from this marker); Third Indiana Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel James H. Childs (within shouting distance of this marker); Antietam National Battlefield (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); 1862 Antietam Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Early's Washington Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); The Newcomer House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Regarding Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA. Is the text on the monument actually inaccurate and is it misplaced?
It states Lee passed by this location on the 15th, two days BEFORE the battle which seems likely.
Thank you.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Virtual Tour of Markers along Boonsboro Pike, Antietam Battlefield
Also see . . . General Robert E. Lee Monument. National Park Service site detailing the monument. (Submitted on February 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1. Monument Controversy
The monument stands on a tract of land purchased in 2005 by the National Park Service. The monument was already standing at the time of the purchase and raised considerable discussion among preservation groups. Among other objections, the monument is located at a historically inaccurate location, in the middle of the Federal lines, not Confederate. But the cost to relocate the monument precluded such action, given the Park's budget limitations.
— Submitted February 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
2. Errors in the Original Inscription
A story passed along by the National Park Service rangers relates a typographical error when this statue was first erected. The lower paragraph stated, Robert E. Lee was personally against succession ....
— Submitted April 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,633 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on October 21, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.