Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fifty-First New York Infantry
Col. Robert B. Potter
2d Brigade - Ferrero's 2d Division - Sturgis'
9th Army Corps - Burnside's
Army of the Potomac
Sept. 17, 1862
In compliance with orders received from
General Burnside on the morning of September 17,
the 51st New York and the 51st Pennsylvania were
selected to carry this bridge at all hazards.
The 51st New York, with the 51st Pennsylvania
on its right, formed on the ridge in the rear of this
position, moved forward at double quick, and at
One P.M. carried the bridge at the point of the
Bayonet. The passage was obstinately disputed.
Casualties
1 officer and 18 men killed
4 officers and 64 men wounded
Total 87
Erected 1908 by State of New York.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1740.
Location. 39° 27.033′ N, 77° 43.878′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from Old Burnside Bridge Road, on the left when traveling east. Located to the east of stop 9 (Burnside Bridge) of the driving tour of Antietam Battlefield, along the walking trail east of the bridge. 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. Sturgis's Division, Ninth Army Corps (here, next to this marker); Ninth Army Corps (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Ninth Army Corps (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Ninth Army Corps (here, next to this marker); Witness to History (here, next to this marker); 51st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 2nd Maryland Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); "Will You Give Us Our Whiskey?" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Also see . . .
1. Fifty-First New York Infantry Monument. National Park Service page detailing the monument. (Submitted on March 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. 51st New York Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, IX Corps. Private Orlando Caruana of Company K was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at the Battle of South Mountain (Fox's Gap). (Submitted on March 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 947 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.