Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Second Brigade, Cavalry Division
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 6, 2008
1. 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division Tablet
Second Brigade, Cavalry Division.
Col. John Farnsworth, 8th Illinois Cavalry,
Commanding.
Organization.
8th Illinois, 3d Indiana, 1st Massachusetts,
and 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
(September 17, 1862.)
The Second Brigade crossed the Middle Bridge under a severe fire of Confederate Artillery posted on Cemetery Hill. The 8th Pennsylvania was thrown to the right to support the Artillery north of this road. The remaining regiments took position in the ravine on the left between this point and the Antietam, where, in support to the Batteries in front, they remained until relieved by the advance of the regular infantry, when the entire brigade was withdrawn. The 8th Illinois and 3d Indiana moved up the west bank of the creek and bivouacked in the rear of the right wing of the infantry line. The 8th Pennsylvania crossed the Middle Bridge, ascended the east bank of the Antietam, recrossed the stream near Neikirks and bivouacked near the Illinois and Indiana regiments. The 1st Massachusetts recrossed the Antietam by the Middle Bridge and bivouacked near Keedysville.
Erected by Antietam Battlefield Board. (Marker Number 90.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil
this page online
Location. 39° 27.816′ N, 77° 43.778′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Boonsboro / Shepherdstown Pike (State Highway 34), on the right when traveling east. 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. Cavalry Division (within shouting distance of this marker); First Brigade, Cavalry Division (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Brigade, Cavalry Division (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel James H. Childs (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Third Indiana Cavalry (about 500 feet away); Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA (about 500 feet away); History or Memory? (about 500 feet away); Battery A, 2d U.S. Artillery (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Also see . . .
1. Antietam Battlefield. National Park Service site. (Submitted on April 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Farnsworth's Brigade, Pleasonton's Cavalry Division. (Submitted on April 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 6, 2008
2. 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division Tablet
The safest place to park to read this tablet is the picnic area on the south side of the Pike. The entrance of which is seen in the background of this photo.
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 6, 2008
3. 2nd Cavalry Brigade Position
Portions of Farnsworth's Brigade, after crossing the Middle Bridge around noon, assembled on the low ground west of Antietam Creek and supported several Federal artillery batteries placed on the high ground along the Boonsboro Pike. While subjected to some artillery fire, the horse soldiers were only lightly engaged here.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 918 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
