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. 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. It is on West Water Street (Maryland

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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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: "Stuffle" Christopher Smith (a few steps from this marker); Memorial to World War One Veterans of Smithsburg and Community (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 0.2 miles away); Respite at Smithsburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); Memorial to World War II Korea and Vietnam Veterans of Smithsburg and Community (approx. 0.2 miles away); Officer Christopher Shane Nicholson (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 6, 2019

2. Battle of Smithsburg Marker

marker also named Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithsburg.

Nearby police memorial image. Click for full size.

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 1,481 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.