Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sharpsburg's Big Spring
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
1. Sharpsburg's Big Spring Marker
Native Americans, travelers, and early settlers used this water source long before Joseph Chapline, Sr., chartered Sharpsburg on July 9, 1763. Chapline laid out the town so that the spring was one-half block from the town center. The never-failing spring, once called Garrison's Spring, served as a water source for town residents and their livestock until 1967 when a public water system was installed. Over the years different groups and organizations have built, maintained, and whitewashed the spring's stone arch and walls where a large metal dipper once hung for all to use.The Sharpsburg Historical Society donated this sign to the town of Sharpsburg in July 2013.
Erected 2013 by The Sharpsburg Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1763.
Location. 39° 27.461′ N, 77° 44.871′ W. Marker is in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from South Mechanic Street. This marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
2. Sharpsburg's Big Spring Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General Edward Braddock (within shouting distance of this marker); Sharpsburg Bluebirds (within shouting distance of this marker); In Recognition of the Patriotism Shown by All Who Answered Our Country's Call in the World War (within shouting distance of this marker); Viet Nam Era Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Korean Conflict Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Historic Grove House (about 300 feet away); Kretzer Homestead (about 400 feet away); William Chapline House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
3. Sharpsburg's Big Spring
In 1907, Dr. E.M. Garrott took this photograph of the Big Spring. In front of the arch are, left to right, Burnside Benner, Floyd Mose, Bruce McGraw, and Dott McGraw. In front of the wood fence are Allen McGraw, Ralph Renner, and Joe Brashears.Close-up of photo on marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
4. Big String and Town Run
The Big Spring and Town Run, on their way to the Antietam Creek, lie southeast of the square. In the 1800s, tanyards operated on lots 8, 9, and 12.Close-up of map on marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
5. Sharpsburg's Big Spring
The spring in this undated photograph, is covered by a board roof. In December 1939, the State Department of Health recommended an ordinance forbidding the watering of cattle at the spring.
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
6. Sharpsburg's Big Spring
The white-washed, mortared walls topped with seven cannonballs were completed in 1934. Project 27-97 of the Civil Works Administration (CWA) details building and painting the 86-foot-long walls. The CWA became the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935.Close-up of photo on marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
7. N.R.A 1934
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
8. Big Spring Alley (Alley 15)
& the General Edward Braddock marker
& the General Edward Braddock marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 19, 2019
9. Sharpsburg Town Seal
on the Town Hall Door
on the Town Hall Door
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 21, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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