Near Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Boteler’s Ford Tablet B. F. 1
By Craig Swain, July 28, 2007
1. Boteler's Ford War Department Marker B. F. 1 Marker
This crossing of the Potomac was known as Boteler’s, Blackford’s or the Shepherdstown Ford. By it five Divisions of the Army of Northern Virginia, coming from Harper's Ferry, crossed into Maryland, September 16 and 17, 1862, and marched to the field of Antietam. Jackson’s and Ewell’s Divisions crossed the Ford on the morning of the 16th; McLaws’ and R. H. Anderson’s Divisions before sunrise on the 17th, and A. P. Hill’s Division about noon of the same day. During the night of the 18th, and early morning of the 19th, the entire army recrossed from Maryland covered by Artillery in position on the Virginia bluffs overlooking the river. (Marker Number B.F. 1.)Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Antietam Campaign War Department Markers series list.
Location. 39° 25.668′ N, 77° 46.728′ W. Marker is near Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of River Road (County Route 17/1) and Trough Road (County Route 31/1), on the left
By Craig Swain, July 28, 2007
2. Markers at the Intersection of River and Trough Roads
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pack Horse Ford (here, next to this marker); Boteler’s Ford Tablet B. F. 3 (a few steps from this marker); Boteler’s Ford Tablet B. F. 2 (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Boteler's Ford (a few steps from this marker); Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Shepherdstown (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barnes' Brigade (about 600 feet away); 118th Pennsylvania Infantry (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shepherdstown.
More about this marker. This is one of two remaining War Department Tablets placed at Boteler’s Ford. Three others have been removed from the site. The title of this tablet is based on secondary sources. Some also cite this tablet as "Blackford Ford No. 1."
Also see . . . Discussion of War Department Tablets and Markers. Specific to the Antietam battlefield, but explains the research, politics, and methods involved. (Submitted on August 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
By Craig Swain, July 28, 2007
3. Vicinity of Boteler's Ford
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,338 times since then and 6 times this year. Last updated on February 4, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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