Near Middletown in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle at South Mountain
A Natural Barrier
| | Antietam Campaign 1862 | |
The Battle of South Mountain erupted on September 14, 1862, when elements of the Union army tried to drive the Confederate rear guard from Cramptons, Foxs, and Turners Gaps and break through to the western side of the mountain to attack Confederates there. When Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia marched into Maryland earlier in the month, he was looking for supplies and recruits for a possible invasion of Pennsylvania. He hoped while resting men at Frederick that the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry would flee and leave his lines of communication and transportation unhindered. When the garrison stayed put, however, threatening his rear, Lee issued Special Orders No. 191 to divide his army and send Stonewall Jackson with about half of the army to capture Harpers Ferry. Lee marched over South Mountain, using it as a screen to help conceal the remainder of his troops and keep Gen. George B. McClellans pursuing Army of the Potomac at bay. But then the Federals found a dropped copy of Special Orders No. 191, and it became especially critical for the outnumbered Confederates to hold South Mountain passes until Jackson completed his mission and rejoined them. The day-long battle, it turned out, gave the Confederates just time enough.
Erected by Maryland Civil War
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1942.
Location. 39° 29.064′ N, 77° 37.202′ W. Marker is near Middletown, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is at the intersection of Old National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) and Washington Monument Road, on the right when traveling east on Old National Pike. Located in the parking lot for the Old South Mountain Inn. In Frederick County very close to the Frederick and Washington County line. The Appalachian Trail passes a few feet from the marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middletown MD 21769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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 and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1862 Antietam Campaign (here, next to this marker); 19th Century Backpacker (here, next to this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 3 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown.
Another marker is no longer nearby. 19th Century Backpacker (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 11, 2020
2. Three Maryland Civil War Trails Markers in the Inn's Parking Lot
More about this marker. The marker has a detailed map of South Mountain highlighting important battle sites.
A newspaper drawing of the battle carries the caption, Union forces advance to the pass. View from the National Road.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Lost Special Orders 191 markers
Also see . . . South Mountain State Battlefield. Maryland Department of Natural Resources website entry (Submitted on March 30, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. Antietam Campaign 1862
Photographed by Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
3. The Crest of South Mountain
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, June 24, 2009
4. Old South Moutain Inn
Markers are located in parking lot next to Old South Mountain Inn
via Maryland Department of Natural Resources, unknown
5. Battle at South Mountain
Maryland Department of Natural Resources website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 6,462 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on July 2, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 9, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 5. submitted on May 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
