Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Major James Breathed
"Hardest artillery fighter the war produced"
Maj. James Breathed was born near present-day Berkeley Spring, W. Va., on December 15, 1838, and moved while young with his family to Washington Co., Md. He attended St. James School in Lydia, where his father John Breathed was headmaster. At age 21, he graduated from the University of Maryland Medical School. During the Civil War, he served as a lieutenant in the 1st Virginia Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart, and later as a major in Stuart's Horse Artillery.
Breathed so distinguished himself in the Battles of Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania Court House, and Yellow Tavern that Gen. Robert E. Lee regarded him as "the hardest artillery fighter the war produced." He returned to Hancock, Md., after the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House to live with his sister and practice medicine. His family was among the founders of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Breathed's brother-in-law Robert Bridges, co-owner of the Round Top Cement Mill, was the largest employer in Hancock during the war. His first cousin Dr. James Breathed Delaplane was also a physician here, and his office
this page online
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1879.
Location. 39° 41.928′ N, 78° 10.755′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on West Main Street (Maryland Route 144), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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 marker: Discover the Trail (a
Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008
2. Major James Breathed Marker
This is a photo of the marker from before the Visitor's Center sticker was affixed.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Discover the Trail (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008
3. Major James Breathed Marker
Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck
4. Hancock and James Breathed markers, as seen from the National Road
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 13, 2013
5. Major James Breathed Gravestone
Internet Archive
6. James Breathed
from the Confederate Veteran, April 1899.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,456 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on August 28, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on September 12, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 3, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 5. submitted on August 28, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 6. submitted on September 2, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
