Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Major James Breathed
"Hardest artillery fighter the war produced"
By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008
1. Major James Breathed Marker
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 stood on this site.
By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 2, 2008
2. Major James Breathed Marker
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.
Location. 39° 41.928′ N, 78° 10.755′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Discover the Trail (a few steps from this marker); A New Beginning (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Discover the Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Hancock in the Canal Era (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The C&O Canal: Serving the Potomac Valley (about 300 feet away); Hancock Station (about 300 feet away); Hancock (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Hancock (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.
By Christopher Busta-Peck
3. Hancock and James Breathed markers, as seen from the National Road
By Bradley Owen, April 13, 2013
4. Major James Breathed Gravestone
Internet Archive
5. James Breathed
from the Confederate Veteran, April 1899.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,554 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on August 28, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 3, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 4. submitted on August 28, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 5. submitted on September 2, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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