Washington Township near Waynesboro in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
South Mountain
The Story of Richard Bard
Before the French and Indian War in 1754, lands west of South Mountain was considered a wilderness. With the outbreak of war, several settlements in this area were raided by the Indians.
In 1756, two Indian raids occurred, with one man taken from South Mountain, and another man taken from near Antietam Creek, just west of here. In 1758, another raid near Cashtown occurred, resulting in the capture of Mary Jemison and her family.
On April 31, 1758, two miles east of Monterey Pass at Virginia Mills, the Delaware Indians attacked the home of Richard Bard. During the raid, the Indians set fire to the mill, and killed Thomas Potter and one of Bard's children. After the raid, the Indians and nine prisoners moved into South Mountain, where the prisoners, were escorted to Mont Alto Gap, then to Black Gap, and into Path Valley. Near Bedford, Richard was able to flee and return home.
In 1760, Bard was able to free his wife, Catherine by buying her back. They returned home to Franklin County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Mary Jemison - White Woman of the Genessee series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1754.
Location. 39° 44.289′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Corporal Joseph Brubaker, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Monterey Pass (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Monterey Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Monterey Pass / Michigan Cavalry Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown's Spring (within shouting distance of this marker); 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Monterey Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); 12-Pounder Napoleon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waynesboro.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
