Near Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Folck's Mill
Confederate Raid
Late in July 1864, Confederate Gen. John C. McCausland led two cavalry brigades (about 2,800 men) northward into Pennsylvania and Maryland to capture Chambersburg and Cumberland and either collect a ransom or burn the towns. McCausland burned Chambersburg on July 31. The next day, his raiders reached the National Pike and rode toward Cumberland. Union Gen. William W. Averell led 2,000 cavalrymen in pursuit.
Union Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley hurriedly organized Cumberland’s defenses. He positioned a blocking force of two infantry regiments (about 1,000 men) and four artillery pieces east of town on wooded hills overlooking Folck’s Mill. Other units, including three hastily organized civilian volunteer companies, occupied prepared positions elsewhere around the town.
When the first Confederates reached Folck’s Mill, the concealed Federals opened fire. The raiders took shelter in the mill buildings and what is now Hillcrest Cemetery. As the main Confederate force arrived, it deployed on the hill behind the advance body. A sharp fight ensued about 3 p.m. and continued for four and a half hours. With Averell pressing their rear and
this page online
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
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 July 1864.
Location. 39° 40.303′ N, 78° 43.287′ W. Marker is near Cumberland, Maryland, in Allegany County. Marker can be reached from Ali Ghan Road Northeast. The marker is located on the grounds of the Ali Ghan Shriner's Hall near I-68 exit 46. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13100 Ali Ghan Rd NE, Cumberland MD 21502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Folck's Mill (here, next to this marker); Ali Ghan Shriners Legion of Honor (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Folck's Mill (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Folck's Mill (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial
May 24, 2009
2. Folck's Mill Marker
This is a previous iteration of the marker. The text is identical, although the formatting is different.
More about this marker. The center of the marker displays a battle map depicting troop and artillery positions during the Battle of Folck's Mill. The marker also features portraits of Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley and Gen. John C. McCausland.
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Folck's Mill. American Civil War entry (Submitted on January 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Folck's Mill Battlefield (at Pleasant Mills). Maryland Historical Trust entry (Submitted on January 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
May 23, 2009
4. Evitts Creek Valley
May 23, 2009
5. Hillcrest Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2009. This page has been viewed 3,606 times since then and 337 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 13, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on May 25, 2009. 3. submitted on June 13, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5. submitted on May 25, 2009. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
