Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The James Rumsey Bridge
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The Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg
Photographed by Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
1. The James Rumsey Bridge Marker
The James Rumsey Bridge. Named in honor of the inventor James Rumsey, who made successful public demonstrations of his steamboat on the Potomac River on December 3 and 11, 1787. Opened and dedicated on July 15, 1939.
The Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg. Three miles northeast of this point lies Sharpsburg, Maryland, the scene of the bloodiest conflict of the War Between the States, occurring September 17, 1862.
Erected by Washington County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1862.
Location. 39° 26.287′ N, 77° 47.799′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of Shepherdstown Pike (Maryland Route 34) and Canal Road, on the right when traveling south on Shepherdstown Pike. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blackfords Ford (a few steps from this marker); Swearingens Ferry and Pack Horse Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); The People of Ferry Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Ferry Hill Place
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Ferry Hill Place (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Ferry Hill (was about 400 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. James Rumsey Birthplace
Also see . . . Battle of Antietam. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
October 11, 2009
2. The Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg
Photographed by Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
3. The James Rumsey Bridge Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
4. The James Rumsey Bridge Looking into West Virginia
Photographed by Craig Swain, June 9, 2007
5. The Bridge Seen from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 28, 2007
6. Rumsey Bridge Seen from the Rumsey Monument, Shepherdstown, WV
The pilings just down stream from the current bridge may be remains from the covered bridge built from the 19th Century.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 6,009 times since then and 95 times this year. Last updated on October 11, 2009. Photos: 1. submitted on July 27, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 11, 2009. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 27, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on July 28, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
