Big Pool in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Western Maryland

At the Crossroads of Conflict

Photographed by Mike McKeown, September 24, 2023

1. Western Maryland Marker

Inscription. When the Civil War divided the nation, Maryland found itself on the conflict's pivotal border between North and South. Today you can trace history along Maryland's Civil War Trail driving tours. Learn about people just like yourself, caught in the crossroads of conflict, who became leaders, freedom fighters, and spies.

Maryland's citizens experienced the harsh realities of war fought on their doorsteps. Men left for the battlefront and wounded soldiers recuperated in homes, barns and churches. Massive armies left areas devoid of food and supplies, and communities became divided over secession and slavery.

Three major military campaigns left a lingering impact. The bloody Antietam Campaign led to Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The Gettysburg Campaign culminated in another Union victory. Later, a Confederate army marched into Maryland desperately attempting to capture the nation's capital, but the dramatic Battle of Monocacy delayed their advance.

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.

Location. 39° 36.806′ N, 78° 0.398′

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

W. Marker is in Big Pool, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Fort Frederick Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in the parking lot for Fort Frederick State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Pool MD 21711, 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: The National Road (here, next to this marker); “...to protect, preserve...and provide access thereto for the public.” (within shouting distance of this marker); "Old Fort Frederick" (within shouting distance of this marker); “...a place of Arms...would be absolutely neccessary” (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Frederick (approx. ¼ mile away); Nathan Williams (approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Frederick Officers’ Quarters (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Fort Frederick (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Pool.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Gettysburg Campaign (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Mike McKeown, September 24, 2023

2. Western Maryland Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2023, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 276 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2023, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.