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

Tolson's Chapel and School

Has Been Designated A National Historic Landmark

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 21, 2025

1. Tolson's Chapel and School Marker

Inscription. This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
Built in 1866 by African Americans, this Methodist chapel, school, and cemetery represents the many black institutions erected across the former slave-holding states following emancipation. It powerfully illustrates African Americans determination to declare their autonomy from whites and claim full citizenship. Black efforts to establish schools laid the foundation for the nation's modern public education system.

National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Designated 2021

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2021.

Location. 39° 27.369′ N, 77° 44.786′ W. Marker is in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. It can be reached from East High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 E High St, 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: Tolson's Chapel (here, next to this marker); Old Slave Block (about 500 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); Mark A. Smith Memorial Park (about 500 feet away); Sharpsburg's Big Spring (about 700 feet away); General Edward Braddock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kretzer Homestead (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sharpburg's Architecture and Prominent Residents (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sharpsburg Bluebirds (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.

Also see . . .
1. National Historic Landmark Nomination. Tolson's Chapel and School was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior January 13, 2021. (Submitted on December 23, 2025, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)

2. National Register of Historic Places Nomination. Tolson's Chapel and School was entered into the National Register of Historic Places 10/21/2008. (Submitted on December 23, 2025, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 21, 2025

2. Tolson's Chapel and School Marker

Tolson's Chapel and School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 21, 2025

3. Tolson's Chapel and School

Celebrating Tolson's Chapel & School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 21, 2025

4. Celebrating Tolson's Chapel & School

Wilson Middleton image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 21, 2025

5. Wilson Middleton

Co. F
115th United States Colored Infantry
(Died 1891) Headstone in the Tolson's Chapel Cemetery.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2025, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 23, 2025, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.