Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Capture of Generals
Capture of Generals B.F. Kelly and George Crook
| | Nights, February 2122, 1865 | |
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006
1. Capture of Generals Marker
A company of Confederates, young men from Cumberland, Maryland, Hampshire and Hardy Counties, West Virginia, captured several picket posts, obtained the countersign Bulls Gap, rode into the city, captured two commanding Union Generals, Kelly and Crook, and Adj. General Thayer Melvin, and sent them to Richmond, Virginia, as prisoners of war, without firing a shot.
General Crook was captured in this building, then known as Revere House. Generals Kelly and Melvin were taken from the Barnum House, (now Windsor Hotel).
The generals were asleep when taken from their respective beds.
General Lew Wallace was stationed here, in command of a large body of Indiana Zouaves; also Brig. General Hayes, later President of the United States.
This most daring episode of the Civil War created a great sensation all over the country, as at the time several thousand Union troops were stationed in Cumberland.
The Kenneweg Buildingformerly old Revere Housewas located on this site. Razed in 1964.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 21, 1865.
Location. 39° 39.133′ N, 78° 45.547′ W.
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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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McNeills Raid (here, next to this marker); A Boom for Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); Capture of Generals B.F. Kelly and George Crook (within shouting distance of this marker); The Thomas Koon House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Christ's (St. Paul's) Lutheran Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cumberland.
More about this marker. This marker was originally mounted on the Kenneweg Building at this site. After the building was razed, it was staked next to the sidewalk.
Regarding Capture of Generals. The Confederates, led by Lt. Jesse McNeill, went to the two hotels where the Generals were sleeping, entered their rooms, woke them up, announced they were prisoners, and waited for them to dress. They then walked the prisoners out to the street where they were mounted upon horses, the owners of which courteously gave the prisoners the saddle, and rode behind. In this manner they were taken out of Cumberland ... Others sleeping
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006
2. New and Old Markers, Side By Side
The location of the old Revere House is now the parking lot of a bank, out of frame on the left. The Barnum House was on this same side of the street, one block away on the left.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Additional keywords. Lt. Jesse McNeill
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006
3. Brass Tablet Bas-Relief Detail
The Generals were "mounted upon horses, the owners of which courteously gave the prisoners the saddle, and rode behind."
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 80,328 times since then and 269 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
