Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Roulette Farm
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
1. The Roulette Farm Marker
The Battle Caused Considerable Destruction of Property HereWilliam Roulette
This farmstead dates from a time when Sharpsburg was the western frontier. In September 1862, it was the home of William and Margaret Roulette and their six children. They evacuated before the battle, but afterwards returned to find the wreckage of war and their home and yard being used as a field hospital. Then, over seven hundred soldiers (most of them killed at the Sunken Road) were buried on their 180 acre farm. With such "considerable destruction," Roulette filed a claim of $2,496 with the U.S. Government for damage to his property.
No civilians were killed the day of the battle. However many died over the next few months from diseases caused by the unsanitary conditions in the soldier camps and hospitals, mass graves and contaminated water. Sadly, William Roulette wrote of one victim who died five weeks after the battle, "our youngest died ...a charming little girl twenty months old Carrie May - just beginning to talk."
(Caption for Background Photo):
This photo was taken from the west side of the house just after the battle.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
2. Portraits of the Roulettes
Portraits of William and Margaret Roulette in the 1850s.
this page online
Erected by Antietam National Battlefield - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1862.
Location. 39° 28.539′ N, 77° 44.304′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from Mummas Lane, on the right when traveling south. Located on the Three Farms Trail at Antietam National Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mumma Farm Lane (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); I Found the Enemy in Great Force (approx. ¼ mile away); “A Thrilling Spectacle” (approx. ¼ mile away); "A House Was Burning" (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named A House Was Burning (approx. ¼ mile away); 5th Md. Vet. Vol. Infy.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
3. Nancy Camel
Nancy Camel was manumitted, or freed, by the Miller family in 1859. Shortly thereafter, she was employed by the Roulettes. Nancy lived and worked on this farm for the rest of her life. When she died in 1892 she left her estate to the Roulette and Miller children.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
4. The Roulette Farm Marker
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 7, 2017
5. The Roulette Farm and Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
6. Roulette House
The house sets on a rise.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
7. View of the Roulette Farm from the east
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 20, 2012
8. Roulette Barn
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 18, 2009
9. The Roulette Farm
Seen from the nearby Sunken Road observation tower. The barn of the Roulette farm is just right of center. The white buildings in the distant left are those of the nearby Mumma Farm.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 21, 2020
10. The Roulette House
Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 691 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on October 18, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 3, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 10. submitted on March 25, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
