Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A View into the Past
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 17, 2012
1. A View into the Past Marker
This Civil War era photograph offers a glimpse into the two Shepherdstown communities that grew up along the river. The stone pilings in this photograph were all that remained of the covered bridge burned by Confederate troops led by Stonewall Jackson in 1861.
The river crossing was an important commercial stop along the C&O canal route. Canal boats left the lock on the Maryland side and navigated across the river to West Virginia. Once loaded with cement, flour, or grain they resumed their journey along the canal.
I was with the company that set fire to [the bridge], and when, in the glare of the burning timbers, I saw the glowing windows in my home on the hill beyond the river [I] knew my father was a stockholder in the property that I was helping to destroy.
- Henry Kyd Douglas, from his book, I Rode with Stonewall. Douglas's father lived at Ferry Hill, the residence that still stands on the hill overlooking this scene.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location.
this page online
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: Shepherdstown (within shouting distance of this marker); Blackford's Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); The People of Ferry Hill (about 700 feet away); Swearingens Ferry and Pack Horse Ford (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Blackfords Ford (approx. 0.2 miles away); The James Rumsey Bridge / The Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); River Crossing (approx. 0.2 miles away in West Virginia); The James Rumsey Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away in West Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Ferry Hill (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Ferry Hill Place (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 17, 2012
2. Bridge Overlook
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 17, 2012
3. Looking across the Potomac at Shepherdstown Today
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,013 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
