Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"A House Was Burning"
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 9, 2008
1. "A House Was Burning" Marker
Union soldiers described the fighting at the Mumma farm:
"I do not see how any of us got out alive. The shot and shell fell about us thick and fast, I can tell you, but I did not think much about getting shot after the first volley."
"Just in front of us a house was burning, and the fire and smoke, flashing of muskets and whizzing of bullets, yells of men, etc., were perfectly horrible."
The burning house was the Mumma farmhouse. Fearful that Union sharpshooters would use the farm buildings as a strongpoint, Confederates had set fire to them. The column of fire and smoke was visible all morning above the battle. This fire was the only deliberate destruction of civilian property.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 39° 28.678′ N, 77° 44.535′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Mummas Lane, on the right when traveling south. Located at the start of a path leading to the Mumma Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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
this page online
More about this marker. In the lower left a drawing is captioned, Civil War combat artist Frank H. Shell sketched the burning farmhouse and a Rhode Island battery going into action.
On the right side of the marker a wartime photograph is captioned, Alexander Gardner photographed the burned out farm buildings two or three days after the battle. The photograph was taken from the far side of the farmstead. The white springhouse was the only salvageable structure and it still stands. The Mumma family lost almost everything. The spent the winter of 1862-63 with the Sherrick family near Lower Bridge and were able to rebuild in 1863. The Federal Government compensated residents for battle damages. The Mummas received no compensation because the damage was done by Confederates.
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 29, 2008
2. Marker at the Entrance to the Cemetery
Regarding "A House Was Burning". This marker was replaced by another also named A House Was Burning (See nearby markers).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Virtual tour of the Smoketown Road and Mummas Lane by markers.
Also see . . . Antietam Battlefield. National Park Service site. (Submitted on March 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 9, 2008
3. Path to the Mumma Cemetery
Photographed by Craig Swain, April 6, 2008
4. The Mumma Cemetery
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 17, 2007
5. Mumma's House Today
The house is used by the park service for administrative functions and school tours.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,987 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on March 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on April 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on March 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
