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

Hagerstown Ransomed

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

1. Hagerstown Ransomed Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On July 6th, 1864, Confederate Cavalry General John McCausland and his 1,500 troops demanded a ransom of $20,000 from Hagerstown, or the town would be burned. Three local banks gave up the money, underwritten by the town council. After the war, a tax repaid the banks.

Erected by Washington County Historical Advisory Committee.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Washington County Historical Advisory Committee series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1877.

Location. 39° 38.528′ N, 77° 43.205′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of North Potomac Street (Maryland Route 65) and West Washington Street (U.S. 40), on the left when traveling south on North Potomac Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A City Divided (a few steps from this marker); Hagerstown Commercial Core Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagerstown

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Treatment of the Wounded (within shouting distance of this marker); First Battle of Hagerstown (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Battle of Hagerstown (within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Confederate Incursion North of the Potomac River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

Hagerstown Ransomed marker location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

2. Hagerstown Ransomed marker location

Marker location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

3. Marker location

Marker is in the center of the planting, located in the center of the picture.

Hagerstown Ransomed Marker, seen here, between the butterflies image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 17, 2011

4. Hagerstown Ransomed Marker, seen here, between the butterflies

near the intersection of North Potomac Street and West Washington Street

Hagerstown Public Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

5. Hagerstown Public Square

Behind the marker is this dedication plaque to the square.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,552 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 19, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.