Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battery E, 4th U.S. Artillery
Battery E, 4th U.S. Artillery.
Capt. Joseph C. Clark Jr., U.S.A. Commanding.
(September 17, 1862.)
At daybreak Battery E, 4th U.S. Artillery, was in bivouac in rear of the high ground east of the Burnside Bridge. Soon after daybreak it took position on the ridge overlooking the Antietam and the field of battle to the north and west, and about 685 yards a little east of north from the bridge, and opened fire upon the Confederate infantry north of Sharpsburg. When this fire ceased to be effective, the battery moved to the western slope of the bluff immediately opposite the bridge and but 240 yards from it, and shelled the Confederate infantry defending it. It followed the infantry of Sturgis' Division across the bridge and went into battery on the crown of the ridge due west of the bridge and about 580 yards north east of this point. While going into position spherical case shot from a Confederate battery killed Lieut. W.L. Baker, severely wounded Captain Clark, and the command devolved on Sergeant C.F. Merkel, who fought the battery until the close of the action.
Erected by Antietam Battlefield Board. (Marker Number 107.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil . In addition, it is included in the Antietam Campaign War Department Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 39° 26.869′ N, 77° 44.476′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Branch Avenue, on the left when traveling south. 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. Battery E, 2nd U.S. Artillery (here, next to this marker); Ninth Army Corps (here, next to this marker); Battery G, 4th U.S. Artillery (a few steps from this marker); Brigadier General L. O'B. Branch (a few steps from this marker); Battery A, 5th U.S. Artillery (a few steps from this marker); Rodman's Division, Ninth Army Corps (a few steps from this marker); Jackson's Command (within shouting distance of this marker); Archer's Brigade (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Also see . . .
1. Antietam Battlefield. National Park Service site. (Submitted on March 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Battery E, 4th U.S. Artillery, 2nd Division, IX Corps. The battery was equipped with four 10-pounder Parrott Rifles at the time of the battle. Sgt. Merkle was promoted to 1st Lieutenant shortly after the battle. (Submitted on March 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,156 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 12, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on March 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on October 12, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 6. submitted on March 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.