Emmitsburg in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Mount Saint Mary's College

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 22, 2008

1. Mount Saint Mary's College Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

1808 - 1983
Dedicated to
Mount Saint Mary's College

Quote from Helmans History of Emmitsburg:
"- The great fire occurred June 15th, 1863 it originated in the livery stable of Guthrie & Beam, consuming over fifty buildings in all; the fire commenced at eleven o'clock in the night, did not get it under control until seven in the morning; the hotel was the last to burn. People in the country heard the Church bells ring; some came within a mile of town, looking at the blazing houses, but feared to come in, as they thought the rebel army had fired it, as they had done Chambersburg. Word was sent to the College after midnight, when Rev. John McClosky called all the larger boys and hands together, bringing them in to assist; they came in time, as the citizens were fagged and tired; they worked manfully at the engine and in supplying water."

Erected by Emmitsburg Community.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 15, 1810.

Location. Marker has been reported missing.

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It was located near 39° 42.115′ N, 77° 19.67′ W. Marker was in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker was on South Seton Avenue (Business U.S. 15), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Emmitsburg MD 21727, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Army of the Potomac (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Army of the Potomac (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House Inn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 137 South Seton Avenue (about 500 feet away); Town Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Town of Emmitsburg, Maryland (approx. 0.2 miles away); Emmitsburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); Emmitsburg Memorial Post (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emmitsburg.

Also see . . .
1. Mount Saint Mary's University - Our History. University website entry (Submitted on July 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. The Great Fire of June, 1863. Emmitsburg Area Historical Society website entry (Submitted on July 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Burning of Chambersburg
The quote mentions the burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. However, the town in

Markers near the Willow Rill Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

2. Markers near the Willow Rill Bridge

Two markers stand next to the Willow Rill Bridge on Business U.S. 15 through Emmitsburg. On the left is the Emmitsburg Sisters of Charity marker. On the left is the Mount Saint Mary's College marker.

Pennsylvania, was not burned by the Confederates until a year later (1864). One should also note, although the Confederate armies were in full motion by June 15, 1863, most were still well south of the Potomac engaged in fighting around the city of Winchester and Loudoun County, Virginia.

— Submitted July 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,554 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.