Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Civil War in Allegany County

Strategic Location

By J. J. Prats, May 16, 2007

1. Civil War in Allegany County Marker

Inscription. During the Civil War, thousands of United States soldiers were stationed here in Cumberland and Allegany County to guard against raids and incursions by Confederate forces. Located only about 130 miles from the capital at Washington. D.C., and a short march from Winchester, Virginia, and Romney, West Virginia, at the lower end of the Shenandoah Valley, this area was strategically important to both sides in the conflict. Here in Cumberland was the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The National Road, a principal east-west thoroughfare, also ran through the area. Most significantly, Cumberland was a major stop on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, an artery used for the rapid transportation of Federal troops, supplies, and equipment. The protection of this vital lifeline between Wheeling, West Virginia, and Washington was concentrated in Cumberland. Because of its importance to the Union war effort, the railroad in Allegany County became a prime target for Confederate raiders. Allegany County also became home to a large United States military hospital complex, where thousands of sick, injured, and wounded soldiers received medical care. After the war ended, Cumberland became a major demobilization base.

Please enjoy your Maryland Civil War Trails tour and drive carefully. We hope you learn a great

Two Civil War Trails Markers image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, May 16, 2007

2. Two Civil War Trails Markers

deal about the important role our community played in the conduct and outcome of the Civil War.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and the Maryland Civil War Trails marker series.

Location. 39° 38.961′ N, 78° 45.807′ W. Marker is in Cumberland, Maryland, in Allegany County. Marker is on Canal Street south of Baltimore Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. It it on the left edge of the Western Maryland Railway Station Plaza. Marker is in this post office area: Cumberland MD 21502, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gettysburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); Boat Building at the Cumberland Basin (a few steps from this marker); Life on the Canal (a few steps from this marker); The National Road (a few steps from this marker); Cumberland Terminus: Yesterday and Today (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cumberland.

Categories. • War, US Civil •

Two Civil War Trail Markers image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, May 16, 2007

3. Two Civil War Trail Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on May 28, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,599 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 28, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia.