Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Toll Paid in Blood

The Battle of Antietam

By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012

1. A Toll Paid in Blood Marker

Inscription. In the Maryland Campaign of September 1862, the Hagerstown Turnpike, a privately built toll road, served as a valuable route for troop movements. The Turnpike possibly was a macadam road, constructed with layers of broken-down stones. The post-and-rail fence running alongside the Turnpike proved to be a frustrating battle obstacle.

On September 17, 1862 at Antietam, Confederate Brig. Gen. William Starke’s Louisiana brigade fought on the west side of the Turnpike behind the fence. At one point, they battled against men of Wisconsin under Union Brig. Gen. John Gibbon who were behind the fence on the other side of the road. The soldiers learned rather cruelly that the fence provided little protection. Those who crossed the fence found that it was difficult and dangerous to climb in battle. In the end, the price of attempting to cross the Turnpike was high—the toll was paid in blood.

Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.

Location. 40° 12.25′ N, 77° 9.572′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker can be reached from Soldiers Drive west of Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Located along the Army Heritage trail. Marker is at or near this postal address: 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America.

Other nearby markers.

Insert - The Dunker Church at Antietam image. Click for full size.

By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012

2. Insert - The Dunker Church at Antietam

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bugler John Cook (here, next to this marker); Model 1857 Light 12 Pound Gun-Howitzer (here, next to this marker); A Soldier Story (within shouting distance of this marker); Training Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Drummer Jarvis Hanks (within shouting distance of this marker); Obstacle Course (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carlisle Forge (within shouting distance of this marker); A New German Offender: (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.

Categories. • War, US Civil •

Insert - Confederate dead at Antietam image. Click for full size.

By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012

3. Insert - Confederate dead at Antietam

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2017. This page originally submitted on July 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings • Can you help?