Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hagerstonians in the Civil War
Margaret Greenawalt, 1824-1911
Catharine Bonebrake Bowman, 1821-1902
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
1. Hagerstonians in the Civil War Marker
Although the specific date of the event is lost to history, according to narratives written on the backs of these portraits, Margaret Greenawalt stood on the second floor porch of a building at this location “as the Confederates retreated through Hagerstown.” As the rebels passed, she waived a Union flag at the troops, taunting them as traitors. Her sister, Catharine Bowman was afraid for her sister's safety. Catharine struggled with Margaret, trying to get her to come back inside the building. Imploring her sister to stop, she begged ”Get back in here Maggie, they'll shoot you! They'll shoot you they will!“
The story was written on the backs of these photos by Myra L. McDade, who grew up on Broadway where Catharine and Margaret lived late in life. Myra explained that on several occasions Catharine related the story of Margaret's heroism to her and other neighborhood children.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil • Women.
Location. 39° 38.558′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A City Divided (a few steps from this marker); John Brown (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ransom of Hagerstown (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); For God and Country (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Ransom of Hagerstown (about 300 feet away); Crossroads of History (about 300 feet away); Bench Mark "A" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
2. Hagerstonians in the Civil War Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
3. Margaret Greenawalt
Photo circa 1900
Photo circa 1900
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
4. Catharine Bowman
Photo circa 1900
Photo circa 1900
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
5. Bowman Confectionary
The Bowman Confectionary can be seen in this circa 1862 photo of West Washington Street. Bownmans property was the building pictured in the far right in this photo, painted in a checkerboard pattern.Close-up of Washington County Historical Society photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
6. Fascinating Fact
Catharine's husband, local baker and confectioner George Bowman (1820-1892) was an avid astronomer, and maintained his own telescope and observatory on the roof of his business. He distributed these tokens in the community to permit the interested and curious to experience his hobby. It is not clear whether he charged admission, or distributed them for free as a means of driving business to his store.Close-up of Stacks Rare Coins photo on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 19, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
