Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hagerstonians In The Civil War
Brevet Brigadier General George Bell, USA
1828 - 1907
1861 - Courier for General-Chief Winfield Scott, carrying secret dispatches to Texas. He was then assigned to the field artillery, but soon was transferred to the Commissary Department.
1861 - As a lieutenant and commissary officer, he arranged to provide food for General McDowell's army during the First Manassas Campaign.
1861 - 1865 - Stationed at the Annapolis, Alexandria and Washington DC depots as the regional commissary officer. Arranged for the purchase, preparation and distribution of the food necessary to daily feed tens of thousands of soldiers and prisoners of war held in the region. Promoted several times. [Picture included]
1865 - Breveted (honorary) promotion to brigadier general for meritorious service.
1892 - Retired with rank of colonel. When he died his remains were returned to Hagerstown and interred in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Fascinating Fact
As an example of how the Civil War was a war of "brother against brother", George's brother Henry C. Bell served as a private in the 1st Maryland Cavalry Battalion in the Confederate Army.
Erected by Maryland Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 39° 38.636′ N, 77° 43.467′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on West Washington Street (U.S. 40) near South Prospect Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Treatment of the Wounded (here, next to this marker); Hagerstonians in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Prospect (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hagerstonians In The Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cumberland Valley Railroad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Hagerstonians in the Civil War (about 300 feet away); 102 South Prospect Street (about 600 feet away); Shenandoah Valley Railroad (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 692 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on August 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.