Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA
Army of Northern Virginia
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2006
1. Gen. Robert E. Lee marker
General Lee led his troops along this road into Sharpsburg on September 15, 1862. Outmanned 2-1 he would outmaneuver the Federals on the 17th. Although hoping for a decisive victory Lee had to settle for a military draw.
Robert E. Lee was personally against secession and slavery, but decided his duty was to fight for his home and the universal right of every people to self-determination.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 15, 1862.
Location. 39° 27.864′ N, 77° 43.693′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Shepherdstown Pike (State Highway 34), on the left when traveling east. Located at the Newcomer Farm just west of where Main Street crosses the Antietam Creek. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Third Indiana Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel James H. Childs (within shouting distance of this marker); History or Memory? (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore Maryland Civil War Trails (within shouting distance of this marker); Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Antietam National Battlefield
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Gettysburg Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1862 Antietam Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Early's Washington Raid (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Newcomer House (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Heart of the Civil War (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Regarding Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA. Is the text on the monument actually inaccurate and is it misplaced?
It states Lee passed by this location on the 15th, two days BEFORE the battle which seems likely.
Thank you.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Virtual Tour of Markers along Boonsboro Pike, Antietam Battlefield
Also see . . .
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2006
2. Lee Equestrian Statue
This equestrian statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee is located on the Newcomer Farm near Antietam Creek.
Additional commentary.
1. Monument Controversy
The monument stands on a tract of land purchased in 2005 by the National Park Service. The monument was already standing at the time of the purchase and raised considerable discussion among preservation groups. Among other objections, the monument is located at a historically inaccurate location, in the middle of the Federal lines, not Confederate. But the cost to relocate the monument precluded such action, given the Park's budget limitations. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted February 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
2. Errors in the Original Inscription
A story passed along by the National Park Service rangers relates a typographical error when this statue was first erected. The lower paragraph stated, Robert E. Lee was personally against succession ....
— Submitted 
April 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2006
3. Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA
This statue of Robert E. Lee was placed here by a former owner of the Newcomer Farm. A number of locals have sought to have it removed now that it is part of the Antietam National Battlefield.
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 17, 2007
4. Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2006
5. Closeup of Lee statue.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,094 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on October 21, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
