South Mountain is beautifully located in the scenic northern extension of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, expanding into Maryland and Pennsylvania. A fierce battle took place here on September 14, 1862.
The National War Correspondents Memorial Arch
1005 Arnoldstown Rd., Jefferson, MD [Map]
The War Correspondent’s Memorial Arch is in Crampton’s Gap on South Mountain (East of Route 67, Sharpsburg, Washington County, MD). It was created by author and Civil War correspondent George A. Townsend as the centerpiece of his Gapland estate. Dedicated on October 16, 1896, in 1904 the monument was turned over to the War Department, and it is now administered by the National Park Service.
North side of Monument
O wondrous youth
Through this grand ruth
Runs my boy’s life, its thread
The General’s fame, the battle’s name
The rolls of maimed and dead
I bear with my thrilled soul astir
And lonely thoughts and fears
And am but history’s courier
To bind the conquering years
A battle’s ray, through ages gray
To light to deeds sublime
And flash the lustre of my day
Down all the aisles of time
War Correspondent Ballad – 1865
Fox’s Gap
8629 Reno Monument Rd., Middletown, MD [Map]
After invading Maryland in September 1862, Gen. Robert E. Lee divided his army to march on and invest Harpers Ferry. The Army of the Potomac under Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan pursued the Confederates to Frederick, Maryland, then advanced on South Mountain. On September 14, pitched battles were fought for possession of the South Mountain passes: Crampton’s, Turner’s, and Fox’s Gaps. By dusk the Confederate defenders were driven back, suffering severe casualties, and McClellan was in position to destroy Lee’s army before it could reconcentrate. McClellan’s limited activity on September 15 after his victory at South Mountain, however, condemned the garrison at Harpers Ferry to capture and gave Lee time to unite his scattered divisions at Sharpsburg. Union general Jesse Reno and Confederate general Samuel Garland, Jr., were killed at South Mountain. [Text source]
There are several monuments at this location we recommend you check out, including “The Stonewall Regiment,” and the North Carolina Monument.
Turner’s Gap (Interpretive signage)
6132 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD
Christ Reformed Church
12 S. Church St., Middleton, MD (Google map)
In September of 1862, during the Civil War’s Battle of South Mountain the steeple was used as a lookout by Union General George McClellan to monitor Confederate troop movements. After the battle our sanctuary was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. [Text source]
Gathland State Park Museum
900 Arnoldstown Rd., Boonsboro, MD
Astride the ridge known as South Mountain, near Burkittsville at Crampton’s Gap, lies Gathland State Park. The home of an unusual man, Gathland was an architecturally unique estate made up of as many as 20 structures, many of them built of rugged stone, individual in purpose and design. A number of buildings still stand, and the remains of others may be seen by visitors to the park. The park’s museum includes exhibits on Townsend’s personal life, Gathland’s past and tells the story of the Battle of Crampton’s Gap. A self-guided walking tour of the estate is available by contacting the park. [Text source]
The Main Cup
14 W. Main St., Middleton, MD
The Main Cup is an All-American restaurant that sits on the National Historic Road in Middletown, Maryland. Our locally owned and operated restaurant has been in business for 10 years. In that time, we have developed a large number of regular customers who love our wonderful environment, delicious food, and unbeatable service. The quality of our food is excellent.
Everything is made FRESH, and with four dining areas to choose from, you’ll love our warm, inviting ambience. The owners are very involved and hands on, so they can ensure the highest quality of food and service. Have questions? Contact us today, and enjoy our All-American restaurant.
- Official web site
Civil War Day Trips 