In my walking history, a lesser-known battle is the Battle of Shepherdstown, which happened two days after Antietam, in Maryland. As the Confederate Army crossed back into West Virginia at Boteler’s Ford over the Potomac River, the Union Army followed.
The Union could have severely hurt the Confederates, but it faltered due to bad leadership. This led to early November, when President Lincoln relieved General McClellan of command in the Union Army (Federals) for not aggressively pursuing Lee’s retreating army. So this battle did matter—quite a bit.
When I was researching the area, I asked Kirk about it – he had gone to college here, and lived here a few years, yet he had no idea there had been a battle just outside of town. Why isn’t it better known? Perhaps it’s simply that Antietam overshadows it, given its proximity, just miles away.
That September the area was in a severe drought, so water levels were far lower than normal. Yet it was still dangerous to the soldiers, who often did not know how to swim.
The line of retreat. And of the battles. It was neat to see how close it happened to my home. If we open our eyes, there is so much history to see.
The night of September 18th, 1862, the Confederate retreat happened. September 19th was a bad day, but more was to come.
Now, to be factual, West Virginia was still a year shy of becoming a state. It was still Virginia. That wouldn’t happen till the next summer, in 1863.
Finding the location was a hard one. I “drove” the road with Google Street View, but it was overgrown. So, whining, I got in the car and drove to Shepherdstown. The main road in town is West German Street. This is Martinsburg Pike/45 coming in. German Street is the main shopping/dining in town. Drive thru town and come to a rail crossing, the old Norfolk line on the map up above, that goes behind my land. A bit farther, it becomes River Road. It eventually becomes a traditional West Virginian road: it’s newly recoated in asphalt, but has no lines. So I drove a little slower so my passengers wouldn’t be screaming. Hahahaha. The road eventually starts to parallel the Potomac River. It is a very scenic road.
Just don’t believe Google, which will tell you the address is 3125 Trough Road. Although there might be something there, there isn’t parking.
As you get closer to the junction with Trough Road, you will see the first ruins. The area was recently maintained, and the grasses were cut down. There are two very obvious pullouts on the side of the road. The first is big enough for one car, farther along it is wide enough for 2-3 cars to pull off. The first spot is just after this sign (the sign is facing towards Shepherdstown.
Built in 1829, these ruins are spread across the land of an old cement mill.
Look both ways and cross River Road. There is a path that winds down the embankment to the Potomac River (there were kilns on the river).
Once done, we started walking away from the car, down a car-width path that had been cleared recently. There is an old fence along the road.
The path goes all the way down to Trough Road. There are more signs/monuments down at the end, along with more parking, which is behind a closed gate. Across the road are a couple more signs talking about the history. There is no other parking on River or Trough roads, so get out and enjoy the casual hike.
Across River Road is the ruins of the old office building.
What caught my attention was looking up at the ridge behind it – the high ground.
There is a gap in the fence, so we crossed over the road to get a better, up-close look.
We walked back to the car along the road. While cars do speed by, it’s safe enough. And people are friendly, often waving with more than one finger.
The view up the hill from the parking area.
A green Union army with defective rifles. It’s a depressing read.
Not a good time for the Union.
Looking into the woods. Some of it is a trail, but much of it looked to me like a seasonal run when it rains.
But walk I did, until the trail ran out and I was feeling like a deer, more than a hiker.
There is a path to the ruins high above.
And a reminder to be good and make wise choices.
The forest is very peaceful, with a gentle breeze coming through, and if you turn around, you’ll be treated to views of the river.
A beautiful area.
Checking out the ruins.
After we were done exploring, we went back to town, taking Trough Road, where there is former battlefield land preserved under conservation easements. We turned right onto Engle Molers Road, where the historic Far Away Fam, was the site of battle on Septembr 20th.
Not a long adventure, but one worth taking the time to explore.
It is free to visit with no parking fees.
~Sarah