South Mountain State Battlefield hosts Civil War Encampment August 4-5

Author: ITP News Desk | Published: 07/29/2012 | 155 Views | Short URL: http://itpwv.com/local/n/9004

South Mountain State Battlefield is hosting “Confederates at Turner’s Gap” at the Dahlgren Chapel, near the South Mountain Inn located along Alt. 40, August 4 – 5, 2012.

“Confederates at Turner’s Gap” will feature living history programs and demonstrations that will discuss the life of the common Confederate soldier during the 1862 Maryland Campaign. Discover the importance of Turner’s Gap to both the Union and Confederate Armies and learn about the battle that happened here on September 14, 1862.

The event will take place on Saturday August 4th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday August 5th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The Battle of South Mountain, fought 150 years ago, was the pivotal climax of the 1862 Maryland Campaign. The Union victory here forced General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to alter its plans, and set the stage for the Battle of Antietam, fought three days later. Turner’s Gap is located along the National Road, and is one of several mountain gaps contested during the battle.

The site is handicap accessible; however, the event activities are situated on grassy areas that may prove difficult for some. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

South Mountain State Battlefield was created in 2001, and is Maryland’s first State Battlefield. In 2011, the battlefield was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Turner’s Gap is located near Dahlgren Chapel along Alternate Route 40, on the summit of South Mountain, across from the Old South Mountain Inn. For more information about this event or other South Mountain State Battlefield activities, please call 301-432-8065.

South Mountain Recreation Area, and the South Mountain State Battlefield, are members of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, and to see a calendar of events for the 150th Anniversary of the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam, along with re-enactments and living history activities, see: http://www.marylandmemories.com. There are scores of Civil War 150th Anniversary Events in Washington County during 2012!

The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help attract visitors to Hagerstown and Washington County. The CVB helps to create growth for the local economy by promoting, developing and expanding the local visitor industry.

Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area: http://www.heartofthecivilwar.org  and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area: http://hallowedground.org.