Land at Battle of Shepherdstown Preserved-- Part 2: The Battle, September 19-20, 1862

"A little over 160 years ago, on September 19-20, 1862,  Shepherdstown's churches, businesses and homes were overwhelmed with wounded and dying Confederate soldiers from the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam," Michael Nickerson said in an e-mail.  

"As the town's people frantically scurried to save lives, Union and Confederate forces entered a deadly clash just southeast of town, near the Potomac River and the bluffs and fields along present-day River and Trough Roads.

""By the close of the battle, some 677 soldiers were killed or wounded, and Confederate  General Robert E. Lee, now blocked from advancing his troops back into Maryland at Williamsport, called off his campaign [the Antietam Campaign], retreating deeper into northern Virginia.

"In 2004, another conflict ensued -- the battle to preserve  the Shepherdstown Battlefield," Nickerson said, mentioning  the newer battle was  waged between land developers and local citizens.

"Plans had begun  to develop a large portion of the site, by building 125 houses [on Shepherdstown Battlefield].  Residents and concerned citizens banded together to protect the historic integrity of the area."

--Old Secesh