Hagerstown Ransom

Address: 
Intersection of North Potomac Street (Maryland Route 65) and West Washington Street (U.S. 40), on the left when traveling south on North Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD 21740

Hagerstown Ransom

History: On July 6th, 1864, Confederate Cavalry General John McCausland and his 1,500 troops demanded a ransom of $20,000 from Hagerstown, or the town would be burned. Three local banks gave up the money, underwritten by the town council. After the war, a tax repaid the banks.

More to Explore: While in Hagerstown, expand your horizons and explore fine art, history, architecture and culture. The Jonathan Hager House offers guided tours of the early 18th-century home, built from uncut fieldstones and styled in the German tradition. The Washington County Museum of Fine Art holds a collection of 6,000 objects, paintings, sculpture and decorative arts focusing on 19th century and early 20th century American Art. The C&O Canal National Historical Park offers hiking and biking on the C&O Canal Towpath Trail, in addition to fishing tours for those intrigued by the canal's rich history. Nearby, the C&O Canal Byway weaves together quaint railroad and canal towns along the canal route and provides scenic views of the Potomac River.

Photo Credits:

  1. “John McCausland, Confederate General.”