Jerusalem Mill

History: The arrival of a detachment of Confederate cavalrymen led by partisan Maj. Harry Gilmor sparked great excitement in Harford County during the summer of 1864. He and his troopers, mostly Marylanders, were part of a 12,000-man force under Gen. Jubal A. Early that entered their home state from Virginia's Shenandoah Valley earlier in July. Their purpose was to threaten the lightly defended city of Washington, D.C., in attempt to draw of part of the Union army menacing Richmond and Petersburg, Va.

Arriving here at the village of Jerusalem Mill, they "requisitioned" from David Lee's (now McCourtney's) Store "boots, shoes and other wearing apparel." They also seized Lee's horses. The Confederates then departed, soon rejoining the main body and returning to Virginia. Early's 1864 Maryland campaign failed to breach the capital's defenses, but it did lure substantial numbers of Federal troops away from Richmond and Petersburg to strengthen the Washington garrison.

More to Explore: Located on the banks of the little Gunpowder Falls, Historic Jerusalem Mill is a wonderful living history museum that the entire family can enjoy. Check out the blacksmith, gun, and carpentry shops to view demonstrations of traditional artisan techniques, and the McCourtney's General Store to pick up a souvenir. During the summer and early fall there are several fun events to attend including concerts, re-enactments, and craftsmen market fairs. If you love the outdoors, there is also plenty of hiking, fishing, mountain biking, bird-watching, and picnicking you can do in the surrounding area.

Photo Credits:

1. "Jerusalem Mills, Harford County, Maryland." Courtesy of Library of Congress.