Middletown

History: During their first invasion in the North, The Confederate Army marched through this strongly pro-Union town on September 10 and 11, 1862, just prior to the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. The steeple at Middletown's Christ Reformed Church served as a Union observation post on September 14, 1862, during the Battle of South Mountain. The Confederates retreated following Antietam, but Gen. Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia invaded the North again in 1863. The Union Army of the Potomac was in hot pursuit. Gen John F. Reynolds and his men of the Union left flank occupied the Middletown Valley and guarded the South Mountain passes against a Confederate advance. After the Battle of Gettysburg, most of the Union Army returned to pursue the retreating Confederates.

More to Explore: Middletown is not nearly as large or bustling as several neighboring cities, but many activities are available to enjoy in the area. Visit the Central Maryland Heritage League/Lamar Cultural Heritage Center to tour the center, see the restored Dahlgren Chapel or take a self-guided driving tour of Middletown and the South Mountain Battlefield, part of the Antietam Campaign. Scenic Gambrill State Park offers wonderful hiking and mountain biking trails, and Washington Monument State Park, home of the first monument erected to President George Washington, provides bird-watching as well as access to hiking trails.

Photo Credits: Photos of Middletown courtesy of Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc.