Newcomer House

Address: 
18422 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, MD 21756

Newcomer House

History: In mid-June 1864, Confederate Gen. Jubal A. Early’s corps drove Union Gen. David Hunter’s army into West Virginia after the Battle of Lynchburg. On June 23 Early launched an incursion through Maryland against Washington D.C. After crossing the Potomac River on July 6, Early detached Gen. Bradley T. Johnson’s cavalry brigade to attack eastward along with Maj. Harry Gilmor and his cavalry company, which fought several engagements near Baltimore. Union Gen. Lew Wallace delayed Early at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9 as Federal reinforcements sent from Petersburg strengthened the capital’s defenses. Despite failing to take Washington, Early’s invasion succeeded in diverting Federal resources.

More to Explore: Built in the 1780s, the historic Newcomer House at Antietam National Battlefield is the site of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor Center. This is a good place to get an orientation to the Civil War sites and stories in the region. During your visit, explore the Antietam National Battlefield with a Park Ranger, take a self-guided auto-tour, or stop by the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, which served as Union Commander General George B. McClellan’s headquarters during the battle. One of the exhibits inside the building includes a re-creation of an operating theatre.

Photo Credits:

  1. "Perspective view of south (front) – Newcomer Farm, House, Boonsboro Pike near Middle Bridge, Sharpsburg, Washington County, MD." Courtesy of Library of Congress.