Brady's Crossing

History: Before Confederate Captain John H. McNeill arrived in Cumberland to capture Union Generals George Crook and Benjamin Kelley, McNeill and his 66 partisan rangers descended Knobly Mountain and stopped briefly at the residence of Felix R. Seymour, a Southern sympathizer. Afterwards, they crossed the icy waters of the Potomac River and stopped at Samuel D. Brady's house just north of this marker. Brady was a wealthy farmer, a large landowner, and a Confederate supporter. While visiting, McNeill learned of Federal troop dispositions in the vicinity from John Brady, Samuel Brady's son, and another Southern sympathizer George Staunton. After hearing the reports, McNeill proceeded to Cumberland via New Creek Road to capture General Crook and General Kelley.

More to Explore: Nearby, Dan's Mountain State Park is equipped with a large, recycled-tire playground and plenty of open space for picnicking and hiking. Dan's Mountain offers an impressive, Olympic-sized swimming pool with water slides. Dan's Rock Overlook Park, near the town of Midland, has a breath-taking view of the Allegany Mountains, the Potomac River and neighboring West Virginia. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Photo Credits:

1. "Panoramic View of Cumberland." Photo courtesy of Allegany County Historical Society.
2. "B&O Railroad Competing with the C&O Canal for Passengers and Freight." Photo courtesy of Allegany County Historical Society.