Battle of Folck's Mill

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Marker is located on the grounds of the Ali Ghan Shriner's Hall near I-68 exit 46, Cumberland, MD 21502

Battle of Folck's Mill

History: Late in July 1864, Confederate General John C. McCausland led two cavalry brigades northward into Pennsylvania and Maryland to attempt capturing Chambersburg and Cumberland and either collect a ransom or burn the towns. After burning Chambersburg on July 31, the next day his raiders rode toward Cumberland. Union General Benjamin F. Kelley quickly organized Cumberland's defenses. Once the forces arrived, a fight ensued for four and a half hours, until the Confederates finally left under the cover of darkness leaving campfires lit to deceive the Federals.

More to Explore: Nearby, Rocky Gap State Park is a beautiful mountain escape. The park features Lake Habeeb, 243 acres of waterfront for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Go camping, take a hike on the trails, or join a ranger-led nature program. The park also offers camper cabins and a house for rental. If roughing it isn't your style, stay at the Rocky Gap Resort on the park grounds and get a facial at the spa, or play a round of golf at the golf course. Surround yourself with Civil War history at a wood-fired pizzeria right off I-68 near Route 220 (Exit 46) that served as a Civil War hospital during the Battle of Folck's Mill.

Photo Credits:

  1. "Folck’s Mill Photo Neg 3-5." Photo courtesy of Allegany County Historical Society.
  2. "General Benjamin Franklin Kelley, U.S.A." Photo courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
  3. "Main Street – Looking West Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., Destroyed by the rebels under McCausland, July 30th, 1864." Photo courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
  4. "Group at Cumberland, May, 1862." Photo courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.