McNeill's Raid

Address: 
Intersection of Baltimore Street and Queen City Drive, Cumberland, MD 21502

McNeill's Raid

History: During the predawn darkness of February 21, 1865, Confederate Captain John Hanson McNeill and his partisan rangers rode into Cumberland to capture two Federal generals: General Benjamin F. Kelley and General George Crook. General Kelley was awoken from his bed, ordered to dress, and marched downstairs. Other rangers occupied the Revere House and knocked on General Crook's locked door. General Crook invited them inside, and ranger Joseph Vandiver entered with a pistol in hand. McNeill's daring raid stunned Federal officials, who quickly arranged a prisoner exchange for the two generals.

More to Explore: Baltimore Street in Cumberland is the heart of Cumberland's Historic District and Arts and Entertainment District, featuring cultural attractions like the Saville Gallery, Cumberland Theatre, Windsor Hall, Canal Place Heritage Area, and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. A wide range of restaurants and bars offer live music and outdoor dining on the Baltimore Street pedestrian mall. A full schedule of seasonal events include a Farmer's Market during summer and fall months, the Friday After Five music series, Saturday Art Walks, Shakespeare at Canal Place, an annual Plein Air painting event, and the Mountain Maryland Art Sale and Tour.

Photo Credits:

  1. "Baltimore Street." Photo courtesy of Allegany County Historical Society.
  2. "Captain John H. McNeill." Courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery.
  3. "General George Crook." Courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery.
  4. "General Benjamin F. Kelley." Courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery.