Stonewall Jackson at Dam 5
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Maryland became a border between the Confederacy and the Union. The Confederacy knew that the canal and railroad were important Union supply lines. Stonewall Jackson’s Brigade made several attempts to destroy Dam 5 and cripple the canal. On December 7, 1861, Confederate artillery “commenced throwing shells and shot at the dam and houses on the Maryland shore.” Jackson’s troops then tried digging a ditch to undermine the dam; Union troops fended off the attempt. On December 17 Jackson attacked again, and again Union forces prevailed. After minor dam repairs, boat traffic resumed on the canal.
Marker is on Dam 5 Road, on the left when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
