The following is a schedule of places where artists can paint at the site of interesting, but lesser known, activities of the Civil War. The intention is to find and let you know about places where you can paint on location. The hope is that by 2014, VAA will be able to have a North Gallery show commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War with paintings of local places accompanied by vignettes outlining their role in the Civil War. Some of the locations involve specific dates but many are available any time. You don't need to sign up (unless the notes specifically say that is required). You can choose to come alone, or arrange to come with a group of fellow painters. You do not need to be a member of VAA to participate (though we would love to have you as a member). Locations Maidstone Manor Plumb Grove Zion Cemetery Fairview Cemetery St. Thomas Episcopal Church Potomac River Dam #4 Potomac River Dam #5 Wilson General Store Christ Reformed Church Jacob Grove House Kretzer Home Philip Pry House Library Maidstone Manor Dates and Times September 10th 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rain Date September 11th 2011 Note: During the Berkeley County Historical House Tour. Directions Off Rt. 11 south from Potomac River, right on Grade Rd. Approximately 2 miles from the intersection of Grade Rd. and Rt. 11 to the driveway for Maidstone Manor. The driveway is at the crest of a hill on the left, just past Lockhouse Rd. (which will be on the right). View Map Note: During the House Tour, the driveway will be marked with signs. Parking and Amenities Park along the driveway; rest room in house will be open during tour. Convenience store at intersection of Grade Rd. and Rt. 11; McDonald's north on 11 at intersction of 901 History Home of noted artist William Robinson Leigh ("Sagebrush Rembrandt"); Leighs and Colstons served the Confederacy; house occupied by Union troops during the war - family possessions, including a 2,000+ book library, thrown out the windows; family subsequently lost the house due to war debts. Plumb Grove Dates and Times Every 3rd Saturday of the month June through October from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note: Not open 9/24/11 due to special event. Directions Interstate 70 W to Clear Spring exit toward Clear Spring. Becomes Martin St. Cross Rt 40 on Martin to Broadfording Rd.; left onto Broadfording; travel about 500 yds to Plumb Grove Driveway (marked with signs). View Map Note: Well worth seeing even if you don't paint here! Parking and Amenities Parking in driveway; plein air dates are days the house is open so there are rest room facilites on site. Food close by in Clear Spring. History The owners, Union supporters, were nonetheless slave holders. They switched flags depending on whether Union or Confederate soldiers were in vicinity. Townspeople moved valuables, livestock, and slaves into the mountains behind the town on the road beside the house when the area was threatened by soldiers. Note: The interior is beautifully furnished with local items, and is also available to paint for those who do not wish to paint outside. Gardens are planted with heritage plants, including roses, from the period. Zion Union Cemetery Dates and Times Any Time Directions At the end of Zion Lane off of West Fairview Ave., Mercersburg, PA. View Map Parking and Amenities Parking at cemetery; food and restrooms available in Mercersburg. History This old African-American cemetery is the final resting place of 13 soldiers from the famous 54th Massachusetts , one of the first official black units in the US during the Cvil War. This was the unit that gained fame in the assault on Fort Wagner (Battery Wagner) near Charleston on July 18, 1863, as depicted in the Academy Award winning movie "Glory". Fairview Cemetery Dates and Times Any Time Directions Intersection of Rt. 75 (Ft. Loudon Rd) & Rt. 16 (Buchanan Trail West),Mercersburg, PA View Map Parking and Amenities Parking at cemetery; restaurants and McDonalds available in Mercersburg. History Three confederate graves are located side by side in this cemetery: J. W. Alban, died 7/3/63 M. B.Locklin,died 7/9/63 W. H. Quaintance, died 8/28/63 The soldiers apparently died on the Southern retreat from Gettysburg. St. Thomas Episcopal Church Dates and Times Any Time Directions 2 East High Street Hancock, MD. View Map Parking and Amenities On street parking; restaurants available in Hancock (Hardees, Park n' Dine, Weavers). History Church was a hospital during the war and Union cannons were set up on the hill around the church. Cannon fire was exchanged with Stonewall Jackson's forces on the hill across the Potomac River in WV. Note: P. Buckley Moss, nationally known artist, recently visited and painted this church (and the church cat, Phoebe). Potomac River Dam #4 Dates and Times Any Time Directions From Rt 11 in Williamsport, turn southeast on Rt.68, then onto Rt 63. Go approx. 4 miles, turn right onto Dam #4 Rd. View Map Parking and Amenities Parking at the Canal Park site, NO facilites. Small restaurants available in Williamsport. History The C&O canal was one of the main arteries between the west and Washington and carried coal and food. In November and December, 1861, Stonewall Jackson determined he would disrupt canal traffic by destroying either Dam # 4 (which was the site of diversionary action) or Dam #5. Potomac River Dam #5 Dates and Times Any Time Directions From Rt. 11 in Williamsport, turn north onto Rt. 68, go approx. 5 miles and turn left onto Rt. 56, then in 1/2 mile, left onto Dam #5 Rd. View Map Parking and Amenities Parking at the Canal Park site, Portapot available. Small restaurants available in Williamsport. History In November and December 1861, Stonewall Jackson determined that he would disrupt canal traffic by destroying one of the Potomac River dams that are part of the canal system. This would leave the canal dry and useless over the winter. He chose Dam #5 because Dam #4 had been replaced in the 1850's with a masonry dam, while Dam #5 was still the more vulnerable old log-cragged and rock filled dam. Union forces on the MD side of the river fought with Stonewall Jackson's troops on the WV side from 12/9 through 12/20/61 as the latter made repeated efforts to disable the dam. On 12/9/61, the Confederates began digging a ditch around the end of the dam abutment, hoping to divert enough water around the dam to cause the dam to fail. By 12/21/61, Jackson was satisfied that he had crippled the structure, and he returned to Winchester. During his march there, Jackson climbed a persimmon tree to eat a persimmon, got stuck, and had to be helped out of the tree by his men. Wilson General Store Dates and Times Any Time Note: Store closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Directions 14921 Rufus Wilson Rd., Clear Spring, MD. Rt 40, West, just past Conococheague Creek, Clear Spriing, MD. View Map Parking and Amenities When store is open, food and restroom facilities available in the store. When closed, a McDonald's in Clear Spring is available. There is parking at the store. History This picturesque old-time, general store, post office (and one-room school house) was built in 1847 by Rufus Wilson. Both Union and Confederate troops are known to have stopped at the store as they marched along the National Road. Christ Reformed Church Dates and Times Any Time Directions 117 West Main Street Sharpsburg, MD View Map Note: There is a good vantage point to paint on the sidewalk across from the church. Parking and Amenities Shops and cafes in town offer food and rest room facilities. There is parking on the street. History Known as the German Reformed Church in 1862, Robert Douglas, father of Henry Kyd Douglas (of Ferry Hill) served as pastor here on two occasions. The church was used as a hospital for the troops of the 11th and 16th Connecticut. The latter regiment presented a lovely memorial window. Jacob Grove House Dates and Times Any Time Directions 100 West Main Street Sharpsburg, MD View Map Note: There is a good vantage point to paint on the sidewalk across the street near Bender's Tavern. Parking and Amenities Shops and cafes in town offer food and rest room facilities. There is parking on the street. History Here Lee held his Council of War on the night of September 17, 1862. Cannon balls remain in the west end of the house. Kretzer Home Dates and Times Any Time Directions 128 West Main Street Sharpsburg, MD View Map Note: There is a good vantage point to paint on the sidewalk across the street. Parking and Amenities Shops and cafes in town offer food and rest room facilities. There is parking on the street. History This stone house is where approximately 200 residents of Sharpsburg took refuge in the basement. Philip Pry House Dates and Times Any Time Directions On the left side of Rt. 34, approximately 2 miles east of the intersection of Rt. 65 and 34 in Sharpsburg. Prominent sign. View Map Parking and Amenities This is a park and medical museum. There are rest room facilities and parking available. History Served as the headquarters of George McClellan, who watched the battle of Antietam from here. General Edwin Sumner's entire Second Corps camped here. Charles B. Page of the Fourteenth Connecticut wrote: "The scene was weird and impressive. Hundreds of campfires were blazing as far as the eye could reach. Some of the men were cooking, some stretched upon the ground chatting, while others were enjoying a few hours of sleep." The house and barn were used as hospitals. Joseph Hooker, commander of the First Corps was wounded in the foot and brought here to be treated. General I. B. Richardson was also brought here after he was wounded. Richardson was visited by Abraham Lincoln on October 4, 1862, and died here. Library Dates and Times Any Time Directions Shepherdstown, WV View Map Note: Formerly the Market House Parking and Amenities Parking, food and restroom facilities in town. History Little information exists on confederate hospitals at Antietam. The bulk of Confederate medical records were consumed in the Richmond fire of April, 1865. After Lee's re-withdrawal across the Potomac, advancing Union forces found the worst cases left behind in various houses, barns and business places. The library (Market House) served as a hospital for retreating Confederate soldiers. For a while, prior to being moved into buildings in town, the wounded lay in the streets.
The following is a schedule of places where artists can paint at the site of interesting, but lesser known, activities of the Civil War. The intention is to find and let you know about places where you can paint on location. The hope is that by 2014, VAA will be able to have a North Gallery show commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War with paintings of local places accompanied by vignettes outlining their role in the Civil War.
Some of the locations involve specific dates but many are available any time. You don't need to sign up (unless the notes specifically say that is required). You can choose to come alone, or arrange to come with a group of fellow painters. You do not need to be a member of VAA to participate (though we would love to have you as a member).
September 10th 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rain Date September 11th 2011 Note: During the Berkeley County Historical House Tour.
Off Rt. 11 south from Potomac River, right on Grade Rd. Approximately 2 miles from the intersection of Grade Rd. and Rt. 11 to the driveway for Maidstone Manor. The driveway is at the crest of a hill on the left, just past Lockhouse Rd. (which will be on the right). View Map Note: During the House Tour, the driveway will be marked with signs.
Park along the driveway; rest room in house will be open during tour. Convenience store at intersection of Grade Rd. and Rt. 11; McDonald's north on 11 at intersction of 901
Home of noted artist William Robinson Leigh ("Sagebrush Rembrandt"); Leighs and Colstons served the Confederacy; house occupied by Union troops during the war - family possessions, including a 2,000+ book library, thrown out the windows; family subsequently lost the house due to war debts.
Every 3rd Saturday of the month June through October from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note: Not open 9/24/11 due to special event.
Interstate 70 W to Clear Spring exit toward Clear Spring. Becomes Martin St. Cross Rt 40 on Martin to Broadfording Rd.; left onto Broadfording; travel about 500 yds to Plumb Grove Driveway (marked with signs). View Map Note: Well worth seeing even if you don't paint here!
Parking in driveway; plein air dates are days the house is open so there are rest room facilites on site. Food close by in Clear Spring.
The owners, Union supporters, were nonetheless slave holders. They switched flags depending on whether Union or Confederate soldiers were in vicinity. Townspeople moved valuables, livestock, and slaves into the mountains behind the town on the road beside the house when the area was threatened by soldiers. Note: The interior is beautifully furnished with local items, and is also available to paint for those who do not wish to paint outside. Gardens are planted with heritage plants, including roses, from the period.
Any Time
At the end of Zion Lane off of West Fairview Ave., Mercersburg, PA. View Map
Parking at cemetery; food and restrooms available in Mercersburg.
This old African-American cemetery is the final resting place of 13 soldiers from the famous 54th Massachusetts , one of the first official black units in the US during the Cvil War. This was the unit that gained fame in the assault on Fort Wagner (Battery Wagner) near Charleston on July 18, 1863, as depicted in the Academy Award winning movie "Glory".
Intersection of Rt. 75 (Ft. Loudon Rd) & Rt. 16 (Buchanan Trail West),Mercersburg, PA View Map
Parking at cemetery; restaurants and McDonalds available in Mercersburg.
Three confederate graves are located side by side in this cemetery:
J. W. Alban, died 7/3/63
M. B.Locklin,died 7/9/63
W. H. Quaintance, died 8/28/63
The soldiers apparently died on the Southern retreat from Gettysburg.
2 East High Street Hancock, MD. View Map
On street parking; restaurants available in Hancock (Hardees, Park n' Dine, Weavers).
Church was a hospital during the war and Union cannons were set up on the hill around the church. Cannon fire was exchanged with Stonewall Jackson's forces on the hill across the Potomac River in WV. Note: P. Buckley Moss, nationally known artist, recently visited and painted this church (and the church cat, Phoebe).
From Rt 11 in Williamsport, turn southeast on Rt.68, then onto Rt 63. Go approx. 4 miles, turn right onto Dam #4 Rd. View Map
Parking at the Canal Park site, NO facilites. Small restaurants available in Williamsport.
The C&O canal was one of the main arteries between the west and Washington and carried coal and food. In November and December, 1861, Stonewall Jackson determined he would disrupt canal traffic by destroying either Dam # 4 (which was the site of diversionary action) or Dam #5.
From Rt. 11 in Williamsport, turn north onto Rt. 68, go approx. 5 miles and turn left onto Rt. 56, then in 1/2 mile, left onto Dam #5 Rd. View Map
Parking at the Canal Park site, Portapot available. Small restaurants available in Williamsport.
In November and December 1861, Stonewall Jackson determined that he would disrupt canal traffic by destroying one of the Potomac River dams that are part of the canal system. This would leave the canal dry and useless over the winter. He chose Dam #5 because Dam #4 had been replaced in the 1850's with a masonry dam, while Dam #5 was still the more vulnerable old log-cragged and rock filled dam. Union forces on the MD side of the river fought with Stonewall Jackson's troops on the WV side from 12/9 through 12/20/61 as the latter made repeated efforts to disable the dam. On 12/9/61, the Confederates began digging a ditch around the end of the dam abutment, hoping to divert enough water around the dam to cause the dam to fail. By 12/21/61, Jackson was satisfied that he had crippled the structure, and he returned to Winchester. During his march there, Jackson climbed a persimmon tree to eat a persimmon, got stuck, and had to be helped out of the tree by his men.
Any Time Note: Store closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
14921 Rufus Wilson Rd., Clear Spring, MD. Rt 40, West, just past Conococheague Creek, Clear Spriing, MD. View Map
When store is open, food and restroom facilities available in the store. When closed, a McDonald's in Clear Spring is available. There is parking at the store.
This picturesque old-time, general store, post office (and one-room school house) was built in 1847 by Rufus Wilson. Both Union and Confederate troops are known to have stopped at the store as they marched along the National Road.
117 West Main Street Sharpsburg, MD View Map Note: There is a good vantage point to paint on the sidewalk across from the church.
Shops and cafes in town offer food and rest room facilities. There is parking on the street.
Known as the German Reformed Church in 1862, Robert Douglas, father of Henry Kyd Douglas (of Ferry Hill) served as pastor here on two occasions. The church was used as a hospital for the troops of the 11th and 16th Connecticut. The latter regiment presented a lovely memorial window.
100 West Main Street Sharpsburg, MD View Map Note: There is a good vantage point to paint on the sidewalk across the street near Bender's Tavern.
Here Lee held his Council of War on the night of September 17, 1862. Cannon balls remain in the west end of the house.
128 West Main Street Sharpsburg, MD View Map Note: There is a good vantage point to paint on the sidewalk across the street.
This stone house is where approximately 200 residents of Sharpsburg took refuge in the basement.
On the left side of Rt. 34, approximately 2 miles east of the intersection of Rt. 65 and 34 in Sharpsburg. Prominent sign. View Map
This is a park and medical museum. There are rest room facilities and parking available.
Served as the headquarters of George McClellan, who watched the battle of Antietam from here. General Edwin Sumner's entire Second Corps camped here. Charles B. Page of the Fourteenth Connecticut wrote: "The scene was weird and impressive. Hundreds of campfires were blazing as far as the eye could reach. Some of the men were cooking, some stretched upon the ground chatting, while others were enjoying a few hours of sleep." The house and barn were used as hospitals. Joseph Hooker, commander of the First Corps was wounded in the foot and brought here to be treated. General I. B. Richardson was also brought here after he was wounded. Richardson was visited by Abraham Lincoln on October 4, 1862, and died here.
Shepherdstown, WV View Map Note: Formerly the Market House
Parking, food and restroom facilities in town.
Little information exists on confederate hospitals at Antietam. The bulk of Confederate medical records were consumed in the Richmond fire of April, 1865. After Lee's re-withdrawal across the Potomac, advancing Union forces found the worst cases left behind in various houses, barns and business places. The library (Market House) served as a hospital for retreating Confederate soldiers. For a while, prior to being moved into buildings in town, the wounded lay in the streets.