Civil War Sites Advisory Commission

Battle Summaries

National Park Service

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Shepherdstown

CWSAC Reference #: WV016

Other Names: Boteler's Ford

Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)

Location: Jefferson County

Campaign: Maryland Campaign (September-October 1862)

Date(s): September 19-20, 1862

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Fitz John Porter [US]; Brig. Gen. William Pendleton and Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill [CS]

Forces Engaged: Brigades

Estimated Casualties: 625 total

Description: On September 19, a detachment of Porter's V Corps pushed across the river at Boteler's Ford, attacked the Confederate rearguard commanded by Brig. Gen. William Pendleton, and captured four guns. Early on the 20th, Porter pushed elements of two divisions across the Potomac to establish a bridgehead. Hill's division counterattacked while many of the Federals were crossing and nearly annihilated the 118th Pennsylvania (the "Corn Exchange Regiment"), inflicting 269 casualties. This rearguard action discouraged Federal pursuit. On November 7, President Lincoln relieved McClellan of command because of his failure to follow up Lee's retreating army. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside rose to command the Union army.

Result(s): Confederate victory

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Original Source: http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battles/wv016.htm

Last Updated: 2/26/1996

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(Source: Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report: Battle Summaries, published by the National Park Service.)