01 - Welcome
American Civil War
Maryland is often termed the “Crossroads of the Civil War” and this is particularly true in Southern Maryland. The region, as with the nation, was in conflict with itself, and held Confederate sympathizers as well as a training ground for African American soldiers who fought for the Union.
Southern Maryland is also where the assassin John Wilkes Booth fled after killing President Abraham Lincoln. Follow the path and sites of this escape here.
Civil War sites to visit in Southern Maryland include:
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House and Museum
John Wilkes Booth stopped here on his flight from justice after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln. Dr. Mudd treated Booth, setting his broken leg. History continues to debate Dr. Mudd’s role in the plot to kill Lincoln: some say he was part of the conspiracy; others claim he was an innocent caught up in Booth’s plan. Visit the museum and decide for yourself. Many of the costumed tour leaders are direct descendants of Dr. Mudd.
Point Lookout State Park
More than 50,000 Confederate prisoners were held at Point Lookout prison camp, many of whom died due to the harsh conditions, or drowned in futile attempts to escape by swimming the mouth of the Potomac River to Virginia. This was also the site of the Union’s Hammond Hospital. Interestingly, Point Lookout is now considered by many to be one of the most haunted places in America. Visit the museum on the site to learn more.
Historic Sotterley
Dating from the early 18th century, this former tobacco plantation was dependent on slaves. One original slave cabin, dating from the 1830’s survives. The interpretive program at historic Sotterley incorporates the Civil War Era and includes the story of the Kane Family’s time when they were enslaved at Historic Sotterley. The Kane family is one of the stories told as an element of the Descendants Project at Historic Sotterley. Sotterley has been designated as a part of the UNESCO slave route project.
Camp Stanton
This former Union encampment was established in 1863 for the recruitment and training of black soldiers, some who had recently escaped enslavement. In August 1863, Camp Stanton was established in Benedict, MD, for the purposes of recruiting and training African American men for the Union Army. The 7th, 9th, 19th and 30th Colored Infantries were formed and trained at Camp Stanton. Existing muster and bounty rolls for the 7th Regiment reveal name, former owner, date of enrollment and the place of origin for the soldiers. The site is now owned by the Maryland Department of Resources and consists of a historical marker and fields.
