Saving the July 14, 1863, Falling Waters Battlefield

By George Franks · Originally published August 2021 · pp. 24–25

Falling Waters. The first question is always “which one”? The 1861 Battle of Falling Waters was fought in Virginia, now West Virginia, and is also known as the Battle of Hoke’s Run. The July 14, 1863, Battle of Falling Waters took place in Maryland nearly five miles from Williamsport. The Battle f Falling Waters 1863 Foundation, Inc., (BOFW1863), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in Maryland during 2014. Their mission is to save, preserve, and interpret the site of the Gettysburg Campaign’s final battle in Maryland.

Past BOFW1863F has worked with numerous organizations to save 3.5 acres of prime battlefield land from residential development. The organization partnered with the American Battlefield Trust, American Battlefield Preservation Program, Visit Hagerstown, the town’s convention and visitors bureau, Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, local officials, and other partner organizations to save the most historic land from further development. Additionally, the organization has held educational events to commemorate battle anniversaries in 2018 and 2019; due to the global pandemic, there was no 2020 event. These events included battlefield tours, demonstrations, educational displays, logo merchandise, books, and refreshments. During the 2016–2018 period, the organization worked with the late Edwin C. “Ed” Bearss and other historians, authors, and preservationists to encourage the American Battlefield Trust to purchase an additional 16 acres of pristine battlefield, plus the 1823 Daniel Donnelly House that was the centerpiece of the battle. The Donnelly House can be seen in the famous Edwin Forbes sketch of the battle. Unfortunately, the lobbying effort did not come to fruition. The Donnelly House remains in private hands and will remain private property for the foreseeable future.

Current Three projects have been the focus of the preservation organization’s board, members, supporters, and volunteers over the past two years. The first project is interpretive signage. BOFW1863F is working with Civil War Trails and Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area to place the first of what will be several interpretive signs on the saved and preserved 3.5 acres of battlefield. The second project is a modest guest parking area adjoining the battlefield’s preserved 3.5 acres. It will accommodate a tour bus and several cars including designated handicapped parking. BOFW1863F partnered with Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to help fund this essential project. The third and current project is an extensive study of the battlefield funded and managed by Preservation Maryland. That organization has led and managed the study of many factors regarding the physical battlefield, potential community impacts and The handwriting reads: “Gallant charge by two companies of the 6th Michigan on Tuesday morning on the rebel rearguard, near Falling Waters, where part of the rebel army crossed the Potomac. This charge was really a very brilliant and dashing affair. The cavalry numbering not more than fifty or sixty men, charged up a steep hill in the face of a terrific fire, went over the breast works and captured nearly the intire [sic] force of the enemy with two or three regimental battle flags. Our boys were at least two thirds of the men engaged killed and wounded, quite a number of the dead were lying inside the works. This charge deserves an illustration, as it is without exception the most brilliant charge that has been made. July 14th.” Edwin Forbes, artist. Library of Congress.

support, plans, and recommendations. The study’s output will serve in part as a roadmap for future projects. One goal since the preservation organization’s inception has been to open access to Gen. Robert E. Lee’s pontoon bridge crossing site on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Currently it is only accessible by walking or cycling nearly five miles down the National Park Service C&O Canal towpath from Williamsport. The end of Falling Waters Road in Maryland is closed; the alternative access is a private fish and game club property. Questions about gaining access are frequent.

Future Near term, BOFW1863F hopes to host a small commemorative event near the anniversary of the battle in July 2021. Visit our website and Facebook page for updates on the event.

Battle of Falling Waters 1863 Foundation Preserves Portion of “Retreat from Gettysburg” Battlefield in Maryland.

Additionally, we are planning to use technology for virtual and self-guided tours of the entire July 14, 1863, battlefield. Finally, we plan to expand our educational outreach with tours designed for school age children to augment their study of the American Civil War, Maryland history, and the Gettysburg Campaign. We have been honored to host tours, including those organized by the Smithsonian Institution, various Civil War authors and historians, including the late Ted Alexander and Ed Bearss, plus local, regional, and national organizations.

To learn more about how you can join or otherwise support the mission of the Battle of Falling Waters 1863 Foundation, visit our Facebook page (Save Falling Waters 1863 Battlefield) or contact us at fallingwatersmd1863@ gmail.com.