Battle of Hancock

Battle of Hancock
Part of the American Civil War
DateJanuary 5, 1862 (1862-01-05)–January 6, 1862 (1862-01-06)[1]
LocationWashington County, Maryland /
Morgan County, West Virginia
Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States United States (Union) Confederate States of America CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Frederick W. Lander[1] Thomas J. Jackson[1]
Casualties and losses
25[1]
Map of Hancock Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

The Battle of Hancock, also called the Romney Campaign,[1] was a battle fought during the Romney Expedition, occurred January 5–6, 1862, in Washington County, Maryland, and Morgan County, West Virginia, as part of Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's operations against the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad during the American Civil War.[1]

On January 1, 1862, Confederate general Stonewall Jackson led his men from Winchester to Bath in an attempt to disturb traffic on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Jackson's men reached the Potomac River opposite the garrisoned town of Hancock, Maryland on January 5, after a skirmish with Union soldiers.[1] Jackson's artillery opened fire on the town from Orrick's Hill but it resulted in only minor damage. Union garrison commander Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Lander refused to surrender to Jackson, who continued the bombardment for two days while unsuccessfully searching for a safe river crossing.[1] On January 7, the Confederate soldiers withdrew and set out for Romney, West Virginia.[1]

Preservation

The historic district of Hancock retains many buildings present in 1862, including two churches damaged during the Confederate artillery barrage. The town’s street configuration is unchanged and, from the canal, a view of the Confederate hilltop artillery position can be seen.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Battle Summary: Hancock, MD". National Park Service. Archived from the original on 25 April 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
  2. ↑ "Battle of Hancock" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 14 November 2016.

Coordinates: 39°41′45″N 78°10′37″W / 39.6957°N 78.1770°W / 39.6957; -78.1770


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