Maryland Monuments at Antietam
The monument to the 2nd Maryland Infantry Regiment (U.S.A.) is southeast of Sharpsburg at Burnside’s Bridge over Antietam Creek. (Burnside’s Bridge tour map) The monument was dedicated on May 30, 1900.
Monument to the 2nd Maryland Infantry at Antietam
The 2nd Maryland at Antietam
Lieutenant Colonel J. Eugene Duryea commanded the 2nd Maryland at the Battle of Antietam. He started the war in the 7th New York State Militia, then became an officer in the 5th New York Infantry. Duryea was transferred to the 2nd Maryland Infantry as lieutenant colonel in September of 1861. Its colonel, John Sommer, resigned in April of 1862 and Duryea took over command, although he was not promoted to colonel.
Lieutenant Colonel Duryea led the regiment in the assault on Burnside’s Bridge. Despite his efforts the attack failed, and the 2nd Maryland suffered 44% casualties. It could muster less than 100 men after the battle. Frustrated, and angry that Governor Bradford of Maryland had visited the battlefield but not the regiment or its hospital, Duryea resigned his commission five days after the battle.
Text from the monument
MARYLAND
2nd Md. Infantry
At 9:30 A.M. advanced on the stone bridge defended by Toombs’ Brigade and two batteries on the high ground beyond. Charged to within 100 yards of the bridge when, checked by the severity of the enemy’s fire, it took shelter along the bank of the stream and was engaged until 1:30 P.M. The Bridge being carried, it crossed to the hills and the battle beyond. Engaged, 187 men, loss-18 killed, 46 wounded, 3 missing
Location of the monument to the 2nd Maryland Infantry
The monument is southeast of Sharpsburg on the east side of Burnside’s Bridge across Antietam Creek. (39°27’02.7″N 77°43’53.6″W)