Battle of Old Town (U.S. Civil War 1864 Valley Campaign) facts for kids

The Battle of Old Town was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on August 2, 1864, near Old Town, Maryland, along the Potomac River. This battle was part of a larger plan by the Union (American Civil War) army to stop Confederate States Army raiders led by Brigadier John McCausland.

What Led to the Battle of Old Town?

Before this battle, Confederate forces under Lieutenant General Jubal Early had ordered Brigadier McCausland to attack and burn Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. This was a very serious event. After carrying out these orders, McCausland's raiders were trying to get back to their own lines.

The Union army wanted to trap McCausland's soldiers. They gathered their forces and took control of high ground near Old Town, Maryland. Their goal was to block the Confederates' escape route.

The Battle Begins

As McCausland's Confederate raiders, who were part of the Army of Northern Virginia, tried to move past Old Town, they found themselves in a dangerous situation. The Union forces were ready to close in on them. It looked like the Confederates might be caught.

A Heroic Shot Saves the Day

During this tense moment, a brave act changed everything. Lieutenant John R. McNulty of the Maryland Line (CSA), who was part of the Baltimore Light Artillery, was supporting Brigadier Bradley Tyler Johnson’s 1st Maryland Infantry, CSA.

Lieutenant McNulty aimed one of his artillery cannons at the Union forces. He fired a single, incredibly accurate shot from a very close distance. This shot was so well-placed and powerful that it helped McCausland's troops escape the trap.

This amazing shot was later called "one of the most brilliant achievements of the war." It allowed the Confederate raiders to get away safely, preventing them from being captured by the Union army.