The monument to the 1st Maryland Battery (C.S.A.) is in the town of Stephenson, Virginia at the intersection of Martinsburg Pike (U.S. 11) and Stephenson Road (see map and directions below). It is next to the Action at Stephenson’s Depot Virginia historical marker. The site of the battle is south of town at the location of the Stephenson Depot – “The Thermopylae of my campaign” wayside marker.
The monument commemorates the role of the 1st Maryland Battery (C.S.A.) in the 1863 Battle of Stephenson’s Depot. In the the pre-dawn battle two cannon from the 1st Maryland Battery held off the Union army that was trying to retreat from their surrounded and outnumbered position in Winchester. Repeatedly attacked, the Marylanders lost 13 of their 16 men killed or wounded before reinforcements arrived. The Union army was unable to break free and dissolved in confusion, losing half its strength and 23 cannon captured. See the Stephenson Depot – “The Thermopylae of my campaign” wayside marker for more of the story.
From the monument:
I regard this as the Thermopylae of my campaign
Gen. R. E. Lee
Although very difficult to make out, the names of the 13 men killed and wounded from the battery are listed on the bottom of the bronze tablet.
Location and Directions
The marker and monument are on the east side of Martinsburg Pike (US11) just south of Stephenson Road (route 664) in front of the Emmanual United Methodist Church. (39°14’19.3″N 78°06’30.1″W)