The Most Terrible Experience during the War: Stonewall Jackson’s Winter Campaign to Bath, Hancock, and Romney – Timothy R. Snyder

On July 27, local author Timothy R. Snyder will take a critical look at Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s controversial Bath-Romney Campaign, conducted in the winter of 1862. During the expedition, Jackson failed to achieve his objectives. Severe winter weather, an aggressive Union commander, and disgruntlement from a large portion of his command thwarted his plans. In the end, the Confederate high command intervened and reversed Jackson’s troop dispositions, which caused him to resign. The presentation will examine Jackson’s preparations and leadership during the campaign and the soundness of his decision to leave the majority of his army at Romney.

Timothy R. Snyder has a master’s degree in history from Shippensburg University. He is the author of Trembling in the Balance: the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal during the Civil War, which was published in 2011, and his most recent book, Stonewall Jackson’s Winter Operations: The Raids Against the C&O Canal and the Bath-Romney Campaign, which was published this year by Savas Beatie. He lives in Hagerstown, MD.

Come join leading historians and scholars as they discuss intriguing topics about their latest works and research on the Maryland Campaign and the Civil War during the Antietam Institute’s Civil War Summer Lecture Series. See the complete 2026 schedule.

These indoor programs are held in McKinley Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 209W Main Street with a small parking area off the alley. More parking is available on Main and Hall Streets. These lectures are free and open to the public. Each week, the Antietam Institute holds a drawing in which the proceeds support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates and changes to the schedule.