June 2023 -- Shepherdstown (West Virginia) is located along the Potomac River. From Shepherdstown, Mom and I have often driven down the West Virginia side of the Potomac River. It is very historic and scenic. Sometimes we end where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet.
On the Potomac
The James Rumsey Bridge was built in 1939. It replaced a previous toll bridge destroyed by flood in 1936. The bridge connects Washington County, Maryland, with Shepherdstown via Route 34. It was named for local inventor James Rumsey.
James Rumsey Bridge, c. 1939
Stone pillars; remnants of an old bridge
The James Rumsey monument overlooks the Potomac in Shepherdstown. James Rumsey is credited with inventing the steam boat. The 75-foot monument was completed in 1915.
James Rumsey Monument, c. 1915
Banks of the river
Pack Horse Ford is a historic crossing point of the Potomac River. It is located about one mile from Shepherdstown. It was a crossing for Native Americans and colonialists. During the Civil War, it was used by military forces during the 1862 Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg).
Tiny rafters in the river
Catch anything?
There are ruins near the Potomac River and Shepherdstown. They are from an old cement factory: Potomac Cement Mill or Boteler's Mill. They were crucial sites during the Civil War battle.
Ruins of a cement mill along the river
More ruins
Office building
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Post created 07 May 2026
Post created 07 May 2026
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