Fox’s Gap

Fox’s Gap was the scene of one of series of battles for control of the mountain passes in the Battle of South Mountain during the Maryland Campaign of 1862.

The Battle of Fox’s Gap started at 9:00 a.m. on September 14, 1862 when the Union IX Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Jesse L. Reno, attempted to dislodge the Confederates, led by Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland, who defended the mountain pass. The Union Kanawha Division, led by Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, ascended the Old Sharpsburg Road and attacked the Confederate right flank. Its assault broke the Confederate line, which was formed behind a stone wall on the crest of the mountain. Garland was mortally wounded. Cox withdrew to await reinforcements, however, rather than pursue the Confederates. The engagement was resumed in the early evening when the entire IX Corps attacked the Confederate position, which had been strengthened in the meantime. The Union army gained control of Fox’s Gap by 5:30 p.m. As night descended Union General Reno was killed while he examined the Confederate position. At about 10:00 p.m. General Lee ordered the Confederates to withdraw toward Sharpsburg. During the battle Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, future president of the United States, was wounded in the arm.