Point of Rocks Bridge
Historic bridge over the Potomac River

Historic Site

Open to the public

Things to do and see
Point of Rocks Bridge is named for the striking rock formation it sits on top of, which is only visible from boats on the Potomac River, or from the southern bank of the river in Virginia. There is a boat ramp where the bidge and rocks may be viewed.

Location

Point of Rocks, MD
US 15 over the Potomac River

Contact information

On the Web

Point of Rocks Bridge

The area is named for the striking rock formation it sits on top of, which is only visible from boats on the Potomac River, or from the southern bank of the river in Virginia.

In July 1864, Confederate Colonel John Mosby, in support of General Jubal Early’s invasion of Maryland, crossed the bridge over the Potomac River from Virginia with 250 cavalry and attacked a Union garrison in Point of Rocks. The Union troops took cover on the other side of the C&O canal, until they were reinforced by Colonel Clendenin’s Cavalry. After a 30 minute exchange of gunfire, the Confederates went back across the Potomac to Virginia.

During the Civil War this was a dangerous area when Rebel snipers fired from Virginia across the Potomac River toward Point of Rocks.

Point of Rocks Bridge Historic bridge over the Potomac River

Point of Rocks Bridge
Historic bridge over the Potomac River