Very few firsthand accounts survive of African American experiences during the Civil War in western Maryland. One of them comes from the family of Rev. Daniel Ridout, an A.M.E. preacher for Frederick and Washington Counties. Living in Hancock at the beginning of the war, and then outside Burkittsville, this black family had many adventures before the Battle of South Mountain, which happened literally on their doorstep. This talk will focus on how the Ridouts–mother, father, and children–experienced the years 1859 to 1862, and especially the invasion of Maryland and the Battle of South Mountain. We’ll also learn about one of the Ridout sons who joined the United States Colored Troops.