About John A. Miller

As a child, history had always intrigued me and I carried that interest into my adult life when I became a volunteer at the Monocacy National Battlefield in 1996, where the path to becoming an historian began. In 1999, I was appointed as the Civil War Historian for the Emmitsburg District serving all of Northern Frederick County, Maryland. In 2009, I was appointed as the Civil War Historian for Washington Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania (non-paid township staff position) being assigned to the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park. I am currently contracted by the South Mountain State Battlefield as an Interpreter and Seasonal Ranger where I have worked seasonally since 2008.

Over the course of the last fifteen years, I have volunteered at numerous historical sites and museums located in both Maryland and in Pennsylvania. I currently sit on the 150th Sesquicentennial Committee of Franklin County, Pennsylvania and Waynesboro, Pennsylvania as a Historical Advisor and a Education Coordinator. In Maryland, I also sit on a advisory board as one of several individuals as a Civil War historian. I am an avid living historian with more than 13 years of experience. I enjoy interpreting Civil War history and giving presentations to the public or working with other journalist, authors and community organizations serving as their historical advisor. Some of these projects have included documentaries of the local area.

I author a monthly column in the Emmitsburg News-Journal, and I have written many articles over the ten years and in 2008, I had my first book published entitled “The Battle of Monterey Pass, Pennsylvania’s Second Largest Battle.” I am also in process of putting my next book together about the Civil War history of Emmitsburg, Maryland.

War Returns to South Mountain is a very important tool to me. It is here where I can educate the reader about the importance of South Mountain whether it is the Maryland Campaign, the Pennsylvania Campaign or Early's Maryland Campaign. There is so much Civil War history that is overlooked by many when it comes to South Mountain and this blog serves as a portral for those who are learning or to those who are interested in South Mountain. A mountain that I respect and one that I love when it comes to it’s natural resources as well as history. Standing behind me all the way is my wife Alicia who without her support, none of this would be possible. To my dearest wife, I say thank you for all that you do to help me succeed.

DISCLAIMER: My personal opinions in this blog in no way reflect the policies set forth by the Maryland Park Service/Department of Natural Resources or Washington Township nor does it represent those employed by both agencies.

Citing this blog: Miller, John A., “The Entry.” War Returns to South Mountain. Date of article and date of access and copy the link.