Historic Keller House & the Battle of Funkstown

One of the most interesting trips we have taken in recent years was undoubtedly our week-long stay in a Civil War Hospital. Now I know what you’re thinking- how is that even possible!? Well thankfully, historic Keller House in Funkstown, Maryland, which was used as a field hospital after the Battle of Funkstown on July 10, 1863, now operates as an Air BnB! During a beautiful spring fraught by the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought an escape- Keller House fit the bill perfectly.

We had no idea what would be in store for that week, but it ended up being an absolute blast. But before we dive into our experience, a quick history of the Keller House and the Battle of Funkstown is in order.

History of the Keller House & the Battle of Funkstown

Alongside the meandering Antietam Creek in western Maryland sits a small community with the peculiar name of “Funkstown.” In fact, it is named for its founder, Jacob Funk, who established the town in 1767. Over the next 23 years, he helped it grow into a thriving community, before he left for Kentucky in 1790. From then on, it would forever be known as “Funk’s Town.”

What is today known as the “Keller House” was built by successful merchant Lewis Repp (married to local Julia Ann Sheneberger) around 1860 along Baltimore Street. This stunning brick house immediately became an “ornament to the town” and was admired by all. It was here that Lewis, Julia, and their four children lived for over three peaceful years, before the Civil War quite literally reached their doorstep.

After the Confederate defeat in the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee’s army retreated through Maryland enroute to its native Virginia. This retreat took the southern troops through Funkstown and on July 10, 1863, some of them made a stand against the pursuing Union soldiers. This battle pitted Union troops under command of General John Buford against Confederate soldiers and calvary under command of Major General J. E. B. Stuart. Most of the fighting raged just east of town, although Baltimore Street (Funkstown’s main street) and the surrounding homes witnessed the carnage firsthand. By nightfall, the Confederate soldiers successfully held off the Union attack, which allowed the main army to retreat further south.

When the gun smoke settled, there were 479 casualties between the two sides. Dead and dying soldiers were brought to the town square, where today’s Keller House stands. The Chaney House (located across the street from Keller House) was used as a hospital and the front yards of both homes were used to tend to the wounded men.

While the large Chaney House was used as a field hospital, the elegant, but small home of Lewis Repp (Keller House) may have been used for the wounded Confederate Major Henry D. McDaniel. Interestingly, Major McDaniel would survive, but serve the remainder of the war in a Union prisoner-of-war camp. After the war, he served as the 52nd Governor of Georgia from 1883 – 1886!

Perhaps it was the carnage of war or simply the promise of opportunities back in Leitersburg, but Lewis Repp sold his stately brick home in early 1864 to Doctor Nathan Toby of Hagerstown for the sum of $2,100. Over the next 12 years, the house changed owners a handful of times until Solomon Keller and his wife purchased it in 1876 (the home’s namesake). After Solomon and his wife died in 1899 and 1902 respectively, their son, C. Harry Keller, inherited the home.

It wasn’t until 1961 (nearly 100 years after the Battle of Funkstown) that the Keller House was sold to the neighboring German Reformed Church. In 1976, a coupled named Greg and Victoria Sullivan purchased the home. Greg and Victoria cared for the home and made a few additions, to include a shed-style addition to connect the main house with the (formerly) disconnected summer kitchen. This was a welcome addition that the house more spacious, but did not take away from the grandeur of the two-and-one-half story, three bay wide main house. Additionally, Greg & Victoria own Hudson House Antiques, which occupies the historic Chaney House across the street.

In 2019, the Keller House was sold to Benjamin Tinsley and Thomas Freeman, who have carried on the legacy of the Sullivans by preserving the historic home. Thankfully, they opened up this architectural treasure for the public to enjoy and offer it as a very unique Air BnB.

Our Visit & Recommendations

Based on the reviews alone, when we booked our stay in the Keller House with my sister and brother-in-law, we knew we were in for a fun and memorable experience! None of us had explored western Maryland before, so we looked forward to all that the region has to offer. Since we were all arriving from different states, our journeys began with a long road trip, made even more interesting with our dogs in tow (yes, Keller House is dog friendly!).

As we cruised into town on East Baltimore Street, Funkstown’s quaint charm and history were on full display. Dozens of 18th and 19th-century buildings line main street and the quiet nature of the town was accentuated by a distinct lack of people out and about. After but a moment driving down the road, we arrived at 32 East Baltimore Street: the Keller House.

When the Keller House was built in 1860, it was noted for its elegance. Today, it remains the most beautiful house on Baltimore Street and still catches the eye- we couldn’t believe that this would be our home for the next week! We were so excited that before unloading our vehicle, we went into the house to explore, which is what I imagine everyone else usually does (and why wouldn’t you?).

Just as you enter the front door, you are greeted by a cozy entrance hall, which leads you either up the stairs to the second floor or off to the left into the living room (the room that Major McDaniel may have been treated following the Battle of Funkstown). As we toured the house, we were drawn by the unique allure of each room. Nearly every space is furnished with antique furniture, paintings, and all the trappings of a modest 19th-century mansion; however, it maintains a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The addition, which connects the main house to the former summer kitchen (now a bedroom), is essentially the only “modern” room, with a comfortable couch, table, and television.

Needless to say, we were very impressed by the Keller House and could not wait to enjoy a peaceful week in the historic home! As if the interior weren’t enough, there is also an outside entertaining area, complete with a grill and even a pool (we took full advantage of these awesome amenities). There is a nearby grocery store where anything you need can be purchased to make meals throughout the week.

While Funkstown is a fairly “sleepy” town, that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do! We visited Hudson House Antiques, which occupies the historic Chaney House across the street (it is owned by Greg & Victoria Sullivan, who used to own the Keller House). Additionally, Funkstown Memorial Park and Battlefield is just a short walk down the street, which offers tennis & basketball courts, swing sets, a ballfield, and a preserved portion of the battlefield.

Perhaps our favorite local spot that we visited was Blue Mountain Wine Crafters, located just a few steps from the Keller House. They offer a wide variety of wines and have an inviting outdoor “wine garden,” where live music is performed on occasion. We had a blast trying the various types of wines (some with unique flavor profiles), chatting with the locals and getting recommendations from the staff, and enjoying the talented guitarist who was performing. Oh- and they even offer wine slushies to go!

As relaxing and enjoyable as the Keller House and Funkstown were, we planned a few day trips to explore the area. Funkstown actually sits amidst one of the most exciting regions of our country, with seemingly countless battlefields, historic sites, and unique places to visit. Near Funkstown is the Hagerstown Premium Outlet Mall, which offers a wide-variety of stores to shop at. Additionally, Hagerstown is only 10 minutes north, which is a much larger town offering numerous restaurants and shops.

For the history buff (like myself), Antietam National Battlefield is about 20 minutes south of Funkstown, while the Williamsport C&O Canal (along with the C&O Canal National Historic Park Headquarters) is 15 minutes to the west. Personally, we planned day trips to Antietam National Battlefield, Gettysburg National Battlefield, Harper’s Ferry, Boonsboro to see the Washington Monument, and even all the way to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Truly, there are so many places to visit in the area!

Is Keller House Haunted?

So we are not necessarily the kind of people who seek out (or believe in) haunted houses; however, due to its age and role it played during the deadly Battle of Funkstown, the Keller House would presumably be a prime candidate for a haunting.

While we didn’t experience flickering lights, disembodied voices, or heavy ghostly footsteps during our stay, we didn’t leave empty-handed. Generally, there is a deeply interesting vibe within the house- something we could not quite put our finger on. Perhaps it is just the creaking walls of the old house…or perhaps it is something more.

During our week stay, there was only one incident that left us a bit perplexed and dare I say, a tad frightened. After a fun first day in the house, we settled in for a night of much-needed rest. Cher and I stayed in the bedroom that occupies the former summer kitchen (which was creepy in its own right), while my sister and brother-in-law stayed in one of the upstairs bedrooms in the main house. It was they who experienced something quite odd in the middle of the night. At some point, one of the bedroom doors, which was completely shut, began to move. In the words of my brother-in-law: “the door to our bedroom opened of its own accord.” Okay- so it isn’t like a plate got thrown across the room or someone spoke to us from beyond the grave- but it was quite freaky!