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The Civil War in Frederick County: A Journey Through History

Kendall Ward

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Published in History Of Western Maryland: Vol 2: The Civil War Frederick County

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Frederick County, Maryland, was a border county during the American Civil War. As such, it was the scene of significant military activity throughout the conflict. The county's location between the Union capital of Washington, D.C., and the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, made it a strategic prize for both sides.

History of Western Maryland: Vol. 2: The Civil War, Frederick County

by J. Thomas Scharf

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Civil War began in April 1861, and Frederick County quickly became a battleground. In June 1861, Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee invaded the county and occupied the town of Frederick. Union forces under General George B. McClellan soon arrived to drive out the Confederates. The two armies clashed in a series of battles throughout the county, including the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam.

The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. Over 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The battle ended in a draw, but it did persuade Confederate General Lee to withdraw his army from Maryland. This victory gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in Confederate-held territory.

Frederick County continued to be a battleground throughout the war. In June 1863, Confederate forces under General Jubal Early invaded the county and burned the town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Union forces under General George Meade pursued Early's army and defeated it at the Battle of Monocacy. This victory prevented Early from invading Washington, D.C.

The Civil War ended in April 1865, and Frederick County was finally able to rebuild. The county's economy and infrastructure had been devastated by the war, but its people were determined to rebuild their lives.

Today, Frederick County is a thriving community. The county's history is still evident in its many historic sites, including the Antietam National Battlefield, the Monocacy National Battlefield, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. These sites offer visitors a chance to learn about the county's role in the Civil War and its impact on the nation.

Timeline of the Civil War in Frederick County

* **April 1861:** Confederate forces invade Frederick County and occupy the town of Frederick. * **June 1861:** Union forces under General George B. McClellan arrive to drive out the Confederates. * **September 17, 1862:** The Battle of Antietam is fought, ending in a draw. * **June 1863:** Confederate forces under General Jubal Early invade Frederick County and burn the town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. * **July 1863:** Union forces under General George Meade defeat Early's army at the Battle of Monocacy. * **April 1865:** The Civil War ends.

The Impact of the Civil War on Frederick County

The Civil War had a profound impact on Frederick County. The county's economy and infrastructure were devastated by the war. Many homes and businesses were destroyed, and the county's population declined. The war also divided the county along political and social lines.

After the war, Frederick County began the long process of rebuilding. The county's economy slowly recovered, and new industries were established. The county's population also began to grow again. However, the scars of the war remained. The county was still divided along political and social lines, and many families had lost loved ones in the conflict.

Today, Frederick County is a thriving community. The county's history is still evident in its many historic sites, but the county has also moved on from the Civil War. The county is now a diverse and welcoming community, and it is proud of its role in American history.

The Civil War was a defining event in American history, and Frederick County played a significant role in the conflict. The county was a battleground throughout the war, and its people suffered greatly. However, the county also showed great resilience, and it eventually rebuilt from the devastation of the war. Today, Frederick County is a thriving community, and it is proud of its role in American history.

History of Western Maryland: Vol. 2: The Civil War, Frederick County

by J. Thomas Scharf

4.6 out of 5