Discovering Frederick's Rich Civil War History

 

 

Frederick, MD is a very important city in regards to Civil War history. Located near the Mason-Dixon line, the city played a pivotal role in the American Civil War.

Frederick is a great city to visit for tourists hoping to expand their knowledge of this important American war. There are many sites and events in the area which share in the goal of educating the public about the city’s role in the Civil War.

Despite recent budget cuts to the US National Park Service, the Monocacy Battlefield, located at 5201 Urbana Pike, continues to flourish.

The Battle of Monocacy, which took place on July 9, 1864, is considered to be one of the most important battles of the Civil War. Though it is much less famous in comparison to some of its nearby battlefields, like Gettysburg and Antietam, it is recognized as a crucial point during the war.

Phillip Matthews, who has volunteered at the battlefield for the last 12 years, referred to it as the “battle that saved Washington.”

Athough the Battle of Monocacy ended in a Confederate victory, it allowed Union s oldiers to thwart the attempt of General Lew Wallace and the confederates to continue their campaign to take Washington D.C. 

The battlefield’s visitor center features interactive exhibits that are intended to educate and entertain those who have an interest in American history. The center features a popular electronic map, several displays featuring historic artifacts, and a bookstore which sells Civil War memorabilia and literature.

There are multiple auto and walking tours which allow visitors to gain a better understanding of the conditions the soldiers had to deal with.

 

Matthews believes that the walking tours are the most eye-opening features of a visit to the Monocacy Battlefields, because the allow visitors to better relate to the conditions faced by those who fought in the Civil War.

“When you go to the battlefield, walk it sometime and see how the soldiers actually felt,” said Matthews.

The Visitor Center is open daily, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and there is no charge for entrance. 

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine, located on E Patrick Street, also illustrates the importance of the impact of Frederick on this significant period of time.

The nationally recognized museum is dedicated to educating the public about the Civil War and the impact that Frederick had on it.

The museum was established in 1990 by a group of scholars who wanted to share their interest in Civil War medical innovation with the public.

The museum focuses on medical, nursing, and surgical innovations that were first

used during the war and provides visitors with a better understanding of the significant medical advancements of this period in American history.

Visitors can also learn about important Frederick hospitals which played a pivotal role inhelping out with the war effort.

Amy Stewart, a Frederick native who has visited the museum on multiple occasions, believes that it provides education and entertainment to all types of visitors.

“I feel that the museum is appealing to everyone who visits; from the biggest history buffs to those who might only be visiting to do research for a paper, said Stewart.

The museum features exhibits and historic tools that provide an exciting approach to learning about Civil War Medicine.

Through demonstrating the importance of these medical advancements, the museum provides the public is with a better understanding about the role of Frederick and the importance of the war in general.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is open daily, and there is no charge for admission.

As we are in the heart of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, there are many upcoming local events being held to remember the events of this period and to honor all of the people who lost their lives during the bloody American conflict.

There are a large number of significant battles that took place in 1863, and those who are passionate about history should expect to see a lot of reenactments and tributes in Frederick and its surrounding areas this summer.

Steve Turkel, a local Civil War history buff who volunteers at the Monocacy Battlefield, referred to the area as “Civil War central,” and explained how exciting this time of year is as a reenactor.  

He explained that there are some smaller events that mostly attract those with a deep interest in the Civil War, but also many that attract thousands of reenactors and bystanders like the annual tributes held at the GettysburgBattlefields.

This summer, the “Heart of the Civil War” organization will host an event in downtown, Frederick which will the highlight the importance of the campaigns of 1863.

The event is scheduled for July 13 and 14, and will feature interactive exhibits and entertainment that will allow attendees to develop a clearer picture of what life was like for the people of Frederick during the war.

The event is intended for people all ages and levels of knowledge about the Civil War

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