Existing comment:
One of the four memorials in the park. The farm behind the memorials, however, is more important. This is the Best Farm. Other than being important in the Monocacy battle on 1864, it was also an important site in 1862. Lee, Jackson, and Longstreet's men camped here September 6-9 1862 on their way through Maryland. They had a restful time because the Union commander, George McClellan, was always so cautious. Here, Lee wrote up Order Number 191, which detailed how he'd split his forces so Jackson could take Harpers Ferry and the remainder could threaten various cities. One copy of the order was later found by Union troops who camped in the area afterward. The order was wrapped around some cigars. McClellan had Lee's troop disposition and advanced a little faster than normal. This led to the battle of Antietam.
During the battle of Monocacy, Stephen Dodson Ramseur's troops attacked the 300-odd skirmishers here before Early decided to find a way to flank the Union defenses. |