Existing comment:
Backyard to Battleground:
Frederick citizens had become accustomed to soldiers in their community. Horrible battles had occurred at nearby Sharpsburg and Gettysburg, but Frederick had thus far remained unharmed.
"July 9, 1864
... The country through here is splendid, in fact far the finest farming country I have seen... How strange it seemed yesterday to see our soldiers in line of battle and our batteries engaged, while around us in every direction farmers and farm maids were peacefully although rather hurriedly gathering their crops and performing other rural duties."
-- Diary of Lieut. A.T. LaForge, 106 NY
The armies fought the Battle of Monocacy on farm fields just south of the town of Frederick.
On the morning of July 9, residents prepared for imminent battle by gathering crops, hiding personal possessions, and sending loved ones to safety. |