Libertytown: Hot, Humid and Worn Out

History: When the Army of the Potomac's II Corps broke camp south of Frederick in 1863, and marched on toward Libertytown, the dusty soldiers faltered under the late June heat. Salty sweat burned their eyes as they trudged northward. Gen. John Gibbon, who commanded the corps' Second Division, was a tough army officer, but he realized his volunteers needed to boost their spirits. Gibbon wanted the 19th Massachusetts Infantry glee club to sing! Col. Arthur F. Devereux ordered his singers to the front, where they broke into a rousing, morale-raising marching song. The effect was magical. Although Libertytown was their destination, some reinvigorated soldiers made it all the way to Uniontown before they stopped for the night.

More to Explore: About a 10 minute drive to the south on MD 75, you will find New Market, known as the antiques capital of Maryland. Enjoy unique and specialty gift shops and fine dining in this quaint historic town.

Photo Credits:

1. "Photograph of Federal officer Gen. John Gibbon"
2. ""Marching on!"—The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Colored Regiment singing John Brown’s March in the streets of Charleston, February 21, 1865. This drawing is not of Libertytown, but displays the use of song as way to heighten morale within military units of the Civil War."
3. "A pencil drawing of a Yankee volunteer" Photos courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.