Battle of Frederick: “The Best Little Battle of the War”

History: As Confederate Gen. Jubal A. Early’s army approached Frederick, a make-shift force under Union Gen. Lew Wallace blocked the Confederate cavalry from occupying the town on July 7. Wallace had assembled the Federal force at Monocacy Junction, about three miles south, and then ordered the units here. The fight began at about 4 P.M. when Frederick native Gen. Bradley T. Johnson approached with the Confederate army.

After darkness ended the fighting, the Federals held their position until the next night and then withdrew to Monocacy Junction when the rest of Early’s army approached. Wallace was pleased with his men’s performance here. “Think I have had the best little battle of the war,” he reported. “Our men did not retreat, but held their own. The enemy were repulsed three times.”

On July 9, at the Battle of Monocacy, Wallace’s force held for a day against Early’s much larger Confederate army.

More to Explore:
Getaway on The Historic National Road for a scenic drive through small towns to mountain views with stops at historic inns, shops and more. Hike a trail at Gambrill State Park to overlooks perched high above the City of Frederick. A short drive away, you will find Rose Hill Manor, a county park and children’s museum with a carriage collection, blacksmith shop, icehouse and hands-on history for all.

Photo Credits:

1. “General Jubal A. Early”
2. “General Lew Wallace”
3. “General Bradley T. Johnson, Frederick native”
4. “Lt. Peter Leary, Jr., Baltimore native”