Prospect Hall: Meade Takes Command

History: On the grounds of Prospect Hall on Sunday, June 28, 1863, Union Gen. George Gordon Meade received notice by a Washington officer that he would replace Gen. Joseph "Fighting Joe" Hooker as commander of the Army of the Potomac. Meade took command reluctantly, because he was concerned about changing leaders in the middle of a campaign. He felt his longtime friend Gen. John F. Reynolds was more capable and deserving of the assignment. Prospect Hall had been a Confederate camp in 1862, a Union camp in 1863, and became a Confederate hospital after the Battle of Monocacy in 1864.

More to Explore: Check out the many opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area. Nearby on Ballenger Creek Pike is Ballenger Creek Park with ball fields, picnic areas, a barrier-free playground, nature trail and dog exercise park. To get close to nature, hop onto U.S. Route 40 West and follow signs to Gambrill State Park, just a few miles away into the mountains. The park offers trails and gorgeous scenic overlooks with views of Frederick. Don't miss the historic tea room.

Photo Credits:

1. “Portrait of Union General George Gordon Meade.”
2. "Portrait of Maj. Gen. Darius Nash Couch, officer of the Federal Army who stalled Robert E. Lee’s advance Near Prospect Hall."
3. "U.S. Military Telegraph Construction Corps hanging a wire" Photos courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.