Defiance at Union Mills: “I’m a Union Man”

History: Brothers Andrew K. and William Shriver lived across the street from one another and had divided loyalties. William, who held no slaves, supported the Confederacy, and Andrew, a slaveholder, supported the Union. Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart brought his cavalry here on June 29, 1863 and filled Andrew's yard, gristmill, sawmill, tannery and orchard, where they stayed for the night. Andrew staunchly proclaimed, "I can tell you, I'm a Union man!" Hours after the Confederates left, General George Sykes Union V Corps marched into Union Mills and camped near Big Pipe Creek. Andrew let Union Gen. James Barnes stay in his home.

More to Explore: Union Mills Homestead & Grist Mill is considered a national treasure, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The setting and architecture is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. One can just imagine the place filled with women in hoop skirts and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping by. Tours of the mill and homestead are offered seasonally where you can see the mill producing stone-ground corn meal, wheat and buckwheat flour, just like it did in the Civil War era. This place is a special treat. Don't miss it!

Photo Credits:

1. “Photograph of Mark Shriver, William Shriver’s son, who fought for the Confederate 1st Virginia Cavalry, while his cousins fought for the Union.” Courtesy of Carroll County Historical Society.
2. "Stereograph photo of officers from the Army of the Potomac enjoying a meal, April, 1864." Photo courtesy of New - York Historical Society
3. "The mill at Union Mills." Photo courtesy of Amanda Matte