2018 Fort Frederick in the Civil War
Experience Fort Frederick in the Civil War on October 6-7, 2018 at Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, Maryland. To commemorate Fort Frederick’s role in the American Civil War, reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history demonstrations and tactics demonstrations. H
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Fort Frederick in the Civil War
Event Hours: Daily 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Public Admission:
Adults – $5.00
Ages 6 to 12 – $2.00
Ages 5 and Under – free
4-day passes available; contact the Park Visitor Center at 301-842-2155.
Location
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool, MD 21711
For more information: call 301-842-2155; email fortfrederick.statepark@maryland.gov
History of Fort Frederick in the Civil War
Throughout the first half of the 19th Century, the fort and surrounding grounds were used for agricultural purposes, and changed ownership several times. In 1860, Nathan Williams, whose family would maintain ownership for the next 51 years, purchased the property. By this time the barracks had disappeared, due to time as well as scavengers looking for a ready supply of lumber and nails.
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the area around Fort Frederick once again became important militarily. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which passes one-quarter mile south of the fort (the railroad did not yet exist on this side of the river), and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad on the opposite (then Virginia) side of the river, became focal points of defense for the Union Army. In December the 1st Maryland Infantry (U.S.) under the command of Colonel John Kenly, was assigned to protect the canal and guard the fords and ferries of the Potomac River between Four Locks, to the east, and Cherry Run, to the west. Company H of this regiment was ordered to occupy Fort Frederick. On Christmas Day, 1861, these troops fought a skirmish with Confederate Cavalry. The skirmish took place along the Potomac River below the fort and the Union troops guarding the river were successful in defending the canal, but were not able to prevent Confederates from tearing up the railroad on the other side. On January 1, 1862 another skirmish took place at the Fort, as Union Troops again repulsed confederates attempting to tear up the railroad.
Fort Frederick continued to be occupied, and in January 1862, with the 1st Maryland being redistributed to guard points further west towards Hancock, Company D replaced Company H here. These troops remained until the end of February, when they, along with others, crossed the Potomac to guard the reconstruction of the B&O Railroad. Also during this period of time Union artillery was placed at the fort and was used against the Confederates in Virginia.
This is the last occurrence of the fort’s use by a military command. However, the area around the fort remained vulnerable to Confederate Raiders through the rest of the war. Hence, troops frequently passed near the fort and at times occupied grounds now encompassed by the state park. Most notable is October 1862 when a picket of the 12th Illinois Cavalry was assigned to the canal “immediately south of old Fort Frederick.”
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Fort Frederick in the Civil War at Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, Maryland.
Tags: Fort Frederick in the Civil War, Civil War Reenactment