Unveiling Maryland's Civil War Legacy: From Battlefields to Historic Sites

by Nancy Parode

The Civil War seemed distant to me as I was growing up on the West Coast. The battles took place far away and were difficult for me to imagine. Later, as a lifelong history buff, my perspective changed, but what really brought the Civil War to life for me was visiting the battlefields, forts, and towns where this conflict took place.

Discovering Maryland's Civil War Heritage

Civil War sites abound in Maryland, and most of them aren’t too far away. Delving into Maryland’s Civil War past will reveal the complexities our nation faced as well as the unique experiences the participants shared. Whether you visit a battlefield or tour a historic site, you’ll better understand Maryland’s Civil War history.

Maryland's Historic Battlefields

Antietam National Battlefield is Maryland’s best-known Civil War site. By the time fighting ended on September 17, 1862, nearly 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or missing — the bloodiest day in U. S. history. You can tour the battlefield by car — pick up a tour brochure at the Visitor Center — hike the battlefield’s trails or go on a ranger-led walk. (Tip: Check the park’s calendar for hike dates and times). You’ll find Antietam National Cemetery on the battlefield property. (Note: As of this writing, the Visitor Center is under renovation and is scheduled to reopen sometime in summer 2023. The temporary Visitor Center houses exhibits, the park store, and restrooms.)

Monocacy National Battlefield is the site of a July 1864 battle fought on the outskirts of Frederick when Union troops tried to keep the Confederate Army from capturing Washington, D. C. Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal Early’s forces far outnumbered Major General Lew Wallace and his Union soldiers. Wallace and his men fought valiantly despite this disadvantage. They bought valuable time for additional Union troops to race to Washington and defend the city. Monocacy National Battlefield features a short auto tour, a small, informative

Visitor Center (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and walking trails.

Exploring Civil War Forts in Maryland

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: Beyond the War of 1812 Most Americans associate Baltimore’s Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine with the War of 1812. During the Civil War, Fort McHenry was used as a hospital, detention site for pro-secession Marylanders, and prisoner-of-war camp. Fort McHenry’s Visitor Center exhibits include information about the fort’s Civil War roles. You can also explore the fort itself. If possible, plan your visit so you are there at opening or closing time, as you’ll be able to help raise or lower the Star-Spangled Banner replica flag.

Fort Washington Park, located in Prince George’s County, overlooks the Potomac River. The fort is south of Alexandria, Virginia, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, giving you an idea of this fort’s strategic importance for Washington, D. C.’s defense during the

Civil War. At this well-maintained park, you can tour the fort, walk along trails to the river’s edge and historic lighthouse, and enjoy beautiful river views. A small Visitor Center contains exhibits and a gift shop.

Fort Foote Park in Oxon Hill was one of the defensive forts built to protect Washington, D. C., during the Civil War. Constructed in 1863, Fort Foote featured two 15-inch Rodman cannons as well as a variety of Parrott rifles, all intended for use against enemy ships. Today, Fort Foote Park is a quiet place. The Rodman cannons are still there. Three short trails take you to the cannons, the Potomac River, and the place where Fort Foote once stood.

Immersing in Civil War History at Historic Sites and Museums

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine delves into Civil War medical practices, battlefield surgical techniques, and hospital administration. It’s a fascinating — if sometimes disturbing — look at how medical practices changed during the Civil War. (Tip: This museum is better suited for older children due to the graphic nature of some of the exhibits.)

President Street Station is the oldest urban railway terminal still standing in the U. S. It’s also home to a museum that interprets Baltimore’s railroad history, the Civil War in downtown Baltimore, and the station’s role in the Underground Railroad. President Abraham Lincoln passed through this station more than once, most famously when he was traveling to Washington for his inauguration in 1861. The Pratt Street Riots of April 1861 took place nearby when pro-secession locals took on Union troops transiting from President Street Station to Camden Station.

Point Lookout, previously a St. Mary’s County resort, hosted Fort Lincoln, the Hammond Hospital complex, and a prisoner of war camp. There’s a Civil War museum and marshland nature center on site (closed for repairs through summer 2023, as of this writing) as well as a historic lighthouse, Fort Lincoln’s original earthworks, and Fort Lincoln building replicas. The park’s calendar includes Civil War-themed events.

Catoctin Furnace: A Unique Ironworking Village's Connection to the War

For a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Maryland’s Civil War history, head to Catoctin Furnace in Frederick County. The village takes its name from the Catoctin Furnace, which began making pig iron in 1776. Catoctin Furnace iron was used in the construction of the ironclad USS Merrimack, captured by Confederate forces and rechristened the CSS Virginia. A small museum showcases the enslaved and immigrant ironworkers’ stories.

Tracing the Footsteps of John Wilkes Booth: The Lincoln Assassin Trail

After he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Washington, D. C.’s Ford’s Theater, John Wilkes Booth escaped to southern Maryland. Visit Maryland has created a Civil War trail focusing on Booth’s journey. Booth fled with David Herold to Surrattsville, Maryland (present-day Clinton) after escaping the theater. Booth had stashed guns and supplies in Mary Surratt’s tavern, currently the Surratt House Museum. Booth and Herold continued to Dr. Samuel A. Mudd’s house, now a museum east of Waldorf. Dr. Mudd let the fugitives rest in his home and splinted Booth’s broken leg. Farther north in Bel Air, Harford County, Booth’s childhood home, Tudor Hall, is open for tours on specified weekend dates from April through November.

EMPOWERING HISTORY: MARYLAND'S CIVIL WAR HEROES Christian Fleetwood

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War. He joined the 4th USCT Infantry Regiment. Fleetwood's bravery and leadership skills were recognized during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in 1864. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle, becoming one of the first African Americans to receive this prestigious honor.

Corporal William H. Barnes

William H. Barnes, born in Baltimore, Maryland, served in the 39th U.S. Colored Infantry. He earned the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during the Battle of New Market Heights on September 29, 1864. Barnes and his comrades faced heavy fire and successfully captured Confederate flags.

Sergeant Major Thomas R. Hawkins:

Thomas R. Hawkins, a native of Montgomery County, Maryland, enlisted in the 6th U.S. Colored Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on September 29, 1864. Hawkins displayed exceptional valor and leadership while under heavy fire.

Sergeant Major Alexander Kelly:

Alexander Kelly, born in Baltimore, Maryland, served in the 6th U.S. Colored Infantry. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on September 29, 1864. Kelly volunteered to replace a wounded color bearer and bravely carried the regimental colors forward.