Monacacy River and Battlefield

Frederick
In 1862 Lee brought his Army to encamp in the Best Farm fields just beyond the river in this shot. He issued an order which divided his Army to conduct several simultaneous missions. A copy of that order was found in the following days and eventually reached MacPhereson, who exclaimed that he had Bobby Lee now. The Federals mobilized, fought through the gaps of South Mountain, and attacked Lee... But that is another story for another day. In 1864 the Confederates staged a large scale raid and envelopment of the Capitol with the intent of relieving Lee who was defending in the Richmond area Lew Wallace brought troops from Baltimore by train to this very spot, deployed, and delayed Confederate forces long enough for the Federals to mount an effective defense of the Capitol. There are monument to the battle in the Best fields beyond. The Confederates won the battle but did not achieve their strategic objective. Wallace went on to write the most popular Christian novel ever published Ben Hurr--his greatest achievement
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Funkstown Keller Home

Funkstown
In 1863 Stewart's Cavalry occupied the high ground around Funkstown, not far from Hagerstown. General Lee had withdrawn from Gettysburg and was at the Potomac at Williamsport setting up defensives in preparation for his river crossing. General Buford, whose commendable action at Gettysburg in the meeting engagement had proved to be a blessing for the Union, was now in pursuit of Lee. Stewart, whose not so sterling performance had blinded Lee at Gettysburg, now had the mission to stop or slow the Union pursuit. In a one-day battle of dismouted cavalry and some infantry he did so. Buford retired and Lee removed to Virginia to fight another day (the two most bloody years of the war).
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Dahlgren Chapel

Turner's Gap -- This beautiful little chapel belonged to the Dahlgren family in about 1881. Admiral Dahlgren's Guns were mounted on the Ironclad USS Monitor and saw action against the CSS Virginia, a converted Union ship: USS Merrimack. Today the chapel continues to serve for weddings
This day I stopped off and I picked up a Confederate gray felt hat. It will replace my misplaced black slouch campaign hat. A battle is scheduled next week for Carroll County Farms.
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Turner's Inn

South Mountain
The marker says this inn was here in 1790. Turner bought this pass in 1750. Confederates defended these passes in the days before Antietam and delayed McPherson's attempt to trap Lee at in the valley beyond between the mountains and the Potomac.
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National Trail

Braddock's Mountain--
Just up from Hagan's Tavern is this monument that shows Braddock, Washington and an unidentified soldier of the French and Indian War; I muse that it could represent Zetta's grandfather: Pvt Valentine Crawford (who would serve Washington as his Wagonmaster--a Colonel); or perhaps his brother William who would die tormented at the stake in Ohio 20 years later as the commanding officer of Fort Pitt? He had made a foray against the natives who fought for the British. Perhaps her grandfather wagoneer Daniel Boone who traveled with his teamster Findley, and would serve Washington as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1780 against the British in Kentucky County. I wonder what it was like when Braddock's Expedition was routed be the French and Indians. I know Boone escaped and our kids must be thankful for that!
One may read more of these events on Wikipedia
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John Hagan's Tavern 1790

Braddock Mountain-- The old tavern sits along the highway headed out of Frederick just a bit beyond I70. A beautiful fieldstone structure that served travelers along this road for centuries. As the sign indicates, it is up for lease. I muse that it is a result of our recent economic recession. Above windows and doors are the ancient oak pieces: 4x4 or so. The interior has hurricane lamps on tables and chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the floors may be original, and certainly appear to be very old. I shall by a lottery ticket today. And should I win I will lease and reopen this old tavern as a refuge for the romantic and perhaps even a lodge for this old soldier along General Braddock's Highway.
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Redbud Winter

Southfork of the Kentucky - Home for a respite and celebration. Last week there was a blizzard of sorts here. Folk call this a Redbud Winter. We hope Spring is now here for good. Tomorrow promises a high of 72•. This Rebbud sits over in our neighbor's yard, and is one of the more beautiful old Redbuds. On the way home yesterday, I could not help but notice the number of Redbuds along the Interstate -- a Redbud Way in the early Spring.
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