Ft. Stevens and Monocacy Commemorations

Learning about these two battle grounds has been eye opening since Monocacy is 35 Miles north of Silver Spring and Ft. Steven's is just down the road from where I grew up. Yet, none of this was ever presented in school. I am glad now that I have found the time and passion to delve into these remarkable events, that include The battle of Silver Spring.

Monocacy was a stalling battle for the Union, which didn't stop the Confederates, but held them at bay until reinforcements could be sent up from Grant to defend Washington DC. This one battle was one domino that helped prolong the war for another 9 months.

Here is the program for the weekend that I will attend, though the battles were fought in reverse order. Commemorations have been going on all week.



150th Anniversary Commemorative Activities at Ft. STevens
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Fort Stevens, 13th & Georgia Ave. NW, D.C. 20011
Music, Civil War living history demonstrations, 19th century crafts, music, and children's activities; historic talks and walks; soldiers' encampments.



Sunday, July 13
Battle Orientation
Brief talks throughout the day will explore the story of the Battle of Monocacy and its impact on the course of the war. Location: Visitor Center. Length: 45 minutes.

10:00 am: The Revolution is Complete: Emancipation in Maryland *
In November 1864, over a year after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 80,000 slaves in Maryland were finally freed. This talk by noted author Gail Stephens will explore how the efforts of Lincoln, Maryland Union commander General Lew Wallace, Maryland politicians and those most affected, Maryland slaves, all combined to make this happen. Location: Thomas House. Length: 30 minutes.



10:00 am & 2:00 pm: Archeological Stories of a Slave Village
On July 9, 1864 the Best Farm was scene of fighting during the Battle of Monocacy. However, from 1794-1827 the land was part of a much larger farm called L'Hermitage, which in 1800 was the home of 90 enslaved men, women and children. Learn what archeological research shows life was like for these enslaved people. Location: Best Farm. Length: 45 minutes.

11:00 am & 2:00 pm: Fighting for Freedom: United States Colored Troops
Monocacy National Battlefield will honor a unique facet of its history revealed through recent research. Monocacy Junction was the site of a United States Colored Troops (USCT) recruiting station in 1863. The battlefield will commemorate the bravery of those who joined the ranks of the Union Army through living history. Location: Visitor Center. Length: 30 minutes.

12:30 pm: Recruiting Maryland Colored Troops
Unlike most Union states, Maryland had the distinction of still being a slave state until November of 1864. When the call came for colored troops in 1863, recruiters had to be careful not to initially recruit slaves. Find out how this was handled, the recourse that Maryland slave owners had and the hardships that colored soldiers encountered. Location: Visitor Center. Length: 45 minutes.

1:30 pm: Kim & Reggie Harris Concert
Husband and wife duo, Kim & Reggie Harris sing their way through African-American history, from slavery to Civil Rights. Location: Gambrill House front porch. Length: 1 hour.



3:00 pm: Emancipation in Maryland
Professor Sharita Jacobs Thompson of Gettysburg College will present a lecture on Maryland emancipation at the Urbana Library. Location: Urbana Library. Length: 1 hour.