Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mary Quantrill's Stand
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 17, 2017
1. Mary Quantrill's Stand Marker
“I remained in the same position, resting the staff of my flaglet on the railing of the porch, when a soldier stepped up behind me, and with his bayonet cut off my staff close to my hand.… turning about I saw him tear my flag into pieces, and stamp them into the dust. I pronounced this the act of a coward and again turned to view the army." —Mary S. Quantrill, Excerpt from an account that appeared in the Washington Star newspaper, February 12, 1869.
The building in front of you was the home of Mary Sands Quantrill. A 38 year-old mother of six, Mary Quantrill was described as “an intelligent and handsome woman.” She taught school to girls in this structure during the Civil War.
On the morning of September 10th, 1862, Mary Quantrill dared fate as she flew a Union flag in the face of Gen. Lee's passing Confederate Army. Her flag was abruptly confiscated and destroyed by a group of Rebels. Quantrill's pupils came to her aid by replenishing her with additional flaglets.
Mrs. Quantrill was addressed by a Confederate officer(Gen. Hill) who was moved by the schoolteacher's loyalty and support to the Union. He gave orders for his troops to leave the patriotic heroine unharmed.
Mary Quantrill never enjoyed a deserved fame—it was given instead to neighbor Barbara
this page online
Erected by McCaskill Financial, The Frederick Woman's Civic Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1862.
Location. 39° 24.808′ N, 77° 24.99′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on West Patrick Street (Maryland Route 144) west of South Bentz Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 West Patrick Street, Frederick MD 21701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barbara Fritchie Cabins & Tea Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Mullinix Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); May 17, 1943 (about 600 feet away); Jacob Engelbrecht (about 600 feet away); 1862 Antietam Campaign (about 600 feet away); Home of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney (about 600 feet away); Barbara Fritchie House (about 600 feet away); 173 West All Saints Street (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 17, 2017
2. Mary Quantrill's Stand Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 17, 2017
3. 19th Century Photograph of Mary Quantrill's Frederick Residence
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 17, 2017
4. Mary Quantrill's Stand
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 17, 2017
5. Death of Genuine “Barbara Fritchie”
Mrs. Mary Quantrill, formerly of this place, but who for some years has resided in Washington, died suddenly in that city on Sunday last. The deceased was the lady who during the war waved the American flag in the face of Stonewall Jackson upon the occasion of his passage through the city. This act on the part of the deceased gave rise to John G. Whittier's poem “Barbara Fritchie”
Mrs. Quanrill's obituary notice as it appeared in Frederick Daily News, August 7, 1879.
Mrs. Quanrill's obituary notice as it appeared in Frederick Daily News, August 7, 1879.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 17, 2017
6. Mary Quantrill
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 745 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 18, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
