Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Barbara Fritchie: Civil War Heroine
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 20, 2018
1. Barbara Fritchie: Civil War Heroine Marker
Flag of Freedom and Union, wave!"¯
John Greenleaf Whittier
From the poem, entitled “Barbara Frietchie,”
Atlantic Monthly magazine, October, 1863
Barbara Fritchie's 96 years of life spanned our country's history including three major conflicts on American soil. Born Barbara Hauer in 1766, Ms. Fritchie moved with her family to Frederick from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The wife of a glove-maker, her long life was humble and frugal, typical of German settlers of the period.
“Barbara Frietchie,” a poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier of Massachusetts, was based on a story told to the author relating to the 1862 invasion of Maryland during the American Civil War by Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The Confederates, along with their legendary general Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, occupied Frederick in early September, hoping to garner supplies and support for the Rebel cause. Whittier's poem created a patriotic fervor in the North, making household names out of Barbara Fritchie and Frederick, Maryland in the process. The poem is still considered one of the best examples of American poetry, inspiring countless visitors to seek “the clustered spires of Frederick
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil • Women.
Location. 39° 24.172′ N, 77° 25.004′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from South Market Street (Maryland Route 355) south of Mt Olivet Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Located in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 S Market St, 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 (here, next to this marker); Maryland's First Governor (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Johnson (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Thomas Johnson (a few steps from this marker); Jane Hanson National Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Thomas Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Adlum (within shouting distance of this marker); Never Forget Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Additional commentary.
1. Spelling
Barbara Fritchie's name is also spelled “Frietchie”,
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 20, 2018
2. Barbara Fritchie: Civil War Heroine Marker
— Submitted June 26, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 23, 2008
3. Barbara Fritchie Monument and Original Headstones
The original headstones of John and Barbara Fritchie were moved here from the Evangelical Reformed Cemetery at North Bentz and West Second streets, now Frederick's Memorial Park, in 1913. The granite obelisk was placed here in 1914.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 20, 2018
4. Barbara Fritchie
James Kelly's July 4, 1914 bas-relief of Barbara Fritchie.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 23, 2008
5. Barbara Fritchie
Died Dec. 18, 1862
Aged 96 Years
Died Dec. 18, 1862
Aged 96 Years
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 23, 2008
6. John C. Fritchie
Died Nov. 10 1849
Aged 69 Years
Died Nov. 10 1849
Aged 69 Years
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 579 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on December 23, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on July 5, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
