Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Burning the Bridge
By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
1. Burning the Bridge Marker
On July 9, 1864, a wooden covered bridge spanned the Monocacy River where you see the present-day Urbana Pike Bridge. The covered bridge provided easy movement for the Confederates, intent on speeding 15,000 troops with their horses, wagons, and artillery toward their objective, Washington, D.C. Union General Wallace ordered the bridge held “at all hazard.” Throughout the morning the Confederates advanced on the bridge, but a determined Union force held them back. By noon, Wallace decided to move his troops toward the Confederate threat at the Thomas farm, then ordered the bridge burned. Sheaves of wheat were gathered and ignited under the bridge's roof; flames engulfed the structure destroying it.[The covered bridge] had to go.… I remember as if it were yesterday the struggle I had with myself to have the match applied.… I gave the word and in a moment…the old crossing was in a whirl of flame and smoke. — Union Major General Lew Wallace
Erected by Monocacy National Battlefield.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts
By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
2. Burning the Bridge Marker
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Location. 39° 22.154′ N, 77° 23.293′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Urbana Pike (Maryland Route 355) and Araby Church Road, on the right when traveling north. Located along a walking trail at the Gambrill Mill (stop five on the driving tour of Monocacy Battlefield), which on a lane off the right side (east) of Urbana Pike. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frederick MD 21704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fleeing for Their Lives (a few steps from this marker); Desperate Escape (within shouting distance of this marker); Monocacy National Battlefield (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Monocacy National Battlefield (about 700 feet away); Gambrill Mill (about 700 feet away); Bush Creek Crossing (about 700 feet away); Retreat (about 800 feet away); A Bold Plan (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Also see . . .
1. Monocacy National Battlefield. National Park Service (Submitted on June 1, 2017.)
2. Old Marker at this Location. This marker replaced an older one at this location titled “Burning of the Bridge” (Submitted on June 1, 2017.)
By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
3. Burning the Bridge
By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
4. The Urbana Pike Bridge over the Monocacy River
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 31, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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