The Ransom of Frederick

The Ransom of Frederick. Jubal Early threatens the "City of Clustered Spires". , Today, Frederick is a place where many residents and visitors enjoy good food and drink. On July 9, 1864, Confederate officers had a similar experience. On this spot, where the Market House being used as City Hall stood in 1864, they were handed baskets of money by Aldermen after they ransomed the town. Afterward the Confederate leadership celebrated with champagne and ice cream., That day's events began when Confederate Gen. Jubal Early's men captured Frederick. Early quickly issued Frederick a $200,000 ransom, threatening that the town would be "reduced to ashes" if the citizens did not pay by the end of the day., Mayor William G. Cole and Frederick's Board of Aldermen stalled for time in the hope that Union soldiers might win the Battle of Monocacy raging a few miles south of town that same day. By 5:00 PM, nine hours after getting the original demand, Frederick's leaders ran out of time and handed over the money furnished by five local banks in wicker baskets., The full amount of the ransom was not repaid by Frederick's citizens to the banks until 1951., "One day we are as usual and the next day in the hands of the enemy?" , Diarist Jacob Engelbrecht described Frederick's somber atmosphere on July 9, 1864., (captions) , The Market House stood here from 1769 to 1873 when it made way for an opera house. Courtesy Heritage Frederick , The Shankle family from Buckeystown was shopping in Frederick when Confederates ransomed the city. According to family lore, they volunteered this basket for use in carrying the ransom money to Gen. Jubal Early. Courtesy Heritage Frederick , General Jubal Early's summer 1864 Maryland Invasion nearly captured Washington, but the delays he suffered at Frederick and Battle of Monocacy allowed Union reinforcements to save the Capital. Courtesy Library of Congress , Learn more of the story at VisitFrederick.org , Plan your Civil War adventure at VisitMaryland.org