Fort Frederick Commemorates 1862 Maryland Campaign

Living History Highlights ‘Picketing the Potomac’ Oct. 7-8

Fort Frederick State Park invites visitors to a commemoration of life during the 1862 Maryland Campaign, a critical point in the Civil War. Living history performances and tactics demonstrations will mark the anniversary of this conflict that raged in the Old Line State 155 years ago.

“Picketing the Potomac” takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Through this event visitors will get a glimpse of how life was impacted in the area during the 1862 Maryland Campaign,” Maryland Park Ranger Rob Ambrose said.

During this campaign, soldiers acting as lookouts – also known as “pickets” – would keep watch on the Potomac River, and in many instances would engage in hand-to-hand combat.  The Maryland Campaign culminated in the Battle of Antietam.

In addition to military drills and re-enactments, highlights of the weekend’s events will include programs and displays on telegraphy presentations, soldiers’ uniforms, 19th century photography, battlefield medicine and the role of the old fort during the campaign.

There is a service charge of $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Disabled access is available, however, most of the event activities are situated on grassy areas that may present difficulty.