“…which they did in gallant style” – The 1st Potomac Home Brigade Infantry and the Gettysburg Campaign – Part 2

We left off on June 24th, 1863 - just as the 1st Potomac Home Brigade Infantry was ordered to march from Baltimore to Frederick as part of Lockwood's Independent Brigade. They set out the following afternoon, heading westward along the Frederick Pike towards the Army of the Potomac and the unknown (1). For many of …

“I believe that every man did his duty” – The 1st Potomac Home Brigade Infantry and the Gettysburg Campaign – Part 1

Returning to the Gettysburg Campaign today we'll look at the 1st PHB Infantry, which would be the most heavily engaged of all of the Home Brigade organizations during the campaign. Over the course of the battle they would see their hottest action on the slopes of Culp's Hill, and the 3rd of July 1863 would …

“I have scouted all around since, and have done some good work” Cole’s Cavalry from June 15th – July 1st 1863

Following the debacle at Winchester Cole's Cavalry would be among the last Union troops back across the Potomac River. Within days they would become among the first to meet their enemy on their native soil. The action would begin far to the west near Williamsport. The weary men of Captain Firey's Company B had ridden …

June 11-16th, 1863 – Cole’s Cavalry Opens the Fight

When we last left off I gave a general disposition of the various Home Brigade units at the start of June 1863. Just in case you need a refresher - the 1st PHB Infantry was in southern Maryland, the 2nd PHB Infantry (minus its mounted company) was strung out along the B&O between Cumberland and …

Back in the Saddle/The Road to Gettysburg

It's been over six months since I've updated the blog. Since then I've been pulled in many different directions between family, work, and other priorities. Through it all I haven't had much of a chance to research or write, but the blog has always been in the back of my mind. I've been waiting for …

“The Hero of Highland”

It's been a while since I've updated, but rest assured I've been busy! Between researching my "new" project and continuing Potomac Home Brigade research I've had plenty on my plate. I am also preparing for a number of public talks this year, so if you're interested in the Home Brigade or the Upper Potomac during …

My Collection Begins

I've studied the Potomac Home Brigade for years now and my studies have taken me to libraries, battlefields, and cemeteries throughout the Upper Potomac Valley. I've combed through plenty of pictures, seen a few artifacts, and of course browsed through thousands of pages of documents. Now, for the very first time, I actually own something …

“an honor to the State of Maryland” – The Potomac Home Brigade at the Battle of Harpers Ferry

Last time we took at look at the Home Brigade's role in the opening phase of the 1862 Maryland Campaign. I left off on September 6th, as Captain Faithful and his company of the 1st PHB Infantry were evacuating Frederick and marching to rejoin the rest of the regiment at Harpers Ferry. When Faithful and …

Falling back into the Maryland Campaign

It's that time of year. The weather (at least around here) is getting cooler. Oktoberfest beers are hitting the shelves. I just had my first apple cider donuts of the season. The Great Frederick Fair is just around the corner. Fall is my favorite time of year for all of these reasons and more. It's …

“A Most Delightful and Successful Affair”

Before I get into today's post I have a quick announcement. This coming Sunday - August 27th - I will be speaking as a part of the Mosby Heritage Area Association/NOVA Parks "Conversations in History" series. I'll be focusing on the involvement of Virginians within the Potomac Home Brigade, so if you're interested I encourage …